Hazratbal Mosque is located in a village of the same name on the banks of the Dal. Its pristine white marble elegance is reflected in the waters of the lake. Hazratbal's special significance is derived from the fact that it houses a hair of the prophet Muhammad. This is displayed to the public on religious occasions, usually accompanied by fairs. Apart from these occasions, Friday prayers are offered at Hazratbal and attended by throngs of people. Hazratbal is remarkable for being the only domed mosque in Srinagar; the others having distinct pagoda like roofs. The shrine - mosque complex is situated on the western shore of the Dal Lake opposite Nishat Bagh and commands a grand view of the lake and the mountain beyond.
Enthusiastic archaeologists and historians are welcomed to this mosque. Pathar Masjid, the biggest surviving Mughal structure in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, is located across the Jhelum river and faces the Shah Hamdan mosque. The mosque, built by Noor Jahan in 1623 AD, consists of nine arches in the style of horizontal construction.
It is believed that the construction was supervised by the renowned architect and a known Mughal historian Malik Hyder Chaudhary. The masjid is in ruins, but visitors can get the blessed feeling of devotion. This is good place to have a closer look at the Mughal architectural styles.
Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mo-pop/6063789927/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shahbasharat/2775648763/
