There are many notable holy places in Agra of which Moti Masjid in Agra occupies special position of distinction. It is held that one who has visited the St. Basils Cathedral in Moscow will feel that it contains close structural resemblance with that. Sitting in the compound of the Agra Fort where river Yamuna is also present in the backdrop, this mosque is very frequently visited by the travelers. Its shiny domes are built with light white marble which lends it a very velvety look and adds a sparkle to its beauty.
About Moti Masjid Agra :
The Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque, built between 1648-54, stands on the ground that slopes from east to west to the north of Diwan-I-Am complex. It is known so because of its pearly white marble interiors. The exteriors of the mosque seem to be made of brick. The monumental mosque was built at that time at an exponential cost of three lakh of rupees and had a marble-paved court. The marble tank situated centrally in the court and the sundial made up of an octagonal marble pillar in one of its corners are quite impressive. There are arcaded cloisters surrounding the courtyard on the northern, eastern and the southern sides with twelve sided pillars and cusped arches while the prayer chamber is on its western side.
The main entrance to the mosque is on the eastern side and thus, it is much larger and more beautiful than the subsidiary gates on the southern and the northern sides that had arches and three square chhatris crowning them. The main gateways are approachable by two staircases and had a red sandstone exterior and a marble interior. The prayer chamber has an arcade of seven arches. Out of its twenty-one bays, only three have vaulted soffits. Its western wall has beautifully carved and inlaid mihrab and six niches corresponding to the arches of the façade. Unlike the usual three steps, there are four steps to the pulpit. There are prayer chambers for women on either side of the main prayer chamber that had a marble latticework screen separating them from the main hall. This chamber has three bulbous domes crowning it. There are seven beautiful square chhatris above the parapet and an octagonal tower with a marble cupola on top at each corner.
Architecture Moti Masjid Agra :
It stands on ground that slopes from east to west to the north of Diwan-i-Am complex in Agra Fort. The courtyard of the Moti Masjid has side arcades and arched recessions and the main sanctuary facade beyond. The sanctuary is roofed with three bulbous domes built of light white marble and stand on the red sandstone walls. There are a series of Hindu-style domed kiosks along the parapet. There are seven bays that are divided into aisles which are supported by piers and lobed arches. The Moti Masjid boasts of extensive white marble facing, a typical stylistic feature of architecture during the reign of Shah Jahan.
This masjid was made at a cost of 1 and half lakh and 60 thousand rupees for four years. According to Sant Nihal Singh, “It struggles of the soul to soar above worldly entanglements.”
History of Moti Masjid, Agra :
The Agra Moti Masjid was built by the very powerful emperor and a connoisseur of art famously called Shah Jahan. During the rule of Shah Jahan the Mughal emperor, numerous architectural wonders were built. Today most of these are the feast for the eyes. However coming back to the Moti Masjid it can be said that Moti Masjid earned the epithet Pearl Mosque for it shined like a pearl. It is held that this mosque was constructed by Shah Jahan for his members of royal court.
How to reach Moti Masjid Agra :
Through Airways: Through Airways, the city of Delhi has an international Airport, the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Taxi and Coach Transfer, pre paid taxis, air conditioned and non A/C coaches all can take you to the Jama Masjid from the Airport.
Through Railways: Through Railways, the city of Delhi is also the hub of Indian railways.It is connected with trains running to and from all parts of the country.
Through Roadways: Buses from all the major places in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are available for getting to Delhi. During the summer months, air-conditioned coaches are recommended. Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) operates special services from railway stations to different parts of the city.
Location: Red Fort, Agra (Uttar Pradesh)
Founded By: Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan
Founded In: 1648-1654