Some of India’s most famous and largest mosques have existed for centuries. Although some have been built recently, there are some histories dating back to the Mughals and other Islamic empires. Mosques in India are not only sacred but also rich in history and have interesting stories to tell. Each of them has a deep connection with Islamic art through architecture or inscriptions. If you like art, architecture or tourism, join us on a tour of the largest mosque in India, starting with a mosque in Kashmir.
1. Jama Masjid, New Delhi
Built in 1656, it is an eloquence of Mughal religious fervour. There are thousands of believers in its vast courtyard who offer their prayers here. It is also known as ‘Masjid-e-Jahanoma’ or ‘Commanding View Mosque of the World’. It was designed as the principal mosque of the emperor.
Of all the mosques built during the Mughal Empire, the mosque is considered the best because it has the best mix of marble and limestone. The mosque has three large doors, four towers and two 40-meter-long minarets made of smooth red and white marble strips. The Jama Masjid, commonly called the Jama Masjid of Delhi, is the largest mosque in india. Book Jama Masjid, New Delhi Trip.
2. Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad
The Great Mosque of Mecca, also known as the Masjid al-Haram, is home to the Ka’bah, which Muslims believe was built by Abraham and Ishmael, the holiest sites in Islam.
Muhammad Qali Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, ordered the making of bricks from clay brought from Mecca, the holiest site in Islam, and used them to build the main mihrab of the mosque.
It is perhaps the biggest mosque in India with a limit of 20,000. The mosque was built between the 16th and 17th centuries, and is a state-preserved monument in the heart of the old city of Hyderabad, close to the historic sites of Charminar, Chowmahalla Palace and Laad Bazaar. Book Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad Trip.
3. Taj-ul-Masjid, Bhopal
With an interior area of approximately 430,000 square feet, the mosque has a capacity of 175,000 people. Taj-ul-Masjid means ‘The Crown of Mosques,’ and is reflected in its amazing architecture. This mosque was started by Sultan Shah Jahan Begum of Bhopal and was built between 1868 and 1901.
Not only is it the largest mosque in India, but it is also the second largest mosque in Asia. This red stone mosque is located on the shores of the lake which is called Motia Talab. Book Taj-ul-Masjid, Bhopal Trip.
4. Jamia Masjid, Srinagar
The Jamia Masjid is the largest and most important mosque in Kashmir, known as a sacred place in Srinagar. It is situated in Nowhatta, in the old city and was implicit 1400 AD. The mosque was built by Sultan Sikander and later extended by his son, Zain-ul-Abideen.
This mosque was started by Sultan Sikandar in the year 1394 CE and it was completed in 1402 CE at the request of Mir Mohammad Hamadani son of Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, and it is very famous. It is announced that these are important mosques in Kashmir. Book Jamia Masjid, Srinagar Trip.
5. Bara Imambara, Lucknow
The Bara Imambara is located in this city, it is a historical building with excellent architecture on which even modern architects are amazed. Ambara was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784 and designed by Kifayat-ullah, at the same time more than 300,000 people can go to the mosque for prayers. Due to which it is the largest mosque in India.
The architecture of the complex reflects the maturity of the ornate design of the Badshahi Mosque. This is one of the last major projects that did not involve the use of any European elements or iron. It is an important place of worship for Muslims who come here every year to celebrate the religious festival of Muharram. Book Bara Imambara, Lucknow Trip.
6. Chota Imambara, Lucknow
Built as an imambara or community hall for Shia Muslims, by Muhammad Ali Shah, the Nawab of Awadh in 1838, it served as a mausoleum for himself and his mother, which at the same time The Imambara is buried in twelve halls and consists of an emperor (a platform where the Zarih of Imam Husain is kept).
Located in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. In fact, the Imambargah was called the Palace of Lights by European visitors and writers for its fine decoration. Book Chota Imambara, Lucknow Trip.
7. Jama Masjid, Bhilai
The Jama Masjid Bhilai in Chhattisgarh is probably the biggest mosque in India, with a limit of in excess of 3,000 worshipers all at once. It is the first and the largest mosque in India to be built in the Arabic script in the form of the word “Ya Allah”.
Known as the “Steel City of Central India”, Bhilai is home to the renowned Bhilai Steel Plant, one of the for-profit units of the Steel Authority of India Limited. The city is also known as the ‘Industrial Cubo’ due to the presence of numerous industries in and around the region. Book Jama Masjid, Bhilai Trip.
8. Nagina Masjid, Agra
Agra Fort, built by Shah Jahan, also known as “Gem Masjid”, has three domes and royal arches for the women of the royal family. The Nagina Mosque in Agra Fort is an architectural beauty.
It is located near another eye-catching mosque called Moti Masjid. The mosque is made of pure white attractive marble and the prayer tent is very well designed. This beautiful structure was made for the ladies of the royal family. Book Nagina Masjid, Agra Trip.
9. Jama Masjid, Agra
It is a huge mosque in the center of Agra surrounded by a beautiful bazaar. The mosque itself stands on a high platform that is 35 feet high. It has long been designed to attract the attention of the faithful and glorify Islam.
There are thousands of believers in its vast courtyard who offer their prayers here. It is also known as the ‘Masjid-i-Jahanuma’ or the ‘Mosque commanding view of the world’. Book Jama Masjid, Agra Trip.
10. Haji Ali Dargah, Mumbai
The Haji Ali Dargah was built in 1431 in memory of Sayyed Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a wealthy Muslim merchant who had given up all his worldly possessions before coming to Mecca.
Later, Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari had a recurring and disturbing dream that he had hurt the earth by his actions. A phenomenal illustration of Indo-Islamic engineering, related with accounts of ruinous darlings, is the burial chamber of Haji Ali Shah Bukhari in the court. Book Haji Ali Dargah, Mumbai Trip.