Badshahi Masjid (also known as Shahi Masjid) is a beautiful mosque located in Lahore, Pakistan. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city and has a rich history dating back to the Mughal era. The mosque was commissioned by Emperor Aurangzeb in 1671 and took nearly two years to complete. It is constructed of red sandstone and white marble, and its interior is decorated with intricate Islamic calligraphy. It is said to be able to accommodate over 55,000 worshippers at once. Badshahi Masjid is open to visitors throughout the year, and there is no entrance fee. If you are planning on visiting Lahore, be sure to add Badshahi Masjid to your itinerary!
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History of Badshahi Masjid
The Badshahi Masjid, also known as the “Emperor’s Mosque” or “Shahi Masjid”, is a Mughal-era mosque in Lahore, Pakistan. The mosque was commissioned by the sixth Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1671 AD. It is the second-largest mosque in Pakistan and South Asia, and the fifth-largest mosque in the world.
The mosque is located adjacent to the Lahore Fort and overlooks the Badshahi Mosque. The construction of the mosque was completed in 1673 AD at a cost of over one million rupees. The mosque has a courtyard with a capacity of 95,000 worshippers.
The exterior of the mosque is decorated with ornate marblework and relief carvings. The interior of the mosque is adorned with intricate mosaic work and calligraphy. The main prayer hall has five domes, each supported by four pillars. The central dome is 52 feet (16 m) in diameter and 106 feet (32 m) high. There are two 40 feet (12 m) high minarets at each corner of the facade.
The Badshahi Mosque was badly damaged during the Siege of Lahore in 1846 by the forces of the Sikh Empire during the First Anglo-Sikh War. It was repaired and restored to its original glory by British engineers under Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lumsden between 1849 and 1852.
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Architecture of Badshahi Masjid
The Badshahi Masjid is one of the most iconic and well-known mosques in Pakistan. The mosque is constructed of red sandstone and marble. The mosque has four minarets which are each 100 meters tall, and its main dome is 52 meters high. The Badshahi Masjid is an excellent example of Mughal architecture.
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The walls of Badshahi Masjid has very eye-catching designs and intricate paintings engraved in them. Even in this era, the designs still look so amazing that it is hard to believe how Architectures were skilled at that time.
Photo Credit: Shabi Abdullah, Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Tips for visiting Badshahi Masjid
Badshahi Masjid is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Lahore, Pakistan. Every year, millions of people visit the mosque to admire its beauty and learn about its history. If you’re planning a trip to Badshahi Masjid, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your experience:
- Plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest hours of the day. The temperature in Lahore can reach over 40 degrees Celsius during summer months, so it’s best to explore the mosque when it’s cooler outside.
- Wear appropriate clothing. Visitors are expected to dress modestly when visiting religious sites in Pakistan. That means covering your shoulders and knees, and avoiding tight or revealing clothing. Women should also cover their hair.
- Be respectful. Badshahi Masjid is a place of worship, so be sure to act appropriately when inside the mosque. That means no loud talking, no photography, and no disruptive behavior.
- Take some time to learn about the mosque before you visit. Badshahi Masjid has a rich history dating back centuries, so it’s worth taking some time to read up on its story before you go exploring. You’ll appreciate it much more if you know a bit about what you’re seeing!
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Gateway that faces the Hazuri Bagh quadrangle
What to see in Badshahi Masjid?
When visiting Badshahi Masjid, be sure to dress modestly and respectfully as this is a religious site. You will also need to remove your shoes before entering the mosque. Be prepared for large crowds, especially during peak times such as Friday prayers. Once inside, take some time to admire the beautiful architecture and intricate detailing of the mosque before joining in the prayers.
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Courtyard of Badshahi Masjid
The Courtyard of Badshahi Masjid is one of the largest courtyards of any mosque in the world. It is surrounded by four massive minarets and has a capacity of over 100,000 people. The courtyard is paved with marble and has a large central pool for ablution. On the east side of the courtyard is the famous Gateway of Badshahi Masjid, which is decorated with intricate calligraphy and floral motifs.
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Prayer Hall of Badshahi Masjid
The main prayer hall of the Badshahi Mosque is a vast and impressive space, measuring over 500 square meters. The hall is supported by 60 decorated pillars and has four large chandeliers hanging from the central dome.
The walls and ceiling of the prayer hall are beautifully decorated with intricate Islamic calligraphy and geometric designs. The floor of the prayer hall is covered in thick carpets, making it a comfortable place to pray.
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Minerats of Badshahi Masjid
The Badshahi Masjid, or “Emperor’s Mosque”, is one of the most iconic and beautiful buildings in Lahore, Pakistan. The mosque was built in the 1600s by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and is an excellent example of Mughal architecture. The Badshahi Masjid is made of red sandstone and white marble and is decorated with intricate Islamic calligraphy and motifs. The mosque has five main domes, four minarets, and a large courtyard that can accommodate up to 100,000 people.
The Badshahi Masjid is open to visitors every day from sunrise to sunset. Visitors should dress modestly (no shorts or sleeveless shirts) and remove their shoes before entering the mosque. The main prayer hall is located on the second floor, and visitors are welcome to sit and observe the prayers if they wish.
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Museum of Badshahi Masjid
The Museum of Badshahi Masjid is located in the basement of the mosque. It was established in 1986 and contains a collection of artifacts from the Mughal era. The museum houses a number of exhibits on the history and architecture of the mosque, as well as a collection of rare manuscripts. It also has the sacred belongings of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W).
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How to Get to Badshahi Masjid
The best way to reach Badshahi Mosque is by taking a taxi or an Uber from anywhere in the city. The mosque is located in the central part of the city and is easily accessible.
The easiest way to get to Lahore Fort is by taking a taxi or rickshaw from anywhere in the city. The fare should be around 150-200 rupees depending on your bargaining skills. You can also take a bus from any major bus stop in Lahore, such as Gulberg or Shadman. The fare for buses is usually around 30-40 rupees.
If you are coming from outside of Lahore, you can take a train or plane to the city. Once you are in Lahore, you can take a taxi or bus to Badshahi Masjid.
Conclusion
The Badshahi Masjid is an incredible place to visit and one of the most important religious sites in Pakistan. We hope that our guide has helped you plan your visit to the Badshahi Masjid and that you have a wonderful time exploring this beautiful landmark.