A Quick Glimpse of Famous Alamgir Mosque in Varanasi

Varanasi, the holy city of India, has a diverse range of religious traditions. Varanasi hosts thousands of tourists every year, who are intrigued by the cultural richness of this city. There are all types of hotels to accommodate tourists, starting from Varanasi 5 star hotels to budget home-stays.Though numerous temples can be spotted in Varanasi, two of the famous mosques of India are also rooted here. One of these mosques is the Alamgir mosque, built during the reign of Aurangazeb. Another mosque in Varanasi is the Gyanvapi mosque.

The Alamgir mosque is an evidence of Hindu and Mughal architectural blend. Varanasi has played the home to people from different cultures and religions. The love of this land of cultural diversity, for all religions, is portrayed in the beautiful fact, that Alamgir mosque, standing tall on the river banks of Ganga is largest of all the structures, situated on the river banks in Varanasi.

Standing tall, on the Panchaghat river bank of Varanasi, this mosque owes its origin to an age-old controversy. A temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, used to reside here earlier. This temple was built by one of the renowned Maratha, Beni Madhur Rao Scindia. With the onset of Mughal rule, in Varanasi, this Krishna temple was demolished. Under the instructions of Aurangzeb, all the other religious spots of the Hindus in Varanasi were demolished. Alamgir mosque was built at the place of the Krishna temple. As the mosque, was built during the reign of Aurangazeb, the emperor, named it after his Mughal title ‘Alamgir’.

This mosque portrays a touch of Persian architecture as well. The magnificence of this Alamgir mosque can be even more appealing, if seen during a boat-ride on the Ganges, at the ghats of ‘Panchaganga’. This mosque still has the remains of the Krishna temple at its base. Only Muslims are permitted to enter this mosque.

Alamgir mosque is one of the sacred spots of Varanasi.Many of the ancientbuildings in India portray a blend of Mughal and Hindu architectural patterns. Alamgir mosque is no exception. This is also a popular spot you will come across while a boat-ride on the Ganges. Varanasi offers a mixed platter of religious places, silk saris, street food, and famous‘banarasipaan’. Planning a trip to plunge in the holy city of Ganges can be ever refreshing. The city also offers a diverse range of budget hotels, and the good hotels in Varanasi, adds on to the fun of your stay.