Badshahi Mosque, Mughal mosque in Lahore, Pakistan
Badshahi Mosque is a house of prayer built from red sandstone in Lahore, crowned by three bulbous domes and flanked by four corner towers. The rectangular courtyard opens toward the main prayer hall, framed by arched galleries on all sides.
The emperor ordered its construction in the late 17th century, and builders finished the work within two years under the supervision of a royal relative. During the 19th century, the building served briefly as a military garrison before returning to religious use.
The name translates from Urdu as 'royal mosque' and reflects the imperial authority behind its construction. Visitors remove their shoes before stepping onto the vast courtyard floor, where the marble and sandstone surfaces stay cool even during hot afternoons.
Visitors can enter outside prayer times, and modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is expected for both men and women. The main entrance sits on the eastern side facing the fort, and from there you can walk freely around the courtyard and through the open galleries.
A small exhibition space near the entrance preserves old manuscripts, hair strands, and personal items attributed to the Prophet and his family. This collection draws pilgrims who come to view the relics up close and offer their respects.
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