|
|
Lahore |
Lahore Location and Orientation |
Lahore History |
Lahore Weather |
Lahore Government |
Lahore Trade and Industry |
Lahore Demography |
Lahore Art, Culture and Entertainment |
Lahore Education |
Lahore Events |
Lahore Travel |
Lahore Information |
|
|
Badshahi Mosque, Lahore |
|
Badshahi Mosque, Lahore is one of the most famous tourist destinations, which has a great deal of historical and religious importance. This mosque is also referred to as the "Emperor's Mosque" and was built by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the year 1673. The mosque is the embodiment of the Mughal architectural grandeur.
The Badshahi Mosque in Lahore has the capacity to hold 55,000 worshipers. The Badshahi Mosque, Lahore is the second largest and resembles the Jama Masjid in Delhi built by Aurangzeb's ancestor. It is one of those blessed locations where Qari' Abdul Basit interpreted and recited the Quran.
History of the Badshahi Mosque, Lahore
The Badshahi Mosque of Lahore was built under the supervision of Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir and was completed in the year 1673. The mosque stands as an evidence of Mughal influence in the region. It took two years to complete the imposing mosque, which is located just opposite to the Lahore Fort. Later on the Alamgir Gate was erected after the name of Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir.
The mosque fell from its esteemed status during the rule of Maharajah Ranjit Singh when they used the mosque as a stable and the Muslims were refrained from entering the mosque and offering prayers. They had also robbed the mosque of its precious jewels. During the British eras the mosque was used as the gun practicing place and they had demolished some portions of the mosque to make their hatred against the Muslims conspicuous. However, during the later period they returned the mosque as a gesture of
|
goodwill to establish a profitable relationship with the Muslims. After that the refurbishment of the mosque continued over a couple of years and the responsibility was shouldered by the Badshahi Mosque Authority.
Architecture of the Mosque
The Badshahi Mosque, Lahore is a majestic structure standing tall in the heart of the city. The interior of the mosque is decorated with stucco tracery, fresco painting and marble plates. The exterior of the mosque is built of marble, red sandstone with the loti motif. The architecture of the mosque is a blend of Indo-Greek, Indian and Central Asian architectural forms.
The tomb is made of marble adding grace and elegance to the whole structure. The other features like the square courtyard, the aisles, the pillars, and the enormous entrance gate are all some of the largest in the history of mosque architecture. To the north of the mosque flows the River Ravi. The walls and the staircase leading to the prayer chamber are made of marble, burnt bricks and red sandstone.
The prayer chamber is situated deep down and it is divided into 7 sections. Among these 7 sections, 3 have double domes and the rest have horizontal roof. Previously the floor of the mosque was built of kin-burn bricks but at a later time it was modified by using the sandstone. However, they are placed in the Mussalah pattern. There are two inscriptions present at the mosque. The first one is at the main gate and the second one is that of a kalimah outside the chamber of prayer.
A visit to the formidable mosque will make one awestruck by the sheer grandeur of the place.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
