Mecca Masjid
Location :
Located near the Charminar.
About Mecca Masjid :
One of the largest mosque in the world (accommodating up to 10,000
worshippers) Construction began in 1614, during the reign of Sultan
Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, but wasn't finished until 1687, by which
Mughal emperor Aurangzeb had annexed the Golconda kingdom and completed
this Masjid in 1693.
The hall is 67m by 54m and 23m high.The roof is supported
by 15 arches, 5 on each of the three sides.The western side is blocked
by a high wall to provide the Mehrib. This mosque is one of the largest
mosque in India and can accommodate ten thousand people at a time.
The minarets look rather stunted in comparison with the grandeur of the
whole massive structure. But it looks more Mughal then Qutub Shah in its
perfect granite finish and vast courtyard. A particular stone brick in
the mihrab is believed to have been brought from Mecca. The name is
derived from the Grand Mosque at Mecca on which it is patterned. The
hall measures 67 mt. by 54 Mt. and is 23 Mt. in height. Fifteen arches,
five on each of the three sides, support the roof. A high wall to
provide the Mehrab blocks the western side. Each of the two octagonal
columns on either side are made out of a single piece of granite, It
took about 8000 Masons and laborers and 77 years to complete. At each
end are two huge octagonal columns made out of a single piece of granite
each topped by an arched gallery that is crowned by a dome.
Getting There :
Air : Hyderabad being the capital city is well
connected by air and has got its own airport.
Rail : Hyderabad has got its own railhead, which
connects it to all the major cities within the state as well as in the
country.
Road : Tourists can take city buses from any point of
the city. Rickshaw's and Taxi's are the other modes of Transport to get
to Charminar.
