Pathar Masjid, Srinagar (2024) - Images, Timings

Pathar Masjid, Srinagar Overview

Pathar Masjid is a historical mosque in the old Srinagar area towards the north of the city. It is a crucial historical monument built centuries ago that is still preserved well for visitors. It is an unconventional structure as far as mosques are concerned. Pathar Masjid does not have the classic pyramid top like you would witness in most other masjids. Instead, it boasts a slanted roof and nine arches with two pillars each.

The front of the mosque is a garden area perfect for brisk strolls. The inside is undoubtedly ideal for praying, and the mosque gets illuminated by beautiful lights in the evening. It is quieter and less populated towards the early and late hours, while the afternoons are the busiest. So it is a must-visit for tourists as the material and architecture are one of a kind. It is also close to multiple other locations in a centrally connected part of the city.

Must Know Before You Visit Pathar Masjid

Must-Know :

Modest clothing is a must if you wish to visit the mosque itself. Clothes like shorts are not ideal for the place.
The mosque is not particularly a religious location due to turmoil between Noor Jahan and religious leaders.

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Pathar Masjid History

The Masjid is a creation of Noor Jahan, the wife of the crucial Mughal leader Jahangir. The construction began a few years before the opening date in 1623. She did not achieve this feat alone as she took the aid of historian Malik Hyder. She made the place especially for Shi’a Muslims to pray.

What resulted was one of the most unique yet spiritually essential spots still relevant to tourists and religious visitors. However, due to turmoil and capture, the mosque fell into the hands of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. He used the location to target other holy spots, and Muslims protested against this.

He had planned to turn the mosque into a Hindu orphanage. It was to stop it from being the spiritual center and a point of dispute. However, the mosque returned to its original purpose as a religious and spiritual location in the 20th century.

Pathar Masjid Architecture

As you saw above, the masjid has an unconventional and unique structure, breaking the stereotype of a pyramid-like structure, as seen from above. The first things you will see are the nine arches and square pillars beyond the gardens.

The central arch is slightly taller and larger than the others on either side. Surprisingly, the structure is made of local limestone, not marble, like most other structures. It is unique to only a few mosques in the city.

Aside from the material and structure, the design details are from the classic Mughal style of architecture. The mosque has an intricately decorated plinth- adorned with lotus leaf coping and fine carvings. The slanted roof is another unique feature, which is accessible through a staircase, though not to everyone.