About the Mosque
The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, is a historic and architectural marvel built in 1573 by Sidi Saiyyed, a general in the army of the last Sultan of Gujarat, Shams-ud-Din Muzaffar Shah III. This mosque is renowned for its intricate stone latticework, particularly the “Sidi Saiyyed Jali”, which features exquisitely carved tree and foliage designs. The stunning craftsmanship of the jali windows has made it an iconic symbol of Ahmedabad and a significant part of Gujarat’s rich heritage.
Description and Specialty:
The mosque is known for its mysterious "shaking minarets," where pushing one tower causes the other to vibrate without affecting the connecting column. This unique architectural feature is the main specialty of the mosque. While the vibrating of the minarets is reportedly no longer demonstrated, historical accounts and user reviews highlight this as its defining characteristic. The mosque also features a mezzanine floor, which is believed to have been a separate prayer area for women in older times.
Address & Location
The mosque is situated near Kalupur Railway Station in Ahmedabad. Its geographical coordinates are approximately 23.0225° N latitude and 72.6167° E longitude.
Visiting Hours & Guidelines
The mosque is primarily a historic site rather than a functional place of worship. Visiting hours are typically 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but it is advisable to check with local authorities or tour operators. There is no entry fee, and photography is allowed, though some areas may have restrictions. Visitors are recommended to dress modestly.
Facilities
The mosque does not provide specific services or sevas. There are no food or accommodation facilities within the premises, but Ahmedabad city offers a wide range of restaurants and hotels catering to different budgets. Nearby areas, like Manek Chowk and Law Garden Night Market, offer traditional Gujarati cuisine and street food. Juhapura is known for its Mughlai food.
Traveling to the Mosque
The nearest railway station is Ahmedabad Junction (Kalupur Railway Station), just 1 km away. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is about 8 km away, with direct flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, and international destinations. The nearest major bus station is Geeta Mandir Bus Stand, approximately 3 km from the mosque. Public transport, including auto-rickshaws, local buses, and taxis, is easily available for travel within Ahmedabad.
For those traveling by train, Ahmedabad Junction is well connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Surat, and Vadodara. Those arriving by air can take taxis or public transport from the airport. City buses operate frequently between major city points and the mosque area.
Nearby Cities
Ahmedabad is close to several important cities. Gandhinagar is around 27 km away, Vadodara is about 110 km away, Surat is approximately 265 km away, Udaipur in Rajasthan is around 250 km away, and Mumbai is roughly 530 km away.
Nearby Attractions
Several historic and cultural sites surround the Sidi Bashir Mosque. The Jama Masjid Ahmedabad, one of India’s largest mosques, is about 2 km away. The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, famous for its intricate stone lattice windows (Jali work), is approximately 2.5 km away. Bhadra Fort, known for its grand gates, is 2 km from the mosque. Other notable attractions include Sabarmati Ashram (5 km away), Kankaria Lake (6 km away), and Adalaj Stepwell (19 km away).
Shopping & Local Specialties
Ahmedabad is famous for textiles and traditional Gujarati handicrafts. Popular shopping areas include Law Garden Night Market, known for traditional Gujarati dresses and jewelry, Manek Chowk, which serves as a jewelry market by day and a food hub by night, Rani no Hajiro, offering antique jewelry and Bandhani sarees, Sindhi Market, known for fabrics and textiles, and Dhalgarwad Market, offering budget-friendly sarees and traditional wear.
