Badshahi Mosque(Lahore- Pakistan)

The Badshahi Mosque is situated in the city of Lahore in province of Punjab, Pakistan.

It is the second largest mosque in Pakistan and South Asia and the fifth largest mosque in the world. This Fabulous grandeur mosque is Lahore's most famous and renowned landmark and a major tourist attraction.

The meaning of Badshahi Mosque is 'King's Mosque' in english.The Badshahi Mosque was built by sixth great Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir. It started in in 1671 and completed in 1673. Construction of the Badshahi Mosque was begun in May 1671. Construction took about two years and was completed in April 1673. The construction work was carried out under the supervision of Aurangzeb's foster brother, Muzaffar Hussain also known as Fidai Khan Koka He was appointed Governor of Lahore by Aurangzeb in May 1671 to specifically supervise the building of the Mosque and held that post until 1675. He was also Master of Ordnance to Aurangzeb. On the main gateway entrance of the Badshahi Mosque inscribed in a marble tablet the following words in Persian are: “The Mosque of Abul Muzaffar Muhy-ud-Din Muhammad Aurangzeb Alamgir, Victorious King, constructed and completed under the superintendence of the Humblest Servant of the Royal Household, Fidai Khan Koka, in 1084 A.H”.

Badshahi Mosque was completed in 1673. After its completion it was not only the largest mosque in the Mughal Empire, but also the largest mosque in the world. It was also one of the largest buildings in the Mughal Empire and the world.  This record continued for 313 years until 1986 it was overtaken, when Faisal mosque in Islamabad become the largest mosque of the world.

The Badshahi Mosque was built opposite the Lahore Fort.The gateway of this old fort opens towards the courtyard of the mosque. It was constructed on a raised platform to avoid flooding. The Mosque's foundation and structure was constructed using bricks and compacted clay. The structure was then adorned with red sandstone tiles brought from a stone quarry near Jaipur in Rajasthan and its domes were embellished with white marbles. The amazing symmetry of the three giant white marble domes capping the many arches of the mosque is a marvel of harmony in masonry. A vast courtyard characteristic of Mughal architecture in bounded on all corners by four towering minarets of red sandstone. Near a few steps leading to the courtyard is the Mausoleum of Allam Iqbal, the great philosopher poet who first conceived the idea of Pakistan.

The Government of Pakistan has established a small museum inside the Main Gateway Entrance of the Mosque. It contains relics of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his cousin and son in law Hazrat Ali and his daughter Hazrat Fatimah.

The steps leading to the Main Prayer Hall and its floor are in variegated marble (Sang-e-Alvi). The Main Prayer Hall is very deep and divided into seven sections by means of rich engraved arches supported on heavy piers. Three of which bear the double domes finished externally in white marble and have superb curvature. The remaining four sections are roofed with flat domes.

The exterior is decorated with stone carving as well as marble inlay on red sandstone, especially of loti form motifs in bold relief. The walls were built with small kiln-burnt bricks but have a surface of red sandstone. The steps leading to the prayer chamber and its podium are in variegated marble. There are only two inscriptions in the Mosque. One is on the main gateway entrance and other of Kalimah in the prayer chamber under the main high vault.

Dimensions of Badshahi Mosque:

Courtyard: area: 278,784 sq ft (25,899.9 m²) {the world's largest mosque courtyard}

Prayer Chamber: area: 22,825 sq ft (2,120.5 m²))

4 Corner Minarets: 176 ft 4 in (53.75 m) high and 67 ft (20 m) in circumference, are in four stages and have a contained staircase with 204 steps

Central Dome: Diameter 65 ft (20 m) at bottom (at bulging 70 ft 6 in (21.49 m)); height 49 ft (15 m); pinnacle 24 ft (7.3 m) and neck 15 ft (4.6 m) high.

2 Side Domes: Diameter 51 ft 6 in (15.70 m) (at bulging 54 ft (16.46 m)); height 32 ft (9.8 m); pinnacle 19 ft (5.8 m); neck 9 ft 6 in (2.90 m) high.

Gateway: 66 ft 7 in (20.29 m) x 62 ft 10 in (19.15 m) x 65 ft (20 m) high including domelets; vault 21 ft 6 in (6.55 m) x 32 ft 6 in (9.91 m) high. Its three-sided approach steps are 22 in number.

The Badshahi Mosque had elevated Lahore to greater political, economic and cultural importance in the Mughal Empire. The mosque symbolizes the splendor, dignity and grandeur of the Mughal era The Mosque is huge and majestic in its appearance. It is an impressive and marvelous symbol of Mughal architecture.