Alina
Mecca Masjid
Hyderabad: An Evergreen Monument of Spirituality and Architecture
Mecca Masjid happens to be one of the largest, magnificent, and ancient mosques in India. Sited near the celebrated Charminar located at the center of Hyderabad, this marvelous mosque is a landmark of Islamic architecture, spirituality, and an essence of cultural heritage with a history over four centuries old. Its name is taken from the fact that the soil from the holy city of Mecca was used in preparing the bricks which form its major arch. Mecca Masjid is not only a worshipping place but also a significant and imposing historical cultural institution in Hyderabad where thousands of devotees throng there, along with thousands of tourists.
Historical Background
Mecca Masjid is one of the oldest mosques in this region and was constructed during 1617-1694. In 1617, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler in the Qutb Shahi dynasty, laid the foundation stone of this monumental mosque, which was ordered to be constructed by him. However, it remained incomplete during his time. Its construction went on for nearly seven decades, and Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb finally completed it in 1694, as the Golconda Sultanate was conquered by the Mughal Empire.
It is said that Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah wished the mosque to be built with materials from the most sacred place in Islam, Mecca. It was fulfilled when soil from Mecca was brought and, the soil with which the bricks were made and used for the central arch of the mosque. That connecting link gave the mosque its name, Mecca Masjid, the name which has spiritual significance till this day.
Architectural Grandeur of Mecca Masjid
Mecca Masjid is an architectural marvel that combines traditional Islamic architecture with local flavor. The expansive mosque accommodates 20,000 people at a time, which is one of the biggest mosques in India. The entire construction is of granite, and it has required 8,000 labors and artisans more than two decades to complete the mosque.
The Façade and Main Entrance
The mosque has five huge arches, with the central one being the most elaborate, built using bricks made from Mecca soil. The arches are intricately carved, making them the best specimens of Qutb Shahi and Mughal architecture. The massive arches are flanked on both sides by tall minarets. Intricate stone carvings adorn both doorways while towering high in front, a site to behold for the main entrance of Mecca Masjid.
Main Prayer Hall
The main prayer hall of Mecca Masjid is a massive peaceful space, measuring 75 feet high, 220 feet in width, and 180 feet in length. Supported by 15 huge arches on five on each side, the people see an open yet covered space for worship. The prayer hall is very simple and elegant, pointing to the spiritual aspect of the mosque itself, because no elaborate decoration or excess ornamentation breaks the focus on prayer and contemplation.
The floor of the prayer hall is of marble, which adds to the feel of the place as cool and calm. The hall carries a beautifully carved mihrab – a niche that marks the direction to Mecca – carved out from one single block of stone and from which the Imam delivers sermons. An equally beautifully carved stone minbar forms part of the lavishness to be seen inside the mosque.
Minarets and Domes
The mosque is crowned with three large domes that are constructed over the central prayer hall. The minarets along with the domes give a majestic touch to the silhouette of the mosque, and of all the landmarks of Hyderabad, this mosque is one very easily recognizable. Ornate with elegant cupolas the minarets offer beautiful views of the old city, including the Charminar and busy Laad Bazaar.
Courtyard and Ablution Tank
Mecca Masjid houses a huge courtyard where thousands of worshippers can perform their prayers, especially on Friday and during religious fiestas such as Eid. Central to the courtyard is a large container filled with water that is designated as the Wudu, or the water for ablution. Here, the worshippers make ablution as a way of purifying themselves before entering a place to perform their prayers. Among the rituals that practice cultural heritage is doing ablution before an entrance of a venue because that is a minimum requirement of the religion of Islam.
Row upon row of stone benches surround the ablution tank, where faithful can sit and reflect before or after prayer. The courtyard-that is lined with arches and walkways-renders a peaceful, meditative environment, despite the fact that it is in the old city’s bustling heart.
The Tombs of the Asaf Jahi Dynasty
On the southern side of the mosque, within the mosque premises, lie tombs of the rulers of the Asaf Jahi dynasty. These rulers were Nizams of Hyderabad. These tombs marked the resting grounds for the Nizams and their families who had played a considerable role in the development and running of Hyderabad, from the 18th century to the 19th century. The Nizams have been quite particular about maintaining the upkeep and further beautification of the mosque, which has remained as an architectural as well as a place of spiritual landmark.
Importance on the Spiritual and Cultural Levels
Mecca Masjid is more than a religiously symbolic site for Muslims in Hyderabad due to its historical and cultural symbol. This structure, the Masjid, became a silent observer of history while Hyderabad changed form from its Qutb Shahi and Mughal grounds to the rule of the Nizams over the centuries.
The mosque happens to be an extremely sacred place for a devout Muslim, and its history with Mecca makes it even more holy within the fold of Islam. This place attracts thousands of worshipers on any given Friday to attend Jumu’ah prayers, whereas during festivals like Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, this is considered to be the center of spirituality.
Along with religious importance, Mecca Masjid has had witness to many historic events very significant in the city. It has seen royal processions, political gatherings, and has witnessed the socio-cultural changes that have affected Hyderabad. Cultural importance of the mosque can be found in the way in which it blends perfectly into the religious, historical, and social fabric of the city.
Mecca Masjid and Its Environs
Mecca Masjid is located in one of the busiest parts of Hyderabad, close to some of the city’s other famous structures such as Charminar, Laad Bazaar, and Chowmahalla Palace. Its proximity to these historical landmarks makes it a place that is impossible to miss for both the tourist and local explorer interested in visiting Hyderabad’s rich history.
Charminar
Charminar is one of the most popular monuments in Hyderabad-a few minutes’ walk from Mecca Masjid. The Charminar was erected in 1591 AD, and this monument is face to the city as well as a magnificent example of Indo-Islamic architecture. The Charminar’s mosque was the largest in the city before the construction of Mecca Masjid.
Laad Bazaar
Laad Bazaar is the oldest traditional market in Hyderabad that offers bangles, jewelry, clothing, textiles, and other local products. Right next to Mecca Masjid, many tourists visit Laad Bazaar after visiting the mosque to go shopping for souvenirs and experience some of the popular Hyderabad old city culture.
Chowmahalla Palace
Not very far from Mecca Masjid is the Chowmahalla Palace, the erstwhile seat of the Nizams of Hyderabad. The sprawling opulent palace complex is an excellent example of Mughal and Persian-style architecture and would take one on a historical tour of royalty by the Nizams.
Visiting Mecca Masjid:
What You Should Know
Here is all that you should know if you are planning a visit to Mecca Masjid:
Timings: Mecca Masjid is accessible to the public between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM and then again between 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM. The visitors are required to collect the exact timings as it may vary during the festivals or religious events.
Entrance Fee: No entrance fee is levied for the visit to Mecca Masjid and the visitors can make the donations to maintain and develop the mosque.
Dress Code: The guest has to be decently dressed when he enters the mosque. The lady should cover her head with a scarf and both men and women should cover their arms and legs.
Photography: Photography is strictly permitted only in the courtyard and on the surroundings. Guests are not required to take photographs within the prayer hall as a respect sign towards other praying people in that area
How to Reach: Mecca Masjid is centrally located in old city Hyderabad, which can be covered by walking from Charminar. This Masjid could be reached with any public transport system like buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis.
Conclusion: Mecca Masjid – A Monument of Faith and History
Mecca Masjid is a witness to the great cultural as well as religious heritage of Hyderabad. It is not only a place of worship to thousands of Muslims but also a monument that reflects the architectural brilliance and historical importance of the city. For a visitor, a trip to Mecca Masjid comes as a serene and spiritual experience combined with an effort to delve into the deep-rooted history of Hyderabad. Whether you are a devotee seeking divine guidance or a tourist marveling at the architecture, Mecca Masjid stands the test of time as a must-visit spot in Hyderabad.
