Jama Masjid, Salem

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.