A small mosque of 1514 commissioned by Rani Sipri, whose carved minarets and jali work resemble a piece of jewellery. It stands a short walk from Lal Darwaja and draws few tourists.
Rani Sipri's Mosque, also known as Masjid-e-Nagina, is a small mosque in the Lal Darwaja area of Ahmedabad's Old City, Gujarat. It was commissioned in 1514 by Rani Sipri and is prized for the fine carving of its minarets and jaali work, which is so delicate that the building is often compared to a piece of jewellery, and the name Nagina, meaning gem, reflects this. Despite its beauty, the mosque draws far fewer tourists than nearby Sidi Saiyyed Mosque or Jama Masjid, so it is a rewarding stop for those who want a quieter look at Sultanate architecture. It stands a short walk from Lal Darwaja, on a busy urban street. Visitors usually spend their time studying the exterior, where the slender minarets rise with intricate carved bands, and the stone lattice screens filter light into the prayer space. The carving combines floral and geometric patterns typical of Gujarat Sultanate work, and the small scale allows details to be seen up close. The prayer hall is modest, and the mosque is an active place of worship. A visit takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Visitors should dress modestly, remove shoes if entering, keep quiet and avoid prayer times, particularly Friday midday. Entry practices and hours are not fixed in listings, so visitors should check locally on arrival and be prepared to view the exterior only if the doors are closed. Morning and late afternoon give the best light for photographs of the minarets and carved surfaces. The mosque is easily combined with Bhadra Fort, Teen Darwaza and Sidi Saiyyed Mosque on a short walking tour of the Old City.
Highlights
- Carved minarets of a 1514 mosque
- Delicate jaali work that resembles jewellery
- Quiet alternative to the larger Old City mosques
- Short walk from Lal Darwaja
- Easy to combine with Bhadra and Sidi Saiyyed Mosque
Tips for visiting
- Dress modestly and remove shoes if entering.
- Avoid prayer times, particularly Friday midday.
- Photograph the minarets in morning or late afternoon light.
- Confirm access locally, as the doors may be closed at times.
- Combine with Bhadra Fort and Sidi Saiyyed Mosque on foot.
- Keep voices low; it is a working mosque.
When to visit
Morning or late afternoon between October and March for soft light. Avoid Friday midday prayers.
Accessibility
The mosque sits at street level in a busy area with uneven pavements, and entering involves removing shoes and possible steps. Wheelchair users can view the exterior from the street.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
About 20 to 30 minutes is enough to see the carved minarets and jaali work.
Is photography allowed?
Photography of the exterior is generally acceptable, but visitors should not photograph worshippers.
Why is it called Masjid-e-Nagina?
Nagina means gem, a name that reflects the jewel-like carving of its minarets and screens.
Is it crowded?
No. It draws few tourists compared with nearby mosques, so it is usually calm.
Tours and tickets
Rani Sipri's Mosque (Masjid-e-Nagina)
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