Rani Sipri’s Mosque: Explore The 16th-Century Gem In Ahmedabad

Rani Sipri’s Mosque, also known as Rani Sipri ni Masjid or Masjid-e-Nagina, previously known as Rani Asni’s Mosque, is a historic mosque in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. It was built in 1514 by Queen Sipri, the Hindu wife of Sultan Mahmud Begada. Known for its beautiful jali carvings, the mosque is often referred to as the Masjid-e-Nagina which translates to “Jewel of a Mosque.”

History Of Rani Sipri’s Mosque

The history of Rani Sipri’s Mosque in Ahmedabad, unfortunately, carries misfortune as the mosque was ordered to be constructed after a tragic event where the queen and her husband, Sultan Mahmud Begada, executed their son for an offense. Located near the Astodia Darwaza, this historical Mosque serves both as a place of worship and as the burial site for Queen Sipri.

It is also believed that this Mosque was a way for Queen Sipri to express her sorrow or a way to remember her son. As much as it was a place to worship, it was also a place to recall her personal story and religious beliefs.

This medieval monument faced a threat in 2006-2007 when the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation proposed demolishing the mosque partially to expand a road. Despite these challenges, Rani Sipri’s Mosque in Ahmedabad remains an important part of the city’s rich heritage, preserving its historical and architectural legacy.

Architecture Of Rani Sipri’s Mosque

The east side opens onto a square that is adorned with elegant domes rising above the roof. The prayer hall inside has two aisles with rows of intricately carved pillars. The back wall has Mihrabs that show the direction of prayer, and the decorated windows let the light reflect on the holy space.

Across the square to the east of the mosque is the tomb of Rani Sipri. The tomb is a square alcove with a dome-shaped chamber in the center. Twelve pillars hold up the main dome which creates a beautiful visual effect. There is a beautiful walkway around it which is ornated with jailwork and also has four smaller domes at the corners. There are doors on the west and south sides that invite visitors to explore the inner area, which is believed to be the final resting place of Queen Subha Rai.

There is a separate worship area for women, called Jenana, located upstairs. The two windows on the south side, facing the street, show Hindu architectural influences with their detailed carved brackets. The mosque also has a long corridor and a domed roof. The intricately carved jharokhas on the southern walls add to the mosque’s beautiful design.

Location Of Rani Sipri’s Mosque

You can reach Rani Sipri’s Mosque in Ahmedabad by several means of transportation:

• By Air: The nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, about 10 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a private taxi or use cab services like Uber or Ola to reach the mosque.
• By Train: The main railway station, Ahmedabad Junction (Kalupur Railway Station), is roughly 4 kilometers from the mosque. You can take a rickshaw, taxi, or local bus from the station to the mosque.
• By Bus: Ahmedabad has a good network of state and private buses. You can get off at the central bus station (GSRTC Central Bus Station), around 5 kilometers from the mosque, and then take a local bus, rickshaw, or taxi.
• By Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws and taxis are easily available throughout Ahmedabad. Public buses run by AMTS (Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service) connect to different parts of the city.

The mosque area can be explored on foot, but be prepared to walk along the narrow streets in the old city which adds to the historical charm of the site.

Timings Of Rani Sipri’s Mosque

Places Near Rani Sipri’s Mosque

1. Jhulta Minara

Distance: Approximately 1.8 km

Timings: 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Address: opp. Sarangpur Water Tank, Sakar Bazaar, Kalupur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380002

2. Gandhi Ashram

Distance: Approximately 7.3 km

Timings: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Address: Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya, Ashram Rd, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380027

3. Swaminarayan Mandir

Distance: Approximately 2.3 km

Timings: 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. & 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Address: Swaminarayan Mandir Road, Old City, Kalupur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001

4. Teen Darwaja

Distance: Approximately 1.5 km

Timings: Opens 24 hours

Address: Gandhi Rd, Old City, Bhadra, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001

Conclusion