Safa Masjid, 16th-century mosque in Ponda, India
Safa Masjid is a mosque built in the 1500s that features a rectangular prayer hall with a tiled roof, bordered by gardens and accompanied by a large stone water tank. The structure combines functional design with landscaped surroundings that enhance the overall layout.
The Bijapur Sultanate ruler Ibrahim Adil Shah I commissioned this mosque in 1560 to establish Islamic presence in the region. It has since become recognized as an important historical monument under government protection.
The mosque serves the local Muslim community as a center for daily prayer and religious observance. Visitors can observe how the space functions as a living place of worship rather than just a historical monument.
The site is located roughly 2 kilometers from central Ponda and remains accessible to visitors throughout most of the day. Since it functions as an active place of worship, respectful behavior and appropriate dress are expected when entering.
The large water tank is decorated with Mihrab designs and measures about 30 meters on each side, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. This blend of everyday utility and religious meaning was typical in Islamic building design of the period.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
