Thousand Lights Mosque
One of the largest mosques in Chennai, named for the thousand oil lamps that once illuminated its grand prayer hall.
History
Built in the early 1800s by Nawab Umdat-ul-Umra, the Thousand Lights Mosque is one of Chennai's most prominent Islamic landmarks. The mosque takes its name from the estimated one thousand oil lamps that were required to illuminate its vast prayer hall before the advent of electricity. The area around it, also called Thousand Lights, derives its name from the mosque.
Architecture
The mosque features a large domed prayer hall that can accommodate up to 1,000 worshippers. The architecture blends Mughal and South Indian styles, with ornate minarets and a spacious courtyard. The interior is decorated with calligraphic inscriptions from the Quran.
Visiting Information
Located on Anna Salai (Mount Road) near the Thousand Lights junction, the mosque is accessible by metro (Thousand Lights station) and bus. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome outside of prayer times. Modest dress is required.