Taj-ul-Masajid
The Crown Among Mosques
Overview
Taj-ul-Masajid ('Crown Among Mosques') in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, is one of the largest mosques in India and among the largest in Asia, with capacity for tens of thousands of worshippers. Construction was begun in the late 19th century by Nawab Shah Jahan Begum of Bhopal and continued by her daughter Sultan Jahan Begum, but was left unfinished and only completed in 1985 with community support. Its pink façade rises to two 18-storey octagonal minarets crowned with marble domes, above a vast courtyard and ablution tank. It remains an active mosque and seminary. MyTripMyTravel arranges a respectful escorted visit outside prayer times.
Taj-ul-Masajid, the 'Crown Among Mosques', is Bhopal's monumental centrepiece and one of the largest mosques in India, a work of the city's remarkable line of women rulers, the Begums.
Nawab Shah Jahan Begum began it in the late 19th century and her daughter Sultan Jahan Begum carried it on, but funds ran short and it stood unfinished for the better part of a century, finally completed in 1985 through community effort. The pink façade, twin 18-storey octagonal minarets with marble domes, and the immense courtyard and ablution tank recall the great imperial mosques of Delhi and Lahore.
MyTripMyTravel arranges a respectful, escorted visit outside the five daily prayers, with a guide who tells the story of the Begums who built it, and clear guidance on dress and conduct at an active mosque.
At a glance
Taj-ul-Masajid in brief
What to see
Highlights
The pink façade
The distinctive rose-coloured frontage that gives the mosque its 'crown' reputation.
Twin octagonal minarets
Two 18-storey minarets crowned with marble domes flanking the prayer hall.
The prayer hall & domes
The pillared main hall beneath three white bulbous domes with marble flooring.
Courtyard & ablution tank
The vast open courtyard and central water tank for pre-prayer ablutions.
Aalami Tablighi Ijtema
The mosque's historic role as host of a major annual Islamic congregation.
Visitor information
Our tips
Visit outside the five daily prayers, and avoid the busy Friday midday congregation.
Dress modestly; women should cover their heads and all visitors remove their shoes.
The courtyard is at its best in the softer late-afternoon light.
A guide brings alive the story of the Begums of Bhopal who built it.
Good to know
Taj-ul-Masajid, your questions
Is it the largest mosque in India?
It is one of the largest mosques in India and among the largest in Asia, with capacity for tens of thousands of worshippers.
Why did it take so long to build?
Begun in the late 19th century by the Begums of Bhopal, it ran short of funds and stood unfinished until it was completed in 1985 with community support.
Who built it?
Nawab Shah Jahan Begum began it and her daughter Sultan Jahan Begum continued it, two of Bhopal's celebrated women rulers.
Can non-Muslims visit?
Yes, respectfully and outside prayer times. It is an active mosque and seminary; we arrange an escorted, considerate visit.
What should I wear?
Modest clothing covering shoulders and legs; women should cover their heads, and shoes are removed before entering.
Visit with us
See Taj-ul-Masajid, properly.
A private, chauffeured visit with a licensed expert guide, timed for the best light and the smallest crowds. We fold Taj-ul-Masajid into a wider Bhopal and Central India itinerary, built entirely around you.
- Skip the queue where possible, at the right hour
- Licensed local guide who brings the story to life
- Private car and chauffeur, door to door
Plan your trip
Plan a visit to Taj-ul-Masajid
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