Safa Masjid

| 12th November 2016, 12:00 am

Goa may not possess in its landscape the majesty of a Taj Mahal or the grandeur of New Delhi’s Jama Masjid, but it does have a treasure of Indo-Islamic architechture of its own in the form of the Safa Masjid situated in Ponda, which is located around 30 kms from the state capital of Panaji.

Safa masjid is also known as the Shifa Shahouri masjid and was built in the 16th century, which effectively makes it around 500 years old.

The Safa masjid stands solemn by an emerald green pool of water, neatly flanked by a rugged laterite bank and is the physical embodiment of the masjid’s name Safa, which means chaste, clean in the Arabic language.

The mosque is also flanked by several hamams with stylish archs, which are in sync with the principles of the Islamic architecture peppered with Indian influence.

The mosque was built by the rulers of the Adilshahi dynasty from Bijapur.

There is also a sense of mystery to the Safa masjid, which has not been unraveled yet. Tourist guides will regale you about the stories, of how there are mysterious tunnels which lead out from the mosque from under the water tanks. But that’s for you to find out, when you go check it out.

Adding the Safa masjid to your things to do list when you are taking a tour of temples in the Ponda area would be a great idea, especially considering it’s slightly off the mainstream tour grid.

Safa Masjid

Ponda

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