The Badshahi Mosque, in Lahore, Pakistan, is one of the most visited mosques in the country. Built in the year 1673, the edifice dates back to the time of Emperor Aurangzeb, son of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Being the second largest Mosque in Pakistan, the Badshahi Mosque is an unavoidable tourist attraction in Lahore. Delve into the history of this magnificent edifice that has captured the hearts of so many.
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Image Credit: Badshahi Mosque taken by Unknown Photographer in 1870, Wikipedia Commons
The Badshahi Mosque dates back to the time of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The construction of this Mosque started in May 1671 under the supervision of the Emperor and was later completed, in April 1673, under the watchful eye of the Emperor's foster brother, Muzaffar Hussein who was also known as Fidaie Khan Koka.
Image Credit: Shabi Abdullah, Wikipedia Creative Commons
The exterior of the Mosque is ornamented with carving stone marble inlay on red sandstone. The designs on the walls of the Mosque are believed to be inspired by the Indo-Greek, Central Asian as well as Indian architectural techniques. As for the interior of the Mosque, it is decorated with merlons inlaid with marble lining. The vast corridors and walls are decked with adorning designs while the main prayer hall is embellished with stucco tracery, fresco work, and inlaid marble. The prayer section is divided into 7 parts by rich engraved arches which are supported by heavy piers.
Image Credit: Dawn News
Being the second largest Mosque in Pakistan, The Badshahi Mosque can accommodate over 55,000 worshipers. During special occasions such as Eid or Ramadhan, the Mosque is so fully packed with people that the yard of the Mosque has to be used for prayers.
Image Credit: https://sites.google.com/site/badshahimasjid1673/museum-interiors
With renovations to the Mosque, a small museum has been integrated inside the Mosque with relics of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), his cousin and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib (r.a), and his daughter Fatimah Az-Zahra (r.a).
The beauty of the Badshahi Mosque is undeniably captivating and invites the world to discover history through its architecture. It is also one of the Mosques where the famous Egyptian Qari (reciter), Qari Abdul Basit recited the Qur'an. Walk into this edifice that brings religion and art together, and relive the greatest moments of the Mughal Empire while admiring the oriental architecture of that time.
Address: Badshahi Mosque, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92 300 9410041
