Hazratbal Mosque

Rising in gleaming white Makrana marble on the northern shore of Dal Lake in Srinagar, the revered Hazratbal Mosque (known natively as Dargah Sharif or Assar e Sharif) is the holiest Muslim pilgrimage shrine in Jammu And Kashmir. Known affectionately as the Madinat us Sani (Second Medina) of Kashmir, this luminous sanctuary houses the sacred Moi e Muqqadas, a holy relic believed to be a preserved strand of hair from the Prophet Muhammad.

Truth is, unlike the traditional wooden pagoda style architecture characteristic of Kashmiri mosques like Jama Masjid, Hazratbal is the only domed marble mosque in the Kashmir Valley. Its pearly white dome and solitary minaret reflect gracefully in the calm waters of Dal Lake against the dramatic backdrop of the snow dusted Zabarwan mountain range.

The history of the shrine dates back to the seventeenth century when Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan subedar Sadiq Khan laid out a pleasure garden (Ishrat Mahal) on this site in 1623. In 1699 AD, the sacred relic arrived in Kashmir during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb and was enshrined here for public reverence. Visiting Hazratbal pairs smoothly with Shikara rides across Nagin Lake and tours of Pari Mahal.

The Sacred Relic (Moi e Muqqadas) and Deedar Ceremonies

The Moi e Muqqadas is preserved inside a secure glass casket within the inner sanctum. On major Islamic festive occasions such as Eid Milad un Nabi, Shab e Qadr, and the Urs of the four Rightly Guided Caliphs, the relic is displayed for public viewing (Deedar) from the balcony of the shrine.

Hundreds of thousands of devotees from all parts of Jammu and Kashmir gather on the open lakefront lawns to offer tearful prayers, recite Darood Sharif, and seek spiritual solace. The serene sound of collective morning and evening azan echoing across Dal Lake provides a deeply moving spiritual experience before heading toward Shankaracharya Temple.

White Marble Architecture and Waterfront Promenade

The modern marble structure, constructed between 1968 and 1979 under the supervision of the Muslim Auqaf Trust, incorporates classical Mughal and Persian architectural motifs. The spacious prayer hall accommodates thousands of worshippers on luxurious hand knotted Kashmiri silk carpets.

The surrounding marble courtyard opens directly onto a waterfront promenade where flocks of pigeons feed along stone steps. Traditional shikaras moor at the Hazratbal ghat, allowing visitors to arrive smoothly by water from Boulevard Road or Nehru Park before exploring Jama Masjid.

Visiting Hours, Modesty Guidelines, and Local Bazaar

Hazratbal Mosque is open daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM for prayers and respectful tourist visits. Entry is completely free for all individuals regardless of faith.

Mind you, modest dress is required: men and women must cover their heads with a scarf or cap, and women enter the designated prayer wing. Outside the main entrance, the bustling Hazratbal market sells famous Kashmiri street food including giant crispy luchi flatbreads served with spiced halwa, roasted lotus stems (nadur), and traditional copper samovars. Combine your visit with Dal Lake.