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India is home to a rich Islamic heritage, and Shia mosques and Imambaras hold a special place in its cultural and religious landscape.These mosques not only serve as places of worship but also stand as architectural marvels reflecting Persian, Mughal, and Nawabi influences. From the grand Moghal Masjid in Mumbai to the historic Bara Imambara in Lucknow, each structure tells a story of devotion and history. This guide explores the top 10 Shia mosques and Imambaras in India, highlighting their significance.
Top 10 Shia Mosques In India
Explore top 10 Shia mosques in India, showcasing stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural significance within the Muslim community.
1. Mughal Masjid, Mumbai
Photo: Ubaidullahbudye / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Dongri area of Mumbai, the Moghal Masjid, officially known as Masjid-e-Iranian, is a historic mosque established in 1860 by Haji Mohammed Husain Shirazi, an Iranian businessman. This mosque is a stunning example of Iranian Qajar architecture, characterized by intricate tilework, elegant domes, and Persian-style calligraphy. The mosque’s façade is adorned with colorful blue and green tiles, similar to the mosques found in Iran. Inside, imported Persian carpets cover the floors, while massive chandeliers from Iran hang from the ceilings, creating an atmosphere of serenity and grandeur.
Location: Dongri, Mumbai, Maharashtra
Timings: 5 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: Free
2. Saifee Masjid, Mumbai
Photo: Boomchikaboomboom / Wikimedia Commons
Situated in the Bhendi Bazaar area of South Mumbai, Saifee Masjid, officially known as Ghurrat ul Masajid, is one of the most significant mosques for the Dawoodi Bohra Shia community. The mosque was originally constructed between 1923 and 1926 under the leadership of Syedna Taher Saifuddin and exhibits a unique blend of Indigenous Indian, Indo-Islamic, and Neoclassical architectural styles. It features two grand minarets, intricate marble inlays, and hand-carved teakwood interiors imported from Burma. The chandeliers, originally sourced from the former Czechoslovakia, add to the mosque’s regal charm.
Location: Bhendi Bazaar, South Mumbai, Maharashtra
Timings: 5 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: Free
3. Thousand Lights Mosque, Chennai
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons
The Thousand Lights Mosque, situated on Anna Salai in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is one of the largest mosques in India and a significant religious center for Shia Muslims. Built in 1810 by Nawab Umdat ul-Umara, the mosque derives its name from the tradition of illuminating the prayer hall with a thousand oil lamps, creating a mesmerizing sight. The mosque features a grand medieval-style structure, consisting of multiple domes, towering minarets, and expansive prayer halls. It also serves as the official office of the chief Shia Qazi of Chennai.
Location: Anna Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: Free
4. Hooghly Imambara, Hooghly
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Hooghly, West Bengal, the Hooghly Imambara is an architectural marvel and an important religious site for Shia Muslims. Construction began in 1841 under the patronage of Muhammad Mohsin, a wealthy philanthropist, and was completed in 1861. The Imambara consists of a grand two-storied structure, featuring intricate Quranic inscriptions, marble embellishments, and beautifully crafted hanging lanterns. Its most striking feature is the massive clock tower at the entrance, which has been in operation since its installation and requires weekly winding. The mosque within the Imambara is used for daily prayers and religious gatherings.
Location: Hooghly, West Bengal
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
5. Jamia Nazmia, Lucknow
Photo: Anonymous / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Jamia Nazmia, established on February 2, 1890, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, is one of India’s oldest and most prestigious Shia Islamic institutions. Founded by Ayatullah Syed Najmul Hasan, the institution has played a crucial role in promoting both religious and secular education. The campus houses a two-story mosque that serves as a central place for prayers, religious discussions, and theological studies. The architectural design of the mosque blends traditional Islamic elements with modern influences, featuring elegant domes and beautifully crafted archways.
Location: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
Entry Fee: Free
6. Jama Masjid, Lucknow
Photo: Varun Shiv Kapur / Wikimedia Commons
Situated in the Husainabad area of Lucknow, Jama Masjid is one of the most striking mosques in the city, known for its architectural brilliance and historical significance. Commissioned in 1839 by Muhammad Ali Shah, the third Nawab of Awadh, the mosque was later completed in 1845 by his wife, Queen Malika Jahan Sahiba. Built using traditional “Lakhauri” bricks and lime plaster, the structure is an exquisite blend of Mughal and Indo-Islamic architectural styles. The mosque is elevated on a high platform and features a rectangular prayer hall supported by eleven arches.
Location: Husainabad, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Timings: 5 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: Free
7. Karbala Maidan, Hyderabad
Photo: Atlantios / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Karbala Maidan in Hyderabad is a prominent religious site for the Shia Muslim community, especially during Muharram, when thousands gather to mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. The site serves as a central congregation ground for major religious ceremonies, including the Ashura processions. One of its key features is the Ashurkhana, where sacred relics are preserved and displayed for devotees. The space is an open ground that transforms into a deeply spiritual venue filled with sermons, chest-beating rituals (Matam), and recitations of elegies.
Location: Karbala Maidan, Hyderabad, Telangana
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: Free
8. Nizamat Imambara, Murshidabad
Photo: Arghyaadhikary / Wikimedia Commons
Nizamat Imambara, located in Murshidabad, West Bengal, is one of the largest Shia congregation halls in India. It was originally constructed in 1740 but was rebuilt in 1847 by Nawab Mansur Ali Khan after a fire destroyed the previous structure. The Imambara exhibits striking Islamic architectural features, including vast corridors, high-arched doorways, and walls adorned with exquisite Arabic calligraphy. The grand central hall is used for religious gatherings, especially during Muharram, when Shia Muslims assemble for Majlis and processions.
Location: Murshidabad, West Bengal
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
9. Sibtainabad Imambara, Lucknow
Photo: akirEVarga / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Located in the heart of Lucknow’s Hazratganj area, the Sibtainabad Imambara is a historic structure built in 1847 by Nawab Amjad Ali Shah, the fourth Nawab of Awadh. The Imambara holds immense cultural and architectural significance, serving as the mausoleum of Nawab Amjad Ali Shah himself. Designed in the grand Nawabi architectural style, the Imambara features a spacious central hall, elegantly decorated with chandeliers, ornate stucco work, and intricate Islamic motifs. The serene courtyard surrounding the structure adds to its tranquil ambiance.
Location: Hazratganj, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: Free
10. Bara Imambara, Lucknow
Photo: Sirsendutito / Wikimedia Commons
Bara Imambara, also known as Asafi Imambara, is one of Lucknow’s most iconic historical monuments, built in 1784 by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula. The Imambara complex includes the grand Asafi Mosque, the famous Bhulbhulaiya (a unique labyrinth with over 1,000 passageways), and the central prayer hall, which is among the largest unsupported arched halls in the world. Constructed to provide employment during a devastating famine, the Imambara is an architectural marvel with high-arched ceilings, Persian-style motifs, and a vast central hall without any beams or pillars.
Location: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Shia mosques and Imambaras in India are more than just places of prayer, they are living testaments to history, art, and devotion. Each of these structures, from the intricately designed Saifee Masjid in Mumbai to the sprawling Nizamat Imambara in Murshidabad, holds immense cultural and architectural value. Their enduring legacy continues to attract worshippers, historians, and travelers alike, ensuring that their beauty and significance remain preserved for generations to come. Visiting these places with TripXL is a journey into faith and heritage.
Cover Photo: Vantage Point Photographers / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
