Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Chennai is known for its Marina beach, delicious street food and more. The city has its share of pilgrimage centre and tourist spots that attract travellers and tourists alike. A unique attraction of this city is its Thousand Lights Mosque.
The Thousand Lights Mosque is one of the largest mosques in India, and is located on the Anna Salai road in Chennai. 1000 lamps have to be lit to illuminate the assembly hall of the mosque, hence the name Thousand Lights Mosque.
Architecture of Thousand Lights Mosque
The mosque is built using medieval architectural style. With multiple domes and minarets as tall as 64ft, the structure is an architectural wonder. The interiors of the mosque are adorned with inscriptions and quotes from the Quran. There are separate prayer halls for men and women on the ground floor.
Photo Courtesy: Aleksandr Zykov
The assembly hall was built in 1810 A.D and the mosque was later built in 1820. During the early 19th century, the mosque ground was a gathering place for Shiite Muslims during Muharram. Today, the mosque is among the most revered pilgrimage sites for the Shia community.
The mosque also has a wonderful library, the burial ground of Imam Hussain (grandson of Prophet Muhammad) and a guest house. A visit to the mosque can take you to the depths of Islam and its studies. The mosque is a must-visit during Muharram, for its beautifully illuminated structure!
Visiting Hours: 5.30am - 8.30pm
Entry Fee: Free
Hotels Near Thousand Lights Mosque
Some of the hotels near the mosque include Park Avenue Hotel, Hotel Savera, Raj Park, The Iris Hotel and the Residency Towers.
How to reach Thousand Lights Mosque
Since the mosque is located in the city, it is easily accessible by road, rail and air. Located close to the Anna flyover on the Anna Salai Road, you can easily commute to the mosque once you reach Chennai.
Other Tourist Places to Explore in Chennai
Chennai has many other tourist attractions that you can visit during your trip. Some of the interesting places include the Birla Planetarium, Dakshinachitra, Kalikambal Temple and San Thome Church along with other attractions.
