Monuments In India

Mecca Masjid

Old city of Hyderabad is the main location of this grand Masjid. This mosque has the pride to be amongst largest mosques of the country. This masjid is in the close vicinity of Charminar, Chowmahalla Palace and Laad Bazar. It is evident from history that fifth king of Qutub Shahi, Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, constructed this mosque from the bricks made of holy soil of Mecca. These bricks were also utilized in construction of various arches of the mosque. This is the reason behind deriving the name of this masjid as Mecca masjid. Initially, the planning of a city was dreamt by the rules around this masjid. The Mecca Masjid is located between geographical coordinates 17.360305°N 78.473416°E. According to a research, this mosque is having capacity to accommodate more than 10000 Namazis at a time. During May 2007, there was a bomb explosion case occurred in Mecca Masjid resulted in death of 13 people and injury of several.

Architecture: This masjid is not only larger in area but the construction is also having a different style. Pure Islamic architectural style is utilized in construction and various arches have been created. In the carving of arches from one piece of granite shell, five precious years were invested. It is also evident from history that more than 7800 laborers including architectures. The foundation stone was laid by Mohammad Qutub Quli Shah himself. The final touch to construction was given by Last Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb while he conquered Hyderabad. This mosque was completed in 1694. Capacity of this masjid is to hold more than 10000 Namazis for one prayer. Length of this masjid is 67 mtrs and width is 54 mtr. From ground level to the top dome height is 23 mtrs. Major hall of the mosque is 75 ft high and its length and width is 220 ft and 180 ft respectively. To give the base support to the hall, there are 15 arches constructed. In Urdu, the arch is also called as Mehrab. This masjid is unique example of stone cutting and arches decoration. All the arches of the mosque are very similar to the arches made in the fort during the reign of Qutub Shahi. The columns of the minarets of this mosque are in octagonal design and given a roof with balcony on top of it. On the minarets there are balconies provided constructed with marble and granite arches. Arches on the minarets are well supported with walls of low height.

How to Reach: This mosque can be visited by all the means of transportation available.

For all types of conveyance, Hyderabad is the nearest terminus. Whether by air, by rail or by road journey is concerned, all the means are available at Hyderabad in very frequent basis as this masjid is located in close vicinity of Charminar and Chowmahalla palace. Road condition in Hyderabad is very strong being the city of international importance.

Weather and best time to reach: Generally the weather of this area is hot and harsh throughout the year. There is no specific time to visit this masjid and can be visited throughout the year. However, November to Feb is the best time to visit in Hyderabad.

Accommodation: Following hotels can be booked for staying near Mecca Masjid.

Fortune Park Vallabha Hotel

Plot No. 515 & 516 , Road No. 12

Lemon Tree Premier - Hitec City - Hyderabad

Plot No. 2, Survey No. 64, Madhapur

Hotel Cititel

Masab Tank, Banjara Hill, Road No. 1

Justa The Residence Hyderabad

5-4-187/5, S M Modi Complex, Karbala Maidan, Necklace Road, Rani Gunj

Nearby places to visit: In the close vicinity of Mecca Masjid, Public Gardens, Kidwai Garden, NTR Garden, Nehru Zoological Park, KBR National Park are located and very good and attractive places for visiting.

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