Taj-ul-Masajid
ताज-उल-मसाजिद
One of India's largest mosques, with pink facades, two towering minarets, and white domes. It is hailed as the 'Crown of Mosques.'
Taj-ul-Masajid was begun in the late 19th century by Shah Jahan Begum, a female ruler of Bhopal. Construction stalled repeatedly due to funding problems and wars, and it was not finally completed until 1985. The pink sandstone facade, three white marble domes, and two 18-storey octagonal minarets are impressive. The forecourt and large water tank can hold tens of thousands of worshippers. Non-Muslim visitors may enter outside prayer times, but the mosque is closed to tourists on Friday (Jumu'ah) mornings through early afternoon. Visitors must wear long sleeves and long trousers, women should cover their heads, and shoes must be removed inside. The mosque stands in the northwest corner of the old city, near the Upper Lake.
Opening hours
About 06:00–20:00 (avoid prayer times; closed Friday midday)
Nearby sights
- Gohar Mahal
- Moti Masjid, Bhopal
- Bharat Bhavan
- Upper Lake (Bhojtal) & Boat Club
- State Museum, Bhopal
- Lakshmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir)
- Madhya Pradesh Tribal Museum
- Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya