Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh, is known as the city of mosques not without a reason. There are some really enthralling and majestic mosques in the city and one among them is the enthralling shrine called Moti Masjid. The sparkling white mosque with two dark red towers is also known as the Pearl Mosque. It is symbolic in a way that it was built by one of those Begums of Madhya Pradesh who set out to shun the rules that showcased women as weak.
History
The daughter of Qudusiya Begum of Bhopal, Sikander Jehan Begum ruled the construction of this mosque in 1860. It was built by one of the most unconventional begums of Bhopal's history and is known to represent their bravery and the rich history of abolishing the existing old-school trends. It is a symbol of women strength and the power the Muslim women showcased at that time. She had built various structures and improved the infrastructure of the place and creating this Moti Masjid was one of the key constructions that the Begun undertook.
Architecture
If we talk about the architecture of Moti Masjid, Bhopal, we will certainly fall short of words. Also known as the Pearl Mosque, the architecture of this Masjid shares a stark similarity to one of India’s largest mosques Jama Masjid in Delhi. There are two marble facades in white and are topped by small cupolas. Many architecture biffs might also get fascinated by the two towers in dark red on either side of the mosque.
Best Time to Visit
There are a few parameters that we can take into account to see what time is best for visiting the Moto Masjid. For those going for religious purposes, the holy months for Muslims are great and even all the festivals of Eid are also celebrated with pomp. Another parameter is the climate. You should consider visiting here during the months pf October to December and February March to experience the best temperature. The weather is cool and the sun does not hit as hard when you explore this beautiful mosque during these months.
How to Reach
Located in Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, reaching the Moti Masjid is not a very tough task. It is seamlessly connected to most of the cities near it via well-constructed roads. Whether you are coming from Delhi, Mumbai, Gwalior, Kolkata or any other major city, you can use both the road means or the railway network to reach this city. You can drive your own car or take inter-state buses to reach here. Once you are in Bhopal, there are many local transportation sources that can be hailed to reach this beautiful Masjid.
Nearby Attractions
Bhopal is the heart of Madhya Pradesh and has some of the most amazing historical and architectural marvels. The Lower Lake, Birla Museum, and the Van Vihar National Park are also some attractive tourists destinations near this brilliantly shining mosque. If you are planning for a visit to the Moti Masjid, you can certainly plan a visit to the Laxmi Narayan temple and the Jama Masjid near it.
Tips For Visiting
Plan your visit to the Moti Masjid during the morning to experience the beauty of this shrine at its best. The birds chirping in distant while the entire city is preparing for the day gives a different feeling of peace and serenity.
Another tip that tourists must follow when visiting the Moti Masjid is to cover their head and wear clothes that are covering your full body. This is to abide by the faith and respect the religious beliefs of the people.