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Mecca Masjid is one of the largest mosques
in India accommodating upto 10,000 worshippers. This is the biggest mosque
in Hyderabad and
lies within hundred yards to the southwest of Charminar. The mosque got
its name from the belief that the bricks inserted over the central arch
were baked out of clay brought from Mecca, and also from the grand mosque
at Mecca on which it is patterned. The constructions of this mosque was
started by Sultan Muhammad Qutub Shah, the work continued during the reign
of Abdullah Qutub Shah and Abul Hassan Tana Shah and was completed in 1694
by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
The
hall measures 67m by 54m and is 23m in height. Fifteen arches, five on
each of the three sides, support the roof. The western side is blocked by
a high wall to provide the 'mehrab'.
A room in the courtyard is believed to house the relic of the Prophet
Mohammad. At each end are two huge octagonal columns made out of a single
piece of granite each topped by an arched gallery that is crowned by a
dome. The colonnades and door arches have inscriptions from the Quran. Now
it has been wire meshed to stop birds nesting in the ceiling and liming
the floor. It took about 8000 Masons and laborers and 77 years to
complete.
Air: Hyderabad being the capital
city is well connected by air from all the important cities of the
country.
Rail: Hyderabad has got its own railhead and is connected with all
the major cities within the state and outside.
Road: Regular bus service connects Hyderabad with all the
important places within the country. For city transportation city buses,
taxis, and auto rickshaws are also available.
For accommodation purpose tourist can check out the various budget and star hotels in Hyderabad .