In India, religious beliefs are of significant importance. As there are numerous temples for Hindus, there are dargahs and mosques for the Muslim communities. As stated in Islam, mosques are worship places. The word’ mosque’ is derived from the Arabic word ‘Masjid’, which means a place of complete subordination. It plays a central role and serves not only as a place for offering prayers but also for various communal events, social gatherings, and education. Here are some of the top 10 biggest mosques in India.
1. Jama Masjid, New Delhi
Jama Masjid was built by Shah Jahan in 1656. The total capacity of the mosque is around 25,000 people. It is well known for its spectacular design and artistic buildings. Red sandstones and white marble are used during the construction. It features two minarets, three grand domes and splendid marble carvings.
The main prayer hall surrounds the central dome with numerous small domes on either side. There is a mihrab in the praying hall on the center wall. In contrast, a pulpit lies next to the mihrab, where the imam delivers their religious speech. Apart from its religious importance, many tourists visit the Jama Masjid every year due to its mind-blowing artifacts.
2. Taj-ul-Masajid, Bhopal
Also known as the “crown of the mosques,” Taj-ul-Masajid is one of the top 10 biggest mosques in India. It boasts of its highest capacity of more than 100,000 individuals. With a super built area of 25000 sq feet, it is surrounded by pleasant water bodies and a soothing climate. The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan Begum of Bhupal constructed this epic masterpiece.
One interesting fact about this masjid is that the construction did not finish during the Begum’s lifespan. Funds seemed less, and so the construction did not resume until 1971. Artwork within the mosque is captivating to the eyes. At the same time, the area around the masjid has a seminar hall and a library with religious texts. More than lakhs of people visit daily to offer namaz at this mosque.
3. Bara Imambara, Lucknow
Bara Imambara Mosque was built in the year 1784. This charming mosque is situated in the Lucknow district of India. As the name suggests, Bara-Big has the largest capacity to accumulate more than 300,000 individuals at a time. Constructed by the Nawab of the Awadh dynasty, it is said to be the biggest mosque in India.
Many legends and stories involving the mosque say that the tunnel under it led to the river Gomati and many other places like Allahabad, Faizabad and Delhi. But those who tried to discover it have been mystically disappeared.
4. Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad
Mecca Masjid is one of the ancient masjids. It was constructed in the year 1694. The mosque has a total capacity of 10,000 devotees and is situated in Hyderabad. With a height of 75 feet, it ranks as the second biggest mosque in India. Imported soil and bricks were brought from Mecca to build this beautiful mosque. Some stories say that there is a small slab bench near a pond in Mecca Masjid. If someone sits on that bench, they will once again be teleported or hallucinating with the illusion of sitting on it.
5. Nagina Masjid
This mosque is also called the Gem Mosque, derived from its name Nagina, which means ‘Gem’ in Urdu. Shah Jahan constructed this mosque in 1631-40 with the intention that Muslim ladies could use it to offer namaz. It has three majestic arches and artistic domes. Mosque architecture is simple yet elegant. It is made of pure marble with decent decoration. The mosque measures around 10.21 meters broad and 7.39 meters deep. One can get a panoramic view from the mosque’s spacious balcony.
6. Jamia Masjid, Srinagar
Jamia Masjid is one of the top 10 biggest mosques in India due to its capacity to accommodate 33,000 people. It is situated in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Built by Sultan Sikandar in the year 1402, it is one of the sacred mosques in Kashmir. Jamia Masjid’s resembles a Persian architecture similar to a Buddhist pagoda. It has a total area of 384 x 381 feet and is quadrangular in shape. There are total foul torrents. All four turrets are connected to a spacious hall with a picturesque garden in the middle. People arrive at the mosque every Friday to offer prayers.
7. Chota Imambara
Chota Imambara is adjacent to the Bara Imambara in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. It is better not to judge it by its name, as the Chota Imambara is no less than its counterpart. Having enough seating arrangements similar to Bara Imambara, it also serves as a mausoleum to the Nawab of Awadh, Muhammad Ali Shah. The imambara has two halls and a Shehnasheen. The exterior portion of the Imambara is aesthetically decorated with Quranic verses in Islamic calligraphy.
8. Jama Masjid, Bhilai
Jama Masjid, Bhilai, is said to be built in the shape of the religious word “Ya Allah” as per the Arabic scripts. This mosque was built in 1967 by the Bhilai steel plant, Government of Chattisgarh. With a total capacity of 3000 worshippers, it is one of the top 10 mosques in India in 2024. The marble dome at the top is alluring and captures the attention of visitors. It is 59 feet high, including the 16-foot-high dome, 100 feet wide and 120 feet long.
9. Aqsa Mosque, Qadian
Aqsa Mosque is located in the Qadian district of Amritsar, Punjab. With a total seating capacity of more than 1500 devotees, it has earned a place as one of the top 10 biggest mosques in India. This mosque was built in 1876 by Mirza Ghulam Murtaza, the founder of the Ahmadiyya movement.
10. Jama Masjid, Agra
Jama Masjid is one of the biggest mosques in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. It was built by Shah Jahan in 1948 for his beloved daughter Jahanara Begum. It has a total seating capacity of 1000 people, one at a time. Jama masjid is carved out of red sandstone and white marble. The mosque is further decorated with molding and reliefs.
Conclusion
India has a rich history in Islamic architecture, which is reflected in its mosque designs and patterns. This list explores some of the top 10 biggest mosques in India in 2024. From the massive Bara Imambara to the serene Nagina Masjid, these mosques serve as spiritual centers for Muslim communities across India.
