Guide to Taj-ul-Masajid, Largest Mosque of India in Bhopal

It was the second day of our Times Passion Trail. The team was thrilled at the prospect of visiting new destinations, new places planned for the day. I personally felt excited about visiting Taj-ul Masajid, more because most Indian mosques are out of bounds for women. Prior to this I had visited couple of mosques in India, Jama Masjid in Bijapur and Ajmer Mosque in Rajasthan.

Tajul Masajid of Bhopal easily rates in the list of famous mosques of India. The architectural details and dimensions are yet to be surpassed by any other mosque in India, in fact this largest mosque! If you thought Jama Masjid of Delhi was the largest in India, you are not alone; I too had the same impression.

The mosque complex covers an area of 400,000sqm. Tajul Masjid is recognized as 3^rd largest mosque in world.

Crystal Filials placed on domes – Guide to Taj-ul Masajid Bhopal

History of Taj-ul-Masajid Bhopal

Here is a peek into its history. I suspect this mosque holds the record for the longest construction time too. Shah Jahan Begum started works on this mosque in 1877 with great ambitions of building a huge mosque.

Architect for her dream project had to be someone who had been to both Jama Masjid Delhi and Badshahi Mosque in Lahore. Architect Allarakha, who had been to both was selected by her, started to create blend of both these designs. Sadly for her, she couldn’t complete the construction due to lack of funds in her treasury.

Her daughter, the next Begum of Bhopal, Sultan Jahan Begum too worked on it her entire lifetime yet it was incomplete. Paucity of funds was the major constraint for a large project like this. Wars too had their impact. India was going through her own struggles for independence from the British.

Finally in 1971, construction was resumed by Moulana Mohammad Imran Khan of Bhopal. The mosque attained a completion in 1985. Eastern gate to this mosque was renovated grandly using ancient motifs from old Syrian mosques. This was majorly funded by the contribution of the Emir of Kuwait.

Architectural Details – Guide to Taj-ul Masajid Bhopal

Taj-ul Masajid Architecture

Main entrance to this mosque is from Kaiser Embankment is 74ft high, a flight of stairs lead up to this entrance. This monumental flight of stairs is modeled on Buland Darwaza of Fatehpur Sikri. It is an impressive double storied entrance with 4 archways. Times Passion Trails group sat on the steps here and had a group photo clicked.

As you enter you will face the beautiful pink facade of main prayer hall of the mosque. Two 18 storey tall minarets with white domes stand on either side. There is a water tank at the center of the huge courtyard. To your left you will find just one huge tree at one end of the courtyard.

Internal northern part was reserved for women in veil to perform namaz. While facing the prayer hall, to your right you will find series of rooms with blue doors. Names of the donors are etched on the arches above the doors. These are accommodation for the students studying in here.

The mosque plays the role of Madrassa too. It is a modern madrasa where they teach English and Mathematics in addition to their teachings in Koran.

Prayer Hall

So the prayer hall is in the western side of the complex, you can now get your geographical orientation based on this. It has 9 arched entrance doors supported by pillars. The roof has 27 hollow domes, which amplify the sound and enhance the acoustics of the building.

Three of them are prominent. White shiny onion shaped domes from outside, they form a wonderful outline to the monument. Domes of the prayer hall are crowned with crystal finials.

Masajid model – Guide to Taj-ul Masajid Bhopal

11 arches adorn the Quibla wall of the prayer hall. Inside, the red sandstone pillars are heavily patterned with petals of flowers and intricate designs. Ceilings too are richly decorated with floral patterns and designs by skilled artists. The prayer hall can accommodate 1000 people at a time.

Crystal Floor Tiles

Interesting part of the history of architecture of Tajul Masjid is that crystal slabs were procured from England to be used as slabs for flooring the entire courtyard where people would perform namaz. However, the Ulama objected to the use of these crystal glass slabs because the polished surfaces would reflect images of the worshipers and this was not acceptable according to their religious norms. All slabs went waste!

The guide said, 7 lakh rupees were invested in these crystal glass slabs. And 7 lakhs was not a less amount in those days. This was one of the reasons why the mosque could not be completed.  One of those crystal slabs is kept in the library of the mosque. Now the flooring is of white marble.

Interesting Places Nearby

Library of Tajul Masajid

Just outside the mosque complex, to the west that is almost behind there is library with several Islamic books, which also houses several old artefacts and antiques which were used earlier in the mosque. I am glad we could get to go there. And if you too get to go there do see the crystal floor tile, the miniature version of the mosque, the crystal filial… absolutely amazing! Just take care not to disturb the readers there.

While you are there check out the Koran holder made of Belgium glass.

Koran holder in Belgium glass – Guide to Taj-ul Masajid Bhopal

Dhai Seedi Mosque

Dhai Seedi translates to two and half, and the place is just that small. Just 16sqm! It has place for 4 to 5 people at a time. This mosque is the first mosque of Bhopal and the smallest mosque in world. The mosque was built in 1720s by Dost Mohammed Khan.

Taj Mahal Palace

This palace was built for Sultan Shah Jahan Begum of Bhopal. For a long time this was left uncared and the beautiful palace deteriorated to ruinous condition. Though now the local authority seems to have woken up and is undergoing major renovations. You can have a glimpse of this from the northern gate of Tajul Mosque. There are plans to convert it to heritage hotel.

Tajul Masjid Timings and Tickets

Open timings of the mosque is – 6am to 8pm. No entry fee is required. You are free to enter. However entry to this mosque is not allowed to non-Muslims on Fridays.

Location and How to Reach Tajul Masajid

Address on Google Maps is – NH 12, Kohefiza, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462001. Bhopal is well connected by flight to all major cities in India. Tajul Masjid is 10km from Raja Bhoj airport of Bhopal. And it is 3km from Bhopal Central Railway station. The mosque is well connected by roads from all parts of the city.

Team Times Passion Trail at Taj-ul Masajid

Tips to Visit Taj-ul Masajid

• Even though they allow photography please be mindful of the students attending the madrassa classes and Imams around.
• Follow rules and be respectful.
• Footwear is strictly not allowed inside the complex.
• Food and drinks not allowed inside. However we got the taste of piping hot Sulaimani tea just outside the complex near the library.
• Best time to visit would be mornings and evenings. Personally I would avoid midday visit and summers here.

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