Taj-Ul-Masajid: Crown of the mosques, Bhopal - the largest mosque in India

4/8/2020

Taj-Ul-Masajid: Crown of the mosques, Bhopal - the largest mosque in India

Taj-Ul-Masajid in Bhopal, the largest mosque in India, magnificently boasts its status of being the crown of all the mosques. A classic illustration of Mughal architecture, Taj-Ul-Masajid is built with red sandstone, which gives a pink facade to its outer walls. The beauty of the mosque is enhanced by three stark white bulbous domes on its rooftop. Two tall minarets covered with a white dome each guard the mosque on both the sides. A rectangular walled complex with huge open courtyard and water tank envelops the aura of the mosque.

Taj-Ul-Masajid, Bhopal - Crown of the mosques, largest mosque in India

Interesting history behind the completion of Taj-Ul-Masajid

Apart from its outstanding looks, what makes this mosque special is the unique history behind the construction of the mosque which took more than a century for its completion. The story goes back to Mughal Era (1526-1857), when India was mushrooming with Mughal styled architectural monuments. The Muslim rulers had built a number of mosques and Madarsas to spread Islam and its teachings.

The construction of Taj-Ul-Masajid was started in 1857 by a lady ruler of Bhopal, Shah Jahan Begum, with the intention to serve Islam and spread its teachings. The first site chosen for the construction of the mosque had some remains of a temple, so she chose found another site for Taj-UI-Masajid. The work was taken over by her daughter after her, but due to lack of funds (which were used over a war), the work was suspended and the construction remained incomplete.

The mosque was left in bad shape with damaged roof, pits in the courtyard and incomplete minarets for years, before the guardian of the mosque undertook the reconstruction work in 1971. With the help generous donations from Muslim community in India and abroad, the construction of the mosque was completed in the year 1985, standing tall as one of the largest mosques of Asia.

She dreamt, she initiated, but couldn't see the dream being fulfilled in her lifetime. Destiny had it to be fulfilled by someone else a century later, for the betterment of humanity.

Entrance to Taj-Ul-Masajid, Bhopal - Crown of the mosques, largest mosque in India

Darul Uloom of Taj-Ul-Masajid

In the 19th century, when the Muslims lost power, they were challenged to preserve and protect their religion. In an effort to educate the young generation in Islam religion, they started establishing and operating various Madarsas (religious schools) throughout the country. Darul Uloom, which literally means “house of knowledge” in Arabic are religious institutes where Holy Quran is taught. Taj-Ul-Masajid Darul Uloom was established in 1950 to fulfil 3 responsibilities - education, completion of mosque, preaching Islam. Regular classes are conducted in the prayer chamber. Apart from Quran and Arabic, the students are also taught Hindi, English, Mathematics, History and Geography. The degree awarded by this institution is equivalent to B.A. by Aligarh Muslim University.

Main prayer hall at Taj-Ul-Masajid, Bhopal - Crown of the mosques, largest mosque in India

Main Prayer chamber in Taj-Ul-Masajid

The main prayer hall of the mosque with red stone structure looks absolutely stunning. The chamber is beautifully designed with petal decorations and ornate pillars with book shelves all along. Scattered book shelves in the chamber keep spreading the message of Islam: God is merciful, all-powerful and unique (there is only one God). Prophet Muhammad is considered to be the messenger of God.

Bathing pond in the courtyard

The entrance to the courtyard leads to a bathing tank in the centre. In Muslim tradition, it is expected to perform a purification ritual called Wudu, requiring to wash faces, hands, arms and feet before offering prayers.

Bathing pond in courtyard at Taj-Ul-Masajid, Bhopal - Crown of the mosques, largest mosque in India

Hostel in Darul Uloom

The students have free access to the hostel rooms of Darul Uloom. Apart from the religious studies, the students are also encouraged for games and physical training.

Darul Uloom at Taj-Ul-Masajid, Bhopal - Crown of the mosques, largest mosque in India

Main entrance to the mosque

The main entrance to the mosque is the eastern gate which was renovated during the reconstruction phase. The gate was embellished by ancient motifs from circa 1250 Syrian mosques, gifted by the Emir of Kuwait.

Eastern Gate of Taj-Ul-Masajid, Bhopal - Crown of the mosques, largest mosque in India

Taj-Ul-Masajid overlooking Taj Mahal of Bhopal

One side of the Taj-Ul-Masajid complex opens up to Motia Lake and Taj Mahal Palace of Bhopal. This royal palace was built by Shah Jahan Begum in Indo-Gothic architectural style in 1884. After India's partition in 1947, the palace was given to Sindhi refugees for a stay of 4 years, during which it went through significant damages. Some of the royal families that stayed in the palace thereafter couldn't afford the repairs and they abandoned the palace. The palace was declared as a heritage monument by the state and it is now being renovated to be used as a heritage hotel.

Taj Mahal of Bhopal - view from Taj-Ul-Masajid - Crown of the mosques, largest mosque in India

Expert Guide on Times Passion Trails

I had visited Taj-Ul-Masajid as a part of Culture and Heritage Trail in Madhya Pradesh with Times Passion Trails. We had the privilege of learning the history of Taj Ul Masajid by Jamal Ayub, the editor of Times of India, Bhopal. He shared in-depth information about past, present and future of the entire area around the mosque.

Learning history of Taj-Ul-Masajid from Jamal Ayub - editor of Times of India, Bhopal

Jehan Numa Retreat in Bhopal

Times Passion Trails had hosted us at Jehan Numa Retreat in Bhopal, at the edge of a lush green forest of Van Vihar National Park. Experiencing living in this exquisite property felt like being in relationship with nature. The luxurious rooms are designed with earthy elements, opening up to an open-air shower on one side and a sitting area in the garden on the other side. The refillable copper bottles in the room specially won my heart!

Luxury Suite - Jehan Numa Retreat Bhopal

Who wouldn't want to spend those extra hours at breakfast and dinners Under the Jamun Tree??!!! Yes, the signature outdoor restaurant of Jehan Numa Retreat is eloquently named "Under the Jamun Tree". And it's not just the ambience that connects you with nature, even the food mimics the freshness of the ingredients from their in-house farm produce. Jehan Numa Retreat made my time spent in Bhopal absolutely worth!