Khair ul Manazil Masjid
This Masjid is situated on Mathura Road opposite Purana Qila. It was constructed in the year 1561 by Maham Angah the Wet Nurse of Emperor Akbar.
The entrance of the Masjid has a grand red sandstone Archway representing Mughul Architecture of the period. The entrance is grandiose in style. The Masjid inside is built of rubble stone and coated with white plaster in sultanate architectural style.
As you enter the archway there is a octogonal water pool which the devout Muslims use for their ablutions. The Masjid on the opposite is having three arched gateways and the main prayer hall has five arches leading to it. On the entrance gate of the Masjid is an inscription which mentions about Maham Angah construction of the Masjid.
Maham Angah was a powerful lady assertive and autocratic. She was the person who took care of Emperor Akbar when Humayun died in 1556 and Akbar was hardly 13 years of age. In fact she was the defacto ruler for 5 years.
It is said that once Akbar after hunting in the Forest and after visiting Nizammuddin Auliya Dargah nearby rested here. A disgruntled slave tried to attack him with an arrow which missed him by a whisker he being of short stature. What must have happened to the slave need no mention.
Sadly this heritage mosque maintained by ASI is in a very bad shape. The devout Muslim who come for prayer here on Fridays consist of a good number of Advocates from nearby Delhi High Court. In winter it is informed that the prayers are held in the courtyard in the soothing winter sunshine.
Situated on Mathura Road opposite Purana Qila. Nearest metro station Pragati Maidan
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