Srinagar, the capital city of Kashmir, is a lot more than the beautiful Dal Lake. The religious and spiritual significance of Srinagar transcends time. Featuring rich history, stunning architecture and each with a unique story to tell, exploring mosques in Srinagar is a must. There are several Islamic monuments in the city, including masjids and dargahs, depicting the stories of the community that resides there. Spread throughout Srinagar, adding these religious sites to your next Kashmir itinerary should further enrich your travel plans.
Top 10 Mosques In Srinagar
These are the mosques across Srinagar which hold a piece of the city’s soul, tell the stories of the past and offer breathtaking architecture.
1. Jamia Masjid
Photo: S M Mukarram Jahan / Wikimedia Commons
Among the famous mosques in Srinagar, Jamia Masjid is hands down the most popular one. This is a 600-year-old mosque that’s located in the middle of the city, in Nowhatta. It features a blend of Persian and Buddhist architectural influences. Built in 1394 by Sultan Sikandar, the mosque was commissioned under the direction of his son, Zain-ul-Abidin. The entire structure of the mosque is made primarily out of wood and is supported by 378 wooden pillars, each made using a single deodar tree. The sprawling courtyard, lying in the front, has a large garden for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Location: Nowhatta Kathi Darwaza Road, Nowhatta, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190003
Timing: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
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2. Hazratbal Shrine
Photo: Deepank Ranka / Wikimedia Commons
“Dargah Sharif,” or Hazratbal Shrine is one of the most stunning mosques in India. Located on the northern shores of Dal Lake, it holds a lot of religious significance. Legends believe that a hair strand of Prophet Muhammad is in the shrine, adding to its power and beliefs. The relic, known as the Moi-e-Muqqadas, is displayed to the public on special occasions, attracting devotees. The construction started in the early 17th century during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan which ended in 1699. The white marble façade with the large domed structure adds to the aesthetics of the mosque.
Location: Dargah Hazratbal Mosque, University Main Road, Hazratbal, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190006
Timing: 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM (closed on Sunday)
3. Shah-E-Hamdan Mosque
Photo : Mike Prince / Wikimedia Commons
One among the popular mosques in Srinagar is the Shah-e-Hamdan Mosque or Khanqah-e-Moula. It is one of the oldest mosques in the city, dating back to 1395. The mosque was built as a tribute to Mir Syed Ali Hamdani, a Persian Sufi saint. His contribution to spreading Islam in Kashmir led to the construction of the mosque. The mosque is constructed on the banks of the Jhelum river. There are intricate carvings and papier-mâché work in the interior of the mosque, exploring the essence of Kashmiri heritage. There are frescoes and floral motifs throughout the interior of the mosque.
Location: 3RR5+H44, Shamswari, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190002
Timing: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM
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4. Pathar Masjid
Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons
Also known as “Naev Masheed,” Pathar Masjid in Srinagar is one of the few stone mosques that date back to the time of the Mughal rule. The mosque’s origin dates back to 1623. The construction was done by Empress Nur Jahan, wife of Mughal Emperor Jahangir. The entire structure of the mosque is with limestone, making the mosque stand out from others in the area. Despite dating back to the Mughal era, the mosque’s construction has influences of Persian styles as well. There are nine arches in the masjid along with a large prayer hall in the centre.
Location: 3RR4+Q9G, Pathar Masjid Rd, Zaldagar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190002
Timings: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
5. Aali Masjid
Photo: Mx. Granger / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Aali Masjid is one of the best mosques in Srinagar and is located in the Eidgah area in the capital city. The mosque’s origin dates back to the 14th century wherein it was built by Sultan Ali Shah. The mosque features an all-wooden structure with intricate carvings all over it. With a sloping roof and beautifully carved wooden pillars, the mosque follows traditional Kashmiri-style architecture. There’s a large prayer hall and a courtyard in front of the mosque where visitors often sit and relax. It is one of the few mosques in Srinagar where communal prayers are hosted.
Location: 3QWR+JJP, Edgar Park, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 191112
Timings: 4:00 AM – 9:30 PM (Sundays closed)
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6. Ziyarat Naqshband Sahab
Photo: Ahmedtauqeer / Wikimedia Commons
Another popular mosque located in the Nowhatta area in Srinagar is Ziyarat Naqshband Sahab. The mosque is dedicated to Khwaja Syed Baha-ud-Din Naqshband Bukhari, the founder of the Naqshbandi Sufi order. It is one of the few Sufi shrines in the city that dates back to the 17th century by Khwaja Naqshband’s followers. The majority of the visitors are Sufi worshippers and visit this mosque for the same purpose. There’s intricate woodwork in the interiors of the mosque with beautifully carved ceilings , adding to its beauty and architectural significance.
Location: Jammu and Kashmir, Ganderbal Rd, Nowhatta, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190003
Timings: Open 24 hours
7. Masjid-E-Madani
Photo: Tajamul9 / Wikimedia Commons / Image for representation only
Located in the Hassi Bhat area in Srinagar, Masjid-e-Madani is one of the oldest mosques in Srinagar. Built by Sultan Zain-ul-Abideen (Budshah), The construction of this masjid dates back to the 14th century. He built the mosque to pay tribute to his teacher, Syed Mohammad Madani, who is buried on the left side of the mosque. Syed Mohammad Madani became the Madin Saeb for the local Kashmiris, teaching people about Islam, and garnering a lot of disciples in the process. Following his death on 11 Rajab 849, one of his disciples decided to create the mosque to commemorate him.
Location: 4R2F+2P8, Hassi Bhat Rd, Hassi Bhat, Karapura, Rainawari, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190003
Timing: Open 24 hours
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8. Rozabal Shrine
Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons
Located in downtown Srinagar, Rozabal Shrine is one of the most popular mosques in the city. The historical significance behind this mosque is that it’s the burial site of Yuz Asaf and Mir Sayyid Naseeruddin, both of whom were popular saints. There are a lot of controversies and conspiracies surrounding the mosque and its existence. Some scholars claim that the tomb of Jesus lies in the place of the shrine. There is ongoing debate regarding the same and there are several documentaries published on the said claim as well.
Location: Khaniyar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190003
Timings: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
9. Dastgeer Sahib Shrine
Photo: Varun Shiv Kapur / Wikimedia Commons
Dastgeer Sahib Shrine is a Sufi shrine in the capital city. It is the shrine of Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jelani (Gous E Azam) and dates back 200 years in history. It is located in Khaniyar and is surrounded by bustling markets all around. Reports suggest that the mosque contains a relic known as Mouia Pak, which features a hair strand of Abdul Qadir Gilani. The mosque also houses an old Quran that was written by Ali Ibn Abi Talib. Its construction started in 1806 and ended in 1877.
Location: 3RV8+8V5, Khaniyar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190003
Timings: 4:45 AM – 10:00 PM
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10. Makhdoom Sahib Shrine
Photo: Mike Prince / Wikimedia Commons
Last on the list is the Makhdoom Sahib Shrine, one of the biggest mosques in Srinagar. Located on the southern slope of Hari Parbat in Srinagar, the shrine is alternatively known as Makhdoom Sahib and Hazrat Sultan, making it a popular pilgrimage site among tourists and locals alike. Dedicated to Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom, a revered Sufi saint, the shrine is a significant religious site in Srinagar. The mosque and the shrine complex are built in the traditional Kashmiri style, featuring beautiful woodwork and intricate designs. The elevated location of the mosque offers panoramic views of the surrounding city.
Location: Makhdoom Sahib 7889678485 Kashmir Makhdoom Sahib, Jammu and Kashmir 190003
Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
As you plan your next trip around Kashmir, visiting the mosques in Srinagar is a must. Featuring bold and intricate architecture, rich history and preserving the culture and heritage of the people, each mosque has a unique story associated with it. For a smooth planning and execution of your next Kashmir trip, get all of it booked with TripXL, securing the best deals and discounts.
Cover Photo: Imad Clicks / Pexels