About Jamia Masjid
Suggested Duration: 1-2 hours
Tickets: Free Entry
Nearest Railway Station: Srinagar Railway Station, 13 km away
Nearest Airport: Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar, 15 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: TRC Bus Stand, 5 km away
Located in the heart of Srinagar’s Old City, Jamia Masjid is one of Kashmir’s most significant architectural and spiritual landmarks. Built in 1402 by Sultan Sikandar, it is also renowned for being the largest mosque in Kashmir. Among all the places to visit in Kashmir, it stands out for its Indo-Saracenic architecture, including 378 wooden pillars, vast courtyards, lush green gardens, arches and minarets.
The iconic Jamia Masjid we see today is a restored masterpiece, rebuilt by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1672. After multiple fire incidents, it was finally redesigned to be fire-resistant, a unique feature that sets it apart from the traditional dome-shaped mosques. It is a grand mosque with three distinctive entrance gates and a capacity to accommodate 33333 devotees at a time. Additionally, the mosque is famous for its serene surroundings and tranquil ambience. Make sure to add it in your Kashmir tour packages to enjoy a leisurely stroll in its garden as well as admire the views of the Hari Parbat Fort and Old Srinagar.
Jamia Masjid Highlights
• Admire the stunning Indo-Saracenic architecture of Jamia Masjid, featuring 378 wooden pillars, intricate carvings and a serene courtyard.
• Witness the grandeur of this 14th century mosque which is one of the largest mosques in Kashmir and soak in its tranquil ambiance.
• Stroll through the vast open courtyard and lush green gardens, offering water fountains, brick arcades and vibrant flowers.
How To Reach Jamia Masjid
By Road: Jamia Masjid is located at a distance of around 3 km from the city centre of Srinagar. You can easily reach the mosque by car in approximately 10 minutes via the Zaldagar Fateh Kadal Road.
Best Time To Visit Jamia Masjid
Peak Season (March to June)
- Weather Insights: Pleasant weather, warm sunlight, blooming flowers and larger crowds
- Things to Do: Admire the architecture and offer your prayers
Moderate Season (July to September)
- Weather Insights: Cool temperatures, occasional rain and fewer crowds
- Things to Do: Admire the architecture and offer your prayers
Low Season (October to February)
- Weather Insights: Cold weather, chilly winds and occasional snowfall
- Things to Do: Admire the architecture and offer your prayers
Jamia Masjid Other Essential Information
Why Visit Jamia Masjid?
- Jamia Masjid, one of the oldest mosques in Kashmir, was originally built as the centre for Islamic learning.
- Contrary to the traditional mosques, its architecture is a blend of Islamic, Persian, Indian, Western and Kashmiri styles.
- Each of the 378 pillars of the mosque were carved from a single deodar tree trunk, making it a masterpiece of Kashmiri craftsmanship.
Know Before You Go to Jamia Masjid:
- Respect the local customs by dressing modestly and covering your head before entering.
- Remove your shoes before stepping inside the designated area.
- Always seek permission before taking pictures inside the mosque.
- Refrain from talking loudly or using disrespectful language to maintain the sanctity of the mosque.
- Check local timings as entry may be restricted during prayer sessions.
Admire Stunning Architecture
One of the most striking features of Jamia Masjid mosque in Srinagar is its Indo-Saracenic (blend of Islamic and Western styles) architecture. It features a unique pagoda-style design with pyramidal roofs, arches and minarets. Built using deodar wood, it has 378 intricately carved wooden pillars to support its structure and add to its grandeur. There is a square-shaped garden in the middle of the mosque, full of bright yellow poppies and green lawns to welcome the visitors. Additionally, there is a water fountain in the garden which is used for wudu, an Islamic cleansing ritual.
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Take a Tour of the Courtyard
The expansive courtyard of Jamia Masjid offers a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Surrounded by lush gardens and lined with wooden pillars, it’s a perfect place to soak in the mosque’s serenity. The open space can accommodate thousands of worshippers, especially during Friday prayers.
Walking through the courtyard, you’ll see stunning fountains and old chinar trees, adding to its tranquil charm. If you're exploring the city through a Srinagar tour package, a visit to this historic mosque is a must for its architectural grandeur, spiritual essence and peaceful ambience.
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Jamia Masjid FAQs
Who built the Jamia Masjid in Srinagar?
Jamia Masjid in Srinagar was originally built by the Mughal Emperor, Sultan Sikandar in 1402, under the guidance of Mir Mohammad Hamadani. Later, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb renovated it in 1672 after multiple fire incidents, which is the current structure that we see today. This grand mosque stands as a historical and spiritual landmark, making it one of the most iconic places to visit in Srinagar.
What is Jamia Masjid famous for?
Jamia Masjid is famous for its stunning Indo-Saracenic architecture, featuring 378 wooden pillars and a vast courtyard. Unlike traditional dome mosques, its pagoda-style design, along with minarets and arches, makes it unique. It’s also known for being a peaceful place of worship and a key center of Islamic teachings in Kashmir.
Are non-muslims allowed in Jamia Masjid?
Yes, non-Muslims are allowed to enter and explore the beauty of Jamia Masjid, except during the prayer hours. Additionally, it is mandatory for all the visitors to dress modestly, cover their heads and take off their shoes before entering the mosque.
Can I enter the mosque without a hijab?
Yes, women can enter the mosque without a hijab. However, note that if you do not have a hijab, you need to carry a dupatta or a scarf to cover your head. It’s a sign of respect in Islamic places of worship, and visitors are encouraged to follow this tradition while inside the mosque.
What is the capacity of Jamia Masjid, Srinagar?
Jamia Masjid, Srinagar, can accommodate around 33,000 worshippers at a time. Its massive courtyard and prayer halls provide ample space, making it one of the largest mosques in Kashmir. On Fridays and special occasions, devotees gather in huge numbers to offer their prayers.
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