Taj-ul-Masajid
Central India Region
Taj-ul-Masajid, located in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, is the largest mosque in India and among the largest worldwide, accommodating approximately 26,000 worshippers. Its construction began in the late 19th century under Nawab Shah Jahan Begum and was completed in 1958. The mosque's design draws heavily from Mughal architecture, featuring a pink facade, two towering 18-storey octagonal minarets topped with marble domes, and a spacious courtyard with a large ablution tank. The main prayer hall boasts a double-storeyed gateway with multiple arches and intricately decorated ceilings supported by massive pillars. Unique to this mosque is the zenana section, a rare feature allowing women to pray within the mosque itself. Historically, it hosted the annual Bhopal Tablighi Ijtema, a significant religious congregation. The mosque remains a cultural and religious landmark, also serving community functions such as a COVID-19 vaccination center during the pandemic.
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Tip: Visitors should plan their visit during the cooler months to avoid the intense summer heat of central India. It is advisable to check the mosque's official website or contact them for visiting hours and any special events. While entry is generally free, respectful attire and behavior are essential. Booking guided tours in advance may enhance the experience, especially to learn about the mosque's rich history and architecture. Visitors can benefit from available discounts or group arrangements by inquiring ahead.
Interesting facts
- •Taj-ul-Masajid is the largest mosque in India and was the ninth largest mosque in the world as of 2014.
- •The mosque's architecture is inspired by famous Mughal structures like Delhi's Jama Masjid and Lahore's Badshahi Mosque.
- •It features two 18-storey high octagonal minarets topped with marble domes, making them a prominent skyline feature.
- •The mosque includes a rare zenana section for women’s prayers, uncommon in mosques built in that era.
- •During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taj-ul-Masajid was repurposed as a vaccination center to serve the community.
History
The Taj-ul-Masajid's construction was initiated by Nawab Shah Jahan Begum of Bhopal in the late 19th century, with estimates ranging from 1871 to 1887 for the start date.
After her death in 1901, her daughter Sultan Jahan Begum continued the work.
The mosque was finally completed in 1958 under the supervision of Islamic scholars Imran Khan Nadwi and Salman Khan Nadwi.
Over the years, the mosque has undergone renovations, including the addition of motifs from 13th-century Syrian mosques donated by the Emir of Kuwait.
It has served not only as a place of worship but also as a hub for large religious gatherings and community services.
Place Guide
Main Prayer Hall
The expansive prayer hall features a double-storeyed gateway with nine cusped multifold openings and is supported by massive pillars holding 27 intricately decorated ceilings with petalled designs.
Octagonal Minarets
Two towering 18-storey octagonal minarets topped with marble domes flank the mosque, inspired by Mughal architectural styles and visible from afar.
Courtyard and Ablution Tank
A large courtyard surrounds the mosque, featuring a central ablution tank used for ritual purification before prayers.
Zenana (Women’s Prayer Area)
A rare feature for mosques of its time, the zenana provides a dedicated prayer space for women within the mosque complex.
Contact
Phone: 0755 254 0495
