Jamia Masjid - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 4 km from Srinagar Bus Station, Jamia Masjid is a religious mosque located in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. Situated at Nowhatta, also called as Downtown, Jama Masjid is the biggest mosque in Kashmir Valley and amongst the top places to visit during your Srinagar trip.

Lying in the heart of the Srinagar city, Jamia Masjid happens to be one of the most ancient places to visit in Srinagar. This majestic mosque was built by Sultan Sikandar Shah Kashmiri Shahmiri in 1394 CE, under the orders of Mir Mohammad Hamadani, who was the son of Said-ul-Auliya Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani and was completed in 1402 CE. Later on, Zain-ul-Abidin, the son of Sultan Sikandar extended the mosque by adding a turret in the primary structure. This colossal structure has been damaged by fire thrice, but luckily restoration work was carried out after each mishap to correct the damaged portions. The existing construction was erected by Emperor Aurangzeb after the fire broke out in 1672 CE.

The architectural style of the Jamia Masjid is inspired by the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture, and also bears certain similarities to the traditional Buddhist pagodas. The structure occupies a total area of 384 x 381 feet and is quadrangular in shape with four turrets. These are in the middle of each side and covered with pyramidal roofs. All of the turrets are interconnected by spacious halls, and a total of 378 wooden columns support the roof. The place can accommodate around 33,333 individuals at one time. The entire structure is surrounded by wide lanes on all four sides and has a square garden in the middle. The entrance on the southern side of the Mosque comprises a recessed portico that further leads onto an inner courtyard. This courtyard is based on the traditional Char Bagh plan and has a tank in the center. The entire courtyard is made up of a pointed-arched, brick arcade.

Although Jamia Masjid is situated amidst busy markets, the architecture of this place leaves one surprised. Every Friday, the sacred Jama Masjid can be seen thronged by thousands of devotees to offer prayers.

Timings: 3 PM - 7 PM

Entry: Free