By: David H.
Submitted: 2009-10-12 02:16:12 | Word Count: 615
Bhopal is not only a city of lake but also a city of mosques. Taj Ul Masajid which is known as the largest mosque and Moti Masjid known as the pearl mosque are some of famous mosques in Bhopal. Know these religious places of interest in Bhopal that could offer complete divinity, peace, and harmony.
Bhopal is the capital city of the state of Madhya Pradesh and is well known for mosques and temples. These structures are built in impressive architecture style and design. They have massive minarets and beautifully adorned interior sanctums. The walls are beautifully ornamented and the sculptures are intricately curved.
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One of the religious places of interest in this city that captures great admiration and attention from many tourists is the Taj Ul Masjid. This mosque is one of the largest and most elegant in the country. It boasts of a marvelous sight against the backdrop of Bhopal. Its name means “The Crown of Mosques.”
Shah Jahan Begum constructed this holy structure during her empire dating from 1868 A.D. to 1901 A.D. However, the construction was not finished during her reign. It was only in 1971 through the government of India it was fully completed.
Nowadays the Taj Ul Mosque flaunts a pink outer façade. The mosque has two huge white domed towers. It has also three large spherical domes.
It is adorned with a beautiful hallway along with attractive pillars. There are glazed marble floorings and a big airy courtyard that can be seen here as well.
Also, the mosque has also a prayer hall in which another hall is located called Quibla. And this is delicately carved with eleven recessed arches.
The mosque is used during the day as a school for Islamic teachings. The three day religious ceremony called Ijtima is held here annually. It catches the attention of numerous tourists from all over India. The mosque is reachable by means of private and local transports.
And the most well preserved mosque in Bhopal that retained its old charisma is Jama Masjid. It was Qudisiya Begum who built the mosque in 1837. The said mosque is smaller than Taj Ul Mosque. It displays towering minarets that can be seen from a significant distance.
The primary attraction of the mosque is its impressive Islamic architectural work and interior decorations. It shows off awesome gold minarets crowned by golden spikes. It is ornamentally decorated with attractive chain of alabaster white columned arches. The internal sanctum is made out of marble. It is further comprised of three bulbous cupolas. And the complex of the mosque consists of a beautiful small pond.
Another most important mosque in Bhopal is Moti Masjid. Sikander Jehan led the construction in 1860. The structure is similar also to Jama Masjid in Delhi.
The mosque displays an imposing two dark red towers topped with golden spikes. The façade is sparkling white that makes it popularly known as the Pearl Mosque.
Lastly, the temple situated to the south of the Lower Lake on the Arera Hills is the Laxmi Narayan Temple. This breathtaking attraction is also known as Birla Mandir.
You can see here the marvelous stone sculptures of goddess Narayana and Laxmi. There are also beautiful stone sculptures of Shiva along with his wife Parvati proudly displayed here. This is just located near the Birla Museum that houses a wonderful collection of sculptures dating from 12th century period of Madhya Pradesh.
On the other hand, the Laxmi Narayan temple has sandy yellowish color. Such color reflects the old feel inside. And there is a large steeple located on one side of the structure. You will get inside by means of a lovely archway surrounded by lush green lawns.
