Taj Ul Masjid
One of the largest mosques in the country, Taj-Ul-Masjid, whose name translates into crown among mosques, is sprawled over an area of 23,912 sq ft. It is a fine example of Mughal architecture, comparable to the iconic Jama Masjid in Delhi. It boasts a broad pink façade, spacious courtyards, smooth marble flooring, and an inter-arched roof. The minarets rise to a height of 67 m. The mosque has 27 interlinked ceilings, 16 of which are adorned with petal motifs. Every year, a three-day congregation used to be organized at Taj-Ul-Masjid, but it has since moved to Islam Nagar because its popularity grew so much that even the large mosque proved too small for hosting the event.
History of Taj Ul Masjid
The meaning of Taj-ul-Masjid translates to ‘The Crown of Mosques,’ and the magnificent architecture reflects just that. The Masjid was built between the years 1868 and 1901, started by Sultan Shah Jehan Begum of Bhopal. Not only is the mosque the largest in the country, but it also happens to be the second-largest mosque in Asia. Made of red stone, the mosque is situated by the lake referred to as the Motia Talab.
Architecture of Taj Ul Masjid
The mosque has three domes and two minarets. The masjid is open on all days, but non-Muslims are not allowed inside on Fridays. A sign of the determination of the female ruler, the mosque is also a symbol of devotion. The mosque holds remarkable similarities with the architecture of the Jama Masjid of Delhi, including the decorations.
While the construction of the mosque began in the 1800s, it was stalled due to a lack of funds. Construction started again in 1971, and through the efforts of Maulana Sayed Hashmat Ali Sahab of Bhopal and Allama Mohammad Imran Khan Nadwi Azhari, the mosque was completely built by 1985. During this stage of construction, the entrance, which is also the eastern gate, was renovated in a very grand manner.
