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The Mosque of the Taj Mahal, also known as Masjid, is one of the buildings found in the Taj Mahal complex. According to Islamic law, tombs and mausoleums should have an adjoining place of prayer. The Taj Mahal, albeit a grand and exquisite mausoleum, is a mausoleum nonetheless thus a mosque is required to be built along with it to comply with Islamic law. It is also said though that the mosque is an integral part of the Taj Mahal's overall design.
Location of Taj Mosque The mosque is located west at the far end of the Taj Mahal complex. It stands opposite to the Jamat Khana or the Guest House. Its back is parallel to the western wall of the Taj Mahal complex. It is said to be a twin of the Jamat Khana but it faces west towards Mecca unlike the Jamat Khana which is faced away from Mecca. This is pursuant to Islamic rules requiring that mosques should face towards Mecca.
Design and Architecture: The Taj Mahal mosque or Masjid is made from red sandstone. It is raised on a slight plinth opposite the Jamat Khana or Guest House. It measures 210 feet in length and 90 feet in width. The basic design of the mosque is similar to others built by Shah Jahan, which follows the design of Mughal mosques of the period. Its sanctuary is divided into three areas - a main sanctuary with slightly smaller sanctuaries to either side.
The mosque's exterior has one dominant portal known as an iwan and two smaller arches, one for each side of the iwan, sandwiched between four towering pinnacles. Above the arches are spandrels studded with colored marble inlay, and the mosque dados feature floral designs. Three marble-coated domes on the roof complement the arches below. The top of the domes are cloaked with inverted lotus-shaped designs surmounted by gilded finials. The four corners of the mosque each have a chattris or domed kiosk with marble-coated veneer.
The mosque's floor is laid with outlines of 569 prayer rugs in black marble. The interior of the mosque has a mihrab, which is a niche indicating the direction of Mecca, which direction the Muslim faithful must face to perform their salah or prayers. The mihrab is encircled with calligraphic inscriptions taken from the holy book of the Qu'ran. The top corner of the mihrab has two round discs which contain quotations from the Qu'ran. Other disks are decked on the walls of the mosque bearing reference to Mohammed. The interior of the mosque also has a minbar, which is the place from where the imam or priest delivers his speech or sermon. The minbar is positioned to the right hand side of the mihrab. It consists of three steps which lead to a platform. The minbar and the mihrab are found in all mosques and these features differentiate the mosque from the Jamat Khana as these features are not found in the latter.
Purpose of Taj Mosque: The Taj Mahal mosque is obviously for prayer purposes. It also in compliance with the law of Islam requiring all tombs and mausoleums to have an adjoining place of prayer.
Slideshow of pictures of Taj Mosque
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