Jama Masjid, Salem
Jama
Masjid is the oldest mosque of Salem, situated on the southern banks of River
Thirumanimuthu on Bazaar Street. This mosque is said to have been built by the
Mysore ruler, Tipu Sultan, who is also considered to have offered prayers at
this mosque. This mosque was also given Masjid Inam by the British Government,
in the year 1862.
Jama
Masjids in any town or city refer to the chief mosque of that city and is
typically where worshipers gather for Eid prayers and Friday prayers. These are
frequently known as congregational mosques or Friday mosques.
History
Jama
Masjid, Salem is believed to have been constructed by the ruler of Mysore, Tipu
Sultan. He supposedly offered prayers here.
Attractions
Fridays
see the Jama Masjid in Salem packed with devout worshipers. The prayer hall of
this imposing and grand mosque stands on elevated ground. It is decorated with
tall, elaborate granite pillars. The mosque is skillfully adorned with
intricate jali work and floral ornamentation. The elegant twin minarets stretch
out towards the spherical domes above the balconies.
It’s
worth visiting Jama Masjid during festival seasons like Eid when the mosque is
festooned and glitters in the night thanks to the myriad lights that garland
its exteriors. During Ramzan (Ramadan) the mosque arranges iftar dinners
after sunset.
