Shah E Hamdan Mosque in Srinagar Old City, Kashmir

This mosque is situated on the right bank of River Jhelum in Zainakadal (earlier known as Alauddinpora), Old City of Srinagar  and can be approached through the road as well as the river. It is also known as Khanqah-e-Moula. The shrine of Shah-e-Hamdan or Khanqah-e Moulla is one of the oldest Muslim shrines in Kashmir.

View of Shah E Hamdan from the bridge of Jhelum River.

The main entrance of the mosque.

It was constructed by Sultan Sikandar (1389-1413 AD) in memory of the preacher Mir Syed Ali Hamdani,  known as Shah Hamdan, Amir-e-Kabir, and Ali Sa’ani, who had visited Kashmir and stayed there for meditation and preaching. However, it is believed that Shah Hamdan’s son, Mir Mohammad actually built the shrine.

Babul Islam - Gate of Islam

Man entering the mosque.

The Mihrab...

It is noted for the Papier Mache work on its walls and ceilings

No nails or screws were used in the construction of this all-wooden mosque. It is originally built in 1395 but it has been destroyed by fire in 1479 and again in 1731. 

 

The interior..

Wood architecture. 

 

This mosque is an excellent example of indigenous wood architecture that draws inspiration from Buddhist, Hindu and Islamic architecture. The shrine bears a wooden structure with marvelously carved roof space and hanging bells. The interior of the mosque is richly carved with ancient religious sermons and historical inscriptions.

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Volume 1, Book 9, Number 474 :

Narrated by 'Aun bin Abi Juhaifa

I heard my father saying, "The Prophet led us, and prayed a two-Rak'at Zuhr prayer and then a two-Rak'at 'Asr prayer at Al-Batha' with an 'Anza (planted) in front of him (as a Sutra) while women and donkeys were passing in front of him (beyond that 'Anza)."