Moti Masjid — Attraction in Delhi

The Moti Masjid, or "Pearl Mosque," is a stunning white marble mosque located within the sprawling Agra Fort complex. It stands as a testament to the refined architectural tastes of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who commissioned its construction between 1648 and 1654 CE. Unlike the more common red sandstone structures of the fort, Moti Masjid's pristine white marble facade gives it a radiant appearance, which is how it earned its name.

The mosque was built for the exclusive use of the members of the royal court. Its design is a model of symmetrical elegance and simplicity. It features a large courtyard with an ablution tank at its center. The main prayer hall is a long, rectangular structure supported by several arches and pillars, and it is topped by three large domes. Interestingly, while the exterior of the prayer hall is aligned with the fort's overall symmetry, its interior is cleverly oriented to face the Qibla (the direction of Mecca), as required for Islamic prayer. This demonstrates a sophisticated blend of architectural planning and religious adherence.

While smaller in scale compared to the grand Jama Masjid in Delhi, Moti Masjid is celebrated for its exquisite craftsmanship and serene beauty. It represents the pinnacle of Mughal architecture, showcasing Shah Jahan's preference for intricate detail and pure materials, a style that also defined his other masterpieces, most notably the Taj Mahal.

The Moti Masjid inside the Red Fort in Delhi, which was built by Aurangzeb, is a different monument and should not be confused...

The mosque was built by the Mughal emperorAurangzeb at the Red Fort complex in Delhi, India, from 1659-1660 for his personal use. The mosque was also used by the ladies of the Zenana. The mosque was constructed at a cost of Rs. 160,000.2]

The prayer hall has three arches, and it is divided into two aisles.[2] It is surmounted with three bulbous domes, which were originally covered in gildedcopper.[3 The gilded copper was probably lost after the Indian rebellion of 1857.

The outer walls are oriented in symmetry with the outer walls of the fort, while the inner walls are at a slightly different orientation to align with the location of Mecca.[3] The eastern door is provided with copper-plated leaves.

The mosque is plastered in white on the outside. Inside is the white marble courtyard and a prayer hall, which stands on a higher level than the courtyard. The floor of the prayer-hall is inlaid with outlines of small carpets for prayers (musalla) in black marble. In the middle of the courtyard is a small, square ablution fountain. The courtyard measures 40 x 35 feet.[2]

Another small mosque by the same name was built for private prayer by Aurangzeb's son, the Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah I (r. 1707-1712), close to theAjmere Gate of the Dargah of Sufi saint Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, which is located in Mehrauli at theJahaz Mahal. It is an imitation of the one inside...

#MotiMasjid #agra Moti Masjid was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the great monument builder of India and a connoisseur of architectural arts. Also called Pearl Mosque, the shrine justifies its name because it shines like a huge pearl. It was erected in the Agra Fort compound for the members of his royal court.

It is believed that those who have visited Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow never fail to notice that several features in its architectural style closely resemble those of the Cathedral. The court yard of the mosque is flanked with arcades and arched recessions on its sides. The roof of the shrine has three white marble domes, built upon red sand stone walls that give it a sparkling appearance.

The structure itself is extensively built with white marble. Moti Masjid is built with exquisitely symmetrical design that lends it a magnificent facade. It is located on the bank of River Yamuna and is also close to the centre of the...