Moti Masjid — Attraction in Lahore City Tehsil

Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque)

A small mosque claimed to have spirits and ghouls inside it is the Moti Masjid. People visiting it have a strong belief that if Nawafil (Muslim Prayers) are offered at Moti Masjid, the wishes do come true. Having the same belief thousands of visitors from all over the world visit this place every week. During the Asr prayers you will hardly find a place to step inside the mosque.

Moti Masjid was built in 1645 by the Mughal Shah Jahan. As per historic accounts it is stated that the mosque might have been built along with Dolat Khana Khaas-o-Aam of Shah Jahan.

It is one of those two mosques built in chaste marble by Shah Jahan. The second one was built at Agra Fort in 1654 AD. The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb also constructed a mosque of the same type at Red Fort Delhi in 1662 AD. They are all titled as Pearl Mosque because of their outlook imbued with white marble.

This is a small mosque which can accommodate only a hundred people at one time. The glowing facade of Moti Masjid is divided into five chambers with the central one slightly extended into the courtyard. The five-chamber or bay facade was Mughals’ specialty and can be seen in many mosques of the era including the Mariam Zamani Mosque. The interior is simple and plain with the exception of ceilings that are decorated and designed in arches and horizontal beams. The mosque has three domes with a huge one in the center. These domes are in fact double domes, devised for loud acoustics. This feature of the domes enables the sound being heard clearly as in an auditorium. These domes can be seen as you enter the Lahore Fort through the British era postern gate. During the day as well as night these domes are glowing like a real pearl.

The facade of the graceful arches is finished with delicate pietra dura work. The same décor you will find in the Diwan-e-Khaas inside Shah Jahan’s Quadrangle, Sheesh Mahal, Naulakha Pavilion and some other buildings of the Mughal Era. The specialty of this mosque is that male and females can offer prayers there. On one side of the mosque are the prayer rooms dedicated for the females. The Hujras are also made on another side for the visitors for resting and offering prayers. At one end of the mosque is a very narrow and steep staircase leading to the roof top of the mosque. It is usually closed and visitors are not allowed to go upstairs.

This mosque is exclusively built of Sang-e-Marmar which is white marble. It was brought from Makrana, Rajasthan, India at the time of its construction. Makrana has always been prominent for the white marble taken from the mines around it. Marble from Makrana was also used in the construction of the Taj Mahal. Till today, you will see this marble glowing like a pearl and that’s the specialty of it.

The Mosque has been conserved by...

Moti Masjid, Lahore Fort

Moti Masjid, nestled within the historic Lahore Fort, stands as a pristine example of Mughal architectural finesse and cultural significance. Built during the reign of Emperor Jahangir and later enhanced by Shah Jahan's architects, this "Pearl Mosque" derives its name from the lustrous white marble that adorns its structure, evoking a sense of preciousness and elegance.

Constructed between 1630 and 1635, Moti Masjid reflects the meticulous craftsmanship of its time. The façade, characterized by cusped arches and baluster columns, exudes a sense of grace and symmetry typical of Shah Jahan's era. Its three superimposed domes and intricate pietra dura work on marble columns highlight the mastery of Mughal artisans, showcasing their skill in blending aesthetics with religious reverence.

Historically, Moti Masjid endured transformations under different rulers. Converted into a Sikh temple during Ranjit Singh's reign, it later housed the state treasury under the Sikh Confederacy. Its restoration to its original glory by the British in 1849 preserved its architectural integrity, revealing hidden treasures like precious stones wrapped in velvet purses, which were subsequently relocated to nearby Badshahi Mosque.

Today, Moti Masjid stands as a testament to Lahore's rich cultural heritage and architectural legacy. Its serene interiors, adorned with simple yet elegant designs, provide a tranquil space for contemplation and prayer amidst the bustling Lahore Fort complex. Visitors can admire its delicate ceiling decorations and the harmonious layout designed to compensate for the site's irregularity, creating a symmetrical courtyard that enhances its visual appeal.

Moti Masjid's enduring charm lies not only in its architectural grandeur but also in its ability to transcend time, offering a glimpse into the artistic splendor and religious devotion of Mughal-era Lahore. For history enthusiasts and admirers of Islamic architecture, a visit to Moti Masjid promises an enriching experience steeped in cultural heritage and...

Moti Masjid

Located within the Lahore Fort, this beautiful mosque is famous for its pearl-like domes and milky white color, earning it the name Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque).

The mosque was originally built during the reign of Emperor Jahangir. However, even during Akbar’s era, a mosque existed at this site. Upon Jahangir’s orders, it was reconstructed using a rare type of stone known as Moti (pearl stone). At that time, the mosque was designated exclusively for women’s prayers.

During the rule of Ranjit Singh, Moti Masjid was first converted into Moti Mandir (Pearl Temple) and later repurposed as a treasury. The mosque’s main entrance was sealed with large wooden pillars for security, and for nearly thirty years, treasure chests were dragged across the mosque’s exquisite marble flooring.

Today, the mosque’s outer courtyard, once home to a beautiful water reservoir, has been turned into a marketplace where local goods are sold to tourists.

The mosque features three prominent domes that enhance its architectural beauty. However, it has no minaret. Over time, various traditions have become associated with the mosque, leading people to visit it for making vows and supplications. During our visit, we noticed some individuals performing prayers in a standing posture. Upon inquiry, one gentleman explained that this particular way of praying is linked to making a vow.

There are other mosques by the name Moti Masjid in Delhi and Agra, which are equally timeless in their beauty.

Regardless of the legends surrounding it, Moti Masjid carries an undeniable aura of tranquility. It is a place where one feels compelled to sit in silence and reflect, remembering the countless souls who once bowed in prayer within its...