Mosque Have Been Made From Soil Sourced From Mecca - Mecca Masjid Hyderabad

MECCA MASJID 

AT

HYDERABAD 

The Mecca Masjid is the oldest mosque in Hyderabad and is situated near Charminar, Chowmahalla Palace and Laad Bazaar.

The construction of Mecca Masjid was started by Sultan Mohammed Qutub Shah, but was completed after 77 years by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1694. A listed heritage building in the city of Hyderabad, Mecca Masjid is a remarkable structure built in granite with beautiful interiors.

The aura and sanctity that one gets to feel near Mecca Masjid Hyderabad is simply incomparable. Founded by Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, the fifth ruler of Qutub Shahi dynasty, it is one of the biggest and the oldest mosques in South India.

 It is said that he himself laid the foundation stone and the bricks used to construct the central arch of the mosque have been made from soil sourced from Mecca. This is the reason behind the mosque getting its name as Mecca Masjid.

It has the capacity to accommodate 10,000 worshippers to offer prayers at a time. About 8000 workers were involved in the construction of this mosque that draws hundreds of tourists from all across the globe, not just for its historical or religious importance but also for its spectacular beauty.

A few common sights at this sacred place include feeding of pigeons considered to be a virtue in the Muslim community and devotees sitting by the side of an artificial pond installed in the mosque.

 As per a legend, whoever sits on the two stones and slab benches beside the pond always comes back to sit on them again.

Verses from Quran have been carved on the arches and the doors. Various aspects of Mecca Masjid represent the style of Qutub Shahi dynasty.

The cornices along with the floral motifs that have been carved around the complete mosque are one such example.

 One can see the similarity of design on the arches here at the masjid and those at the Golconda Fort and Charminar.

The beauty of the fascinating architecture of Mecca Masjid has been accentuated by the Belgian crystal chandeliers which adorn the mosque ceilings.

There is also a room in the courtyard where relics and artifact from the ancient times have been kept. Inside the mosque, belonging to the Asif jahi Dynasty, there lie five passageways and tombs as well.

Not only this, this place is also attracts people because of its peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can spend some time in calm and spiritual environment amid the structural beauty from the past.

Women must mandatorily have dupatta / shawl to get entry into the premises. Women cannot wear skin-tight pants or leggings into the mosque, so wear something loose-fitted.

By Air

Hyderabad Airport is about 8 km away from the city center and is accessible with various transportation facilities. You can get direct and in-direct flights to various destinations from this airport. International flights connect this city with Middle East countries. National and international airlines provide regular services.

By Train

This city consists of three main junctions. Hyderabad Railway Station, Secunderabad Railway Station and Kachiguda Railway Station are the three important points to board trains for different locations. You can get trains to different location including Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi, Thiruananthapuram and Pune. It is also considered as one of the convenient ways regarding how to reach Hyderabad.

By Bus

The state roadways bus service scene is fairly efficient. Both state roadways and privately owned buses ply to all the important places within the state and to neighbours in the region. There are services to even Mumbai and Nagpur in Maharashtra. Private bus services run air-conditioned video coaches but they need not deliver all they promise.