Moti Masjid

The city of Agra in Uttar Pradesh is known for its exquisite Mughal architecture and monuments that adorn the love city. It is considered as the capital of the Mughal Empire, and it was during the reign of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan that most of the architectures came into existence. Moti Masjid is one such edifice that was constructed during the rule of Shah Jahan and attracts several tourists.

Located inside the complex of the Agra Fort UNESCO World Heritage Site, Moti Masjid was constructed between 1646 and 1653 by Shah Jahan. Moti in local language means ‘pearl’ and the masjid is known so because of the white stone and marble used in its construction which made it resemble the white color of the pearl. It was built as a place of worship for the members of the royal curt of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. One look at this mosque will remind you of the St. Basils Cathedral in Moscow. So, the next time you are in Agra, make sure to visit the Agra Fort and Moti Masjid is just sitting inside the fort complex to woo you with its elegance and shine.

Located inside the complex of Agra Fort, Moti Masjid was made by Shah Jahan. The modern appeal of Agra Fort is largely owed to Shah Jahan who dismantled numerous structure inside to create his own in marble and Moti Masjid is one of them. The mosque was built between 1646 and 1653 which was quite late after his other contributions in Agra Fort. The mosque got completed after five years of the shift of Mughal residence to Shahjahanbad. When the emperor Shah Jahan visited to see the mosque, he was so enchanted by its beauty that he returned two years later to show two of his sons.

Moti Masjid is located in a position that from one of its rooms the Taj Mahal is also visible. It is also the place where Aurangzeb put his father Shah Jahan imprisoned for several years till he died. Shah Jahan used to look out the window from his room from where Taj Mahal was clearly visible.

The construction of the mosque started in 1648 and took around six years to get completed. Half of the structure is made of red sandstone with the three domes on top that are made of white marble, making it even more appealing. The mosque has three gates with its largest and the main gate standing tall on the eastern side while the other two subsidiary gates are on the northern and southern ends. The gates are adorned with beautiful arches and square chhatris depicting the Mughal architectural style. The interior of the mosque is completely done with white marble.

On the western edge, lies the main prayer hall which is a multi-bayed aisle structure supported by twelve-sided piers. The front of the hall has seven entryways, and the walls are adorned with Persian inscriptions in black marble which are imageries to praise Shah Jahan and Moti Masjid. The square shaped rampart has a stunningly designed octagonal tower and is covered with seven chhatris over its head. Each corner of the square has a dome shaping structure made of marble. The podiums of mosques all over the world have three stairs but this one is the only one with four stairs. Moti Masjid was one of the most expensive projects of the Mughal architecture and costed about one lakh and sixty thousand rupees which was quite expensive at that time.

• Diwan-i-Aam : It was the hall that the emperor used to address the common public and listen to their concerns in his court.
• Diwan-i-Khas: This hall was meant for a private audience of emperor’s ministers where they used to discuss the country wide affairs.
• Sheesh Mahal : It is toward the northeast of Khas Mahal, Sheesh Mahal is the Palace of Mirrors, the walls and ceilings of which are adorned with thousands of small mirrors making it illuminate even by the slightest ray of sunlight.
• Musamman Burj (Octagonal Tower) : Musamman Burj is near the Hall of Private Audience, which was the redience of Shah Jahan’s favorite queen, Mumtaz Mahal.
• Khas Mahal : The Khas Mahal was the emperor’s private palace the walls of which were once decorated with flowers represented by precious gems.

• You can visit Moti Masjid at any time between sunrise and dusk. The location is open every day of the week, including major holidays.
• No admission fee is necessary.

Moti Masjid can be visited at any given time of the year but if you want to avoid the scorching heat of Agra, then the ideal time to visit the mosque would be from October to February. During this time the temperature remains pleasant during the day and nights are little chilly. Avoid monsoons at it can spoil your plan.

• Taj Mahal : One of the seven wonders of the world, Taj Mahal is located very near to Moti Masjid and is a must site to visit. It is a 17th century, Mughal-style marble mausoleum with minarets, a mosque, and famously symmetrical gardens along with fountains.
• Agra Fort : It is an exquisitely decorated semi-circular red sandstone fort complex with double ramparts and monuments and houses Moti Masjid inside its complex.
• Itmad-ud-Daula : It is a Mughal style white marble mausoleum which is adorned with semi-precious stones and is also known as the ‘Baby Taj’.
• Tomb of Akbar The Great : A magnificent 17th century Mughal mausoleum built as the resting place for the emperor Akbar. It is made with white marble and red sandstone and has beautiful verdant gardens.

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