Top 5 Famous Mosques In India That Are Architectural Marvels

India’s mosques are more than places of worship, they are stunning testaments to artistry and heritage. From centuries‑old Mughal structures to unique regional gems, each mosque offers a journey into the country’s rich Islamic architecture.
Famous Mosques In India

Famous Mosques In India: India is home to some of the most breathtaking mosques in the world, places that go far beyond just worship. With their towering domes, intricate carvings, and vast courtyards giving you a moment of peace, these structures are stunning examples of art, history, and architecture all rolled into one. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast or simply love exploring cultural landmarks, these iconic mosques tell stories of India’s rich past and timeless design.

Top 5 Famous Mosques In India

1. Jama Masjid, Delhi

Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1644–1656, this grand mosque is one of the largest in India, accommodating up to 25,000 worshippers. The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India portal states, “This breathtaking structure, among India's largest in terms of size, will enchant with its intricate design and beautiful aesthetics - its towering minarets, intricately carved walls and marble domes being just some examples of exquisite artistry from the Mughal dynasty.”

Jama Masjid, Delhi

Its impressive combination of red sandstone and white marble, soaring domes and elegant minarets make it a masterpiece of Mughal design.

2. Cheraman Juma Masjid, Kerala

Believed to be the oldest mosque in India, built in 629 AD, this historic gem in Kerala’s Kodungallur blends traditional Kerala temple architecture with Islamic features. Kerala Tourism states, “The Cheraman Juma Masjid was built in the year AD 629 by Malik Ibn Dinar. Considered to be the first mosque in India and the second in the world where Juma prayers were started, this mosque is believed to have been built during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammed.”

Cheraman Juma Masjid, Kerala

It’s a living testament to India’s long-standing and peaceful multicultural coexistence.

3. Taj‑ul‑Masajid, Bhopal

Known as the “Crown of Mosques”, the Taj‑ul‑Masajid is one of Asia’s largest. “The name is also spelt as Taj-ul-Masjid. “Masajid” means “mosques” (Plural of “masjid”) and “Taj-ul-Masajid” literally means “Crown Among Mosques”. It is the largest mosque in India and one of the largest mosques in Asia”, mentions the District Bhopal (Government of India) portal.

Taj‑ul‑Masajid, Bhopal

Started in the late 19th century under Nawab Shah Jahan Begum and completed in 1985, it features soaring two 18-storey high octagonal minarets with marble domes, three stark white bulbous domes on its rooftop, marbled, pinkish-red sandstone, and a vast marble‑paved courtyard layered with Mughal‑style arches. Its serene ambience and grand scale make it a peaceful landmark in Bhopal.

4. Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, Ahmedabad

Famous for its stunning stone latticework, especially the iconic ‘Tree of Life’ jali, this 16th-century mosque is a symbol of Indo-Islamic artistry. Built during the final years of the Gujarat Sultanate, it remains one of the most photographed spots in Ahmedabad. According to the Gujarat Tourism portal, “The Sidi Sayed Mosque is famed for its exquisite jali windows, spider web fine, depicting the intricate intertwining branches of the ‘tree of life’ that is best seen from the road that runs along the back of the mosque. The central arch of the mosque is also bereft of the intricate latticework. The mosque still functions as a place of prayer.”

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5. Spanish Mosque (Masjid Iqbal Ud Daula), Hyderabad

Spanish Mosque

Built in 1906, this mosquein Hyderabad is also known as Masjid Iqbal‑ud‑Daula or Mosque of the Moors, and showcases an unusual Moorish Revival style, inspired by Spanish Arab architecture. It is renowned for its Moorish Revival architecture, reminiscent of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba in Spain. The mosque also serves as a center for learning and cultural activities, offering classes on the Quran and Islamic history.

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Things To Keep In Mind While Visiting Mosques

i) Best timings – Visit early morning or just before evening prayers for cooler temperatures and serene light.

ii) Outfits – Dress modestly, remove shoes, and wear a headscarf during prayer times.

iii) Photography – Allowed in most areas, though avoided during prayer.

From Delhi’s Jama Masjid to Hyderabad’s Spanish Mosque, these architectural marvels narrate chapters of faith, history, and craftsmanship of the mosques in India.


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Image credit: Freepik and Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism)

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