Indo Islamic Heritage
The Nearest Bus Stand is the Bhendi Bazaar Junction/J.J. Hospital Stop, situated at 0.15 km, the Nearest Railway Station is the Sandhurst Road Suburban Railway Station (Central Line), situated at 0.85 km, the Nearest Terminal Hub is the Marine Lines Railway Station (Western Line), situated at 1.6 km, the Nearest Central Terminus is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), situated at 2.2 km, and the Nearest Domestic/Int. Airport is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) situated at 16.0 km from the mosque.
The Gurratul Masjid (widely known across the metropolis as the Saifee Masjid) stands as a premier spiritual cathedral, an architecturally sublime masterwork, and an indispensable community anchor within the historically dense heart of South Mumbai. Situated along Saifee Jubilee Street inside the culturally rich Bhendi Bazaar enclave of the Kumbharwada and Ajmer neighbourhood perimeters, this magnificent mosque complex serves as the ultimate socio-religious nucleus for the Dawoodi Bohra community across Maharashtra and the wider Indian subcontinent. Historical and Religious Significance The mosque complex holds an elite position among the region's minority community sanctuaries, beautifully showcasing the intersection of meticulous ancestral traditions, global trade paths, and unique architectural aesthetics. The Spiritual Crown of the Dawoodi Bohras: Operating as an exclusive sanctuary under the direct theological guidance of the Dawoodi Bohra community, the mosque answers directly to the absolute spiritual administration of the Dai al-Mutlaq. Derived from the classical Arabic root translating to "The Prime Accent of the Mosque," the name Gurratul Masjid reflects its elite standing as one of the largest and most institutionally significant Bohra mosques in India. It preserves a distinct Fatimid cultural, linguistic, and structural identity, emphasising absolute internal cleanliness, deep esoteric scriptural studies (Batin), and structured communal welfare. The Legacy of Bhendi Bazaar Trade: The history of the Saifee Masjid is intimately bound to the late 19th and early 20th-century commercial prosperity of Bhendi Bazaar as the primary wholesale hardware, textile, and spice trading capital of the Mumbai presidency. Conceived to provide a grand permanent home for collective prayer, community assemblies, and administrative planning right beside their marketplaces, the mosque represents the deep trading heritage of the community. It sits adjacent to the historic Raudat Tahera—the grand mausoleum of the community's revered spiritual leaders, His Holiness Dr. Syedna Taher Saifuddin and His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin—making the entire precinct a global pilgrimage site. Establishment: Meeting the steady density expansion and commercial prosperity of the Bhendi Bazaar trading zone, the permanent modern masonry and marble structure of the complex was formally established in 1926. Built completely through organised internal community contributions and philanthropic funding from prominent merchant families, the property has undergone routine structural restorations and is today integrated into the historic Bhendi Bazaar Upliftment Project. Fatimid Architectural Grandeur: The sanctuary features a clean, striking facade highlighted by neo-Fatimid architectural styles reminiscent of classical Cairo. It showcases elegant multi-tiered minarets, polished white marble floors, a grand central chandelier, a prominent dome, and intricate, gold-leafed calligraphic inscriptions of the entire Holy Quran on the walls of the adjacent complex. The Communal Jamatkhana: Directly integrated into the mosque complex is the community's Jamatkhana (Congregational Dining Hall). Following the strict protocols of the Faiz al-Mawaid al-Burhaniyah (FMB) initiative, the mosque trust coordinates structured community kitchens, ensuring food security and unified daily nutritional relief for resident families. The Holy Month and Ashara Mubaraka: During the sacred days of Ramadan and the global commemoration of Ashara Mubaraka (the first ten days of Muharram), the complex runs with spectacular discipline. It serves as a central hub for complex theological discourse, communal fast-breaking assemblies (Iftar), and large-scale neighbourhood welfare distribution drives. Location and Accessibility: The heritage mosque enjoys a commanding position directly within the trading grid of Bhendi Bazaar along Saifee Jubilee Street, keeping the inner prayer lines beautifully insulated from heavy marketplace noise while remaining completely accessible to local transit links. Traveller's Note: The Gurratul Masjid features a clean, exceptionally well-maintained architectural layout highlighted by a naturally well-ventilated main prayer hall, stunning minarets, a striking dome, and pristine facilities for ritual purification (Wudu). Renowned across the local block for its quiet, highly orderly, and deeply meditative environment, it provides an exceptionally peaceful retreat for travellers and shoppers exploring the local markets. Visitors from all backgrounds are cordially welcomed to look at the architecture, and modest attire paired with traditional decorum is expected when stepping inside the sacred premises.
Year of Built: 1926
Address: Saifee Jubilee Street, Ajmer, Bhendi Bazaar, Kumbharwada, Mumbai
Country: India
State: Maharashtra
District: Bhind
Pincode: 400003
Longitude: 72.83101808596014
Latitude: 18.958857122600854