Thousand Lights Mosque Chennai Entry Fee
- No entry fee
Thousand Lights Mosque Chennai Phone
097506 29590
Rating: 
| 4/5 stars
Based on total 52 reviews
Thousand Lights Mosque Chennai Address: Royapettah, Peters Road, Peters Colony, Thousand Lights, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600086, India
Thousand Lights Mosque in Chennai is among the most revered mosques of the city. It’s a prominent gathering place for daily prayers and other festive occasions.
The mosque got its name from a legend that thousand oil lamps were needed back in the days to illuminate the prayer hall. Some also believe that the mosque is called so because of the thousand lights provided by the Indian National Congress party on their first visit to the city.
Although Thousand Lights Mosque Chennai is revered among the entire Muslim community, it holds a special significance for the Shia Muslims. The shrine is dedicated to Imam Hossain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. And he is respected among the Shia sect around the world.
Thousand Lights Mosque is also the home of the chief of the Shia sect of Tamil Nadu.
Where is Thousand Lights Mosque in Chennai?
Thousand Lights Mosque is in the heart of Chennai, in the Royapettah neighbourhood of Anna Salai. It is a well-known landmark in the area, near the Peters Road and Mount Road crossing.
Architecture of Thousand Lights Mosque
Thousand Lights Mosque has been built in the traditional Islamic design. It follows a medieval architectural style, with multiple domes and towering minarets. The interiors are inscribed with verses from Quran, the Holy Book of Islam.
The dargah (sanctum sanctorum) of the mosque is on the second floor. And the main hall, where men gather for prayers (namaz), is on the ground floor. Women have a separate room to offer their prayers.
Image Gallery of Thousand Lights Mosque Chennai
History of Thousand Lights Mosque Chennai
Thousand Lights Mosque history goes back to the early 19th century. Its foundation was laid by Nawab Umdat-ul-Umrah of Wallajah dynasty, who owned the land. He also was the ruler of the Carnatic State under the Mughal Empire.
Before the mosque was here, the place was a gathering ground for the Shia Muslims. They came here during the month of Muharram. So, the Nawab donated 3 acres for an assembly hall. His family constructed the mosque later, in 1810, a few years after his death.
The second, larger mosque was built in 1981.
Things to do at Thousand Lights Mosque
The Thousand Lights Mosque in Chennai is visited by locals and tourists alike. The Muslim devotees in and around the city, especially the Shia Muslim sect, consider it an important pilgrimage place. It is like the headquarters of Shia Muslims in the state.
Thousand Lights Shia Mosque also has a library, a guest house, and the burial place of Imam Hossain (the grandson of Prophet Muhammad).
Many people visit this mosque on the occasion of Muharram festival too. They gather to mourn the death of Imam Hossain and participate in a communal grievance ceremony – matam. The mosque is decorated with lights on this day, and it looks lovely.
Thousand Lights Mosque Timings and Entry Fee
The mosque is open every day, from 5.30 AM to 9 PM. And it should take only about an hour to explore the mosque complex. You don’t need to pay any entry fee to visit Thousand Lights Mosque Chennai.
How to reach Thousand Lights Mosque in Chennai?
Thousand Lights Mosque is in Anna Salai, and it’s easy to get conveyance from all parts of Chennai. It is about 5 km from Chennai Central railway station, 11 km from the bus terminus in Koyambedu, and 19 km from Chennai airport. And following are the various ways to reach this mosque –
By metro – Thousand Lights metro station is 3 km away from the mosque. From there, you can hire a taxi/auto.
By bus – There are many city bus stops near the mosque. The Church Park School bus stop is the nearest, only 100 metres away.
By taxi/cab ou can also book a taxi/cab from top car rental companies in Chennai visit Thousand Lights Shia Mosque. It is the best and the most comfortable way to visit the mosque and check out other popular sightseeing places of Chennai.
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