Picture taken on September 18, 2016
Situated on the western side of the fort, the Moti Masjid, or Pearl Mosque, stands as an exquisite testament to Mughal architecture. Crafted entirely from the pristine white marble sourced from the town of Makrana in contemporary Rajasthan, this relatively small yet resplendent structure captures the essence of elegance and devotion. While many buildings within the fort adhere to a predominant north-south orientation, the Moti Masjid deviates from this pattern to ensure that its mihrab, the central niche indicating the direction of Mecca, faces directly toward the holy city.
The outward appearance of the Moti Masjid, like many mosques, may seem unassuming and modest. Its entrance is restricted to a small door located at the northeast, near the Makatib Khana. Upon entering the mosque's antechamber, one encounters a dimly lit passageway that imparts a sense of enclosure. However, as the visitor crosses the threshold into the mosque's courtyard, a captivating transformation unfolds. Suddenly, they are greeted by a luminous panorama of radiant marble, reflecting purity and illuminating the space in stark contrast to the world outside.
The facade of the Moti Masjid is divided into five bays, with the central bay slightly projecting forward into the courtyard. This five-bay arrangement, a favored motif in Mughal architecture, was first observed at the Maryam Zamani Mosque and subsequently utilized in many significant Mughal mosques. Notably, the Moti Masjid diverges from the Maryam Zamani precedent by incorporating two transverse aisles along the western wall, adding a distinctive touch to its design.
It is worth noting that the Moti Masjid in Lahore is not the sole "Pearl Mosque" built during the Mughal era. Similar mosques bearing the same name can be found in Agra and Delhi, as it was a common practice among the Mughals to associate mosques with precious gemstones. The choice of "Pearl" reflects both the lustrous surface of the marble, reminiscent of a pearl's iridescence, and the mosque's comparatively modest size.
The Moti Masjid stands as a testament to the architectural finesse and devotion of the Mughal era. Its ethereal beauty, manifested through the gleaming white marble, evokes a sense of tranquility and reverence. As visitors explore its sacred space, they are transported to a realm where artistry and spirituality converge, leaving an indelible impression of awe and wonder. The Moti Masjid's legacy, shared with its counterparts in Agra and Delhi, serves as a shining example of the Mughal dynasty's enduring architectural brilliance and their commitment to creating spaces of profound significance.
