Things to Know about Mecca Masjid Hyderabad

Mecca Masjid is a place of profound historical and cultural significance in Hyderabad. Nestled in the city's heart, it stands as a testament to the city's rich heritage and religious diversity.

This revered mosque, with its grand architecture and storied past, draws visitors worldwide seeking to explore its sacred halls and learn about its intriguing history.

Team Digit

History of Mecca Masjid
Mecca Masjid Architecture
Important Details
Unknown Facts
Frequently Asked Questions

Details of Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad

Location	Charminar, Hyderabad
Type	Mosque
Masjid Timings	4 am to 9:30 pm; everyday
Masjid Entry Fee	Free
Nearest Metro Station	Charminar Metro Station
Architectural Style	Indo-Islamic
Best Time to Visit	October to March
Nearby Places	Charminar, Chowmahalla Palace

Read more about:

Temples in Hyderabad

What is the History of Mecca Masjid?

As it is said, the older the place, the more mysterious it is. Let’s unravel the mysteries and comprehend the importance of the Mecca Masjid.

Construction began in 1614 during Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah's reign and was completed in 1694 by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The structure of the mosque took 77 years to complete.

Emperor Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah himself laid the foundation of Mecca Masjid. The construction was temporarily stopped after Quli Qutub Shah's death. Later, Tani Shah and Abdullah Shah continued it in 1687, and when Aurungzeb conquered the Golconda kingdom, he completed the construction in 1694.

The mosque's name is derived from the Mosque in Mecca because the bricks used to build this Mosque were directly from the sacred city of Mecca.

The mosque was noticed by a French traveller, Jean-Baptise Tavernier, who was awestruck by the spectacular architecture of the Masjid. Later, he noted in his travelogue, “It is about 50 years since they began to build a splendid pagoda in the town, which will be the grandest in all India when it is completed.”

Mecca Masjid Architecture

Let’s unfold the architecture of Mecca Masjid, which took 77 years to complete.

Mecca Masjid is built in Indo-Islamic architectural style and features intricate minarets, pagodas, and floral motifs. It is considered the best architectural work of Qutb Shahis.
About 8000 labourers were required to build this great monument. A gateway just before the path features a huge pond of water with two stone benches aside.
The prayer hall of the Masjid measures about 220 feet in width and 75 feet in height and can accommodate more than 10,000 people at a time.
It comprises two minarets, topped by a dome and a balcony connecting them. The mosque's courtyard measures 108 square metres and contains a sundial and a hammam.
Towards the southern end of the mosque are the marble tombs of Asaf Jahi rulers and their family members.
15 designed arches decorate the roof of the hall. Two columns, octagonal in shape, support the mosque and are designed from a single granite stone.
The hall features crystal chandeliers on the ceiling, enhancing the structure's beauty. The mosque has five passageways and tombs belonging to ‘Asaf Jahi’.
There is also a room in the courtyard treasuring ancient relics. The doors and walls are carved with the inscriptions of the Holy Quran.

Important Details to Know Before Visiting Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad

1. Best Time to Visit Mecca Masjid

The best time to visit Mecca Masjid is between October to March, as the weather remains slightly chilly. You can visit the mosque during Ramzan month as the place is well decorated during the auspicious festival.

2. Mecca Masjid Location

Mecca Masjid is located at Load Bazaar Road, Khilwat, Charminar, Hyderabad, Telangana.

3. Mecca Masjid Timings

Days - Every day of the week
Opening Time - 4 am
Closing Time - 9:30 pm

4. How to Reach Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad?

Nearest Airport to Mecca Masjid Hyderabad: Visitors can reach Mecca Masjid from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, 23 km away. APSRTC Airport cruiser transports passengers from the airport to Mecca Masjid in 1 hour 30 minutes.
Nearest Railway Station to Mecca Masjid Hyderabad: Nampally Railway Station, Hyderabad, is 4.5 km from Mecca Masjid. One can also travel via train and then book a cab or taxi to reach the mosque, which takes nearly 30 mins.
Nearest Metro Station to Mecca Masjid Hyderabad: Charminar Metro Station is the nearest metro station, which is 1 km away from Mecca Masjid.

5. Entry Fee of Mecca Masjid

There is no entry fee for visiting Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad.

6. Mecca Masjid Nearby Places to Visit

If you are visiting Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad, here are some nearby places you must add to your list to visit.

Charminar
Chowmahalla Palace
Tahniyat Mahal
Mahtab Mahal
Salar Jung Museum
Nizam Museum

Unknown Facts about Mecca Masjid Hyderabad

The Mecca Masjid was built from 1614 to 1694, taking 77 years. 8,000 workers worked on its construction.
Emperor Quli Qutub Shah, the founder of the Masjid, never missed his midnight prayer since he was 12. Hence, he laid the foundation of the mosque himself in 1914. He also founded Charminar.
The construction was stopped after the emperor's death and continued in 1687. Hence it took this long to build a mosque.
The mosque houses tombs of all Asif Jahi rulers except the first and last Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan.
In 2007, the mosque was the site of a pipe bomb explosion. 8 people were killed, while 58 were injured.
Women and non-muslims are not allowed inside the prayer hall.

Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad is a significant cultural and religious landmark, embodying centuries of history and tradition. Visitors should respect the mosque's sanctity by following appropriate attire and conduct. Understanding the mosque's historical significance enriches the experience, allowing for a deeper appreciation of its architectural splendour and spiritual significance.

FAQs about Mecca Masjid Hyderabad

All

Why is Mecca Masjid famous?

The Mecca Masjid is 75 feet high and one of the best architectural works of Qutb Shahis during the Shahi Dynasty.

Who is the founder of Mecca Masjid Hyderabad?

Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah laid the foundation for Mecca Masjid Hyderabad in 1614.

Are females allowed in Mecca Masjid Hyderabad?

No, females are not allowed inside the main prayer hall. Even in the courtyard, if the clothes of female tourists are inappropriate in any manner, they are not allowed.

What are the nearby places to visit Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad?

Hyderabad is a beautiful city with various places to visit. Some of them are the Shilparamam Cultural Society, Lumbini Park, Paigah Tombs, and Golconda Fort.

Which is the largest mosque in Telangana?

Mecca masjid is the largest mosque in Hyderabad as well as in Telangana. Secondary to it is Charminar.

How many Masjids are there in Hyderabad?

There are nearly 72 Masjids in Hyderabad. Among these, the largest one is Mecca Masjid.

What is the speciality of Mecca Masjid?

Mecca Masjid is built with local granite. It is the largest mosque in Telangana and holds an important place in India.

Who is buried in Mecca Masjid Hyderabad?

Mukarram Jah, the 8th Nizam of Hyderabad, is buried in Mecca Masjid with honours.

When did Mecca Masjid Hyderabad was attacked?

Mecca Masjid Hyderabad was attacked in the year 2007, where 8 people were killed and 58 were injured.

Is Photography allowed inside the mosque?

Yes, photography is permitted, but there are certain rules one needs to follow regarding worshippers.