Built in 1573, the year the Gujarat Sultanate fell to Akbar, this small mosque is famous for the tree-of-life stone jaali panels on its western windows, which became the emblem of Ahmedabad and of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. It is an active place of worship, so modest dress and quiet behaviour are expected.
Sidi Saiyyed Mosque stands at Lal Darwaja in the Old City of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, close to the Bhadra district. Built in 1573, the year the Gujarat Sultanate fell to Akbar, it is a small mosque with no minarets and a plain form, but it is known worldwide for its western windows. Ten stone jaali screens, carved in fine lattice work, fill the arched openings at the back of the prayer hall. Two of them show the celebrated tree-of-life motif, with intertwining branches and palm forms cut from a single slab of yellow sandstone. This design became the emblem of Ahmedabad and is also used as the logo of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. Visitors approach from a busy road, step through a gate and find a quiet lawn in front of the prayer hall. Most of the visit is spent looking at the jaali panels from outside and inside, studying how the pattern changes as light moves through the stone. The best photo angle is from the garden facing the western wall in the late afternoon, when the sun projects patterns onto the ground. A visit takes 30 to 45 minutes. The mosque is an active place of worship, so visitors dress modestly, cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes and keep voices low. It generally opens from about 8:00AM to 6:00PM daily, and non-worshippers are advised to avoid Friday midday prayers. Entry is free and donations are accepted. Weekdays are calm, while weekends and holidays bring more photographers and local families. Nearby sights include Bhadra Fort, Teen Darwaza and Manek Chowk, all within a short walk, and the Lal Darwaja bus terminus is about five minutes away on foot.
| Admission | Adult Free (donations accepted) · Child Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily about 8:00AM-6:00PM; avoid Friday midday prayers |
| Typical visit | 30-45 minutes |
| Best time | Late afternoon light through the jaali screens, October to March |
| Getting there | Lal Darwaja bus terminus is a 5-minute walk |
| Address | Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, Lal Darwaja, Bhadra, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001 |
Location
Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, Lal Darwaja, Bhadra, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380001
23.0243, 72.5811 View on map
Highlights
- Tree-of-life jaali panels on the western windows
- Emblem of Ahmedabad and the IIM Ahmedabad logo
- Yellow sandstone carving from the 1573 Sultanate period
- Quiet lawn in front of the prayer hall
- Walking distance to Bhadra Fort and Teen Darwaza
Tips for visiting
- Come in the late afternoon when light passes through the jaali screens.
- Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering.
- Avoid Friday midday prayers when non-worshippers should stay away.
- Entry is free; donations are accepted.
- Combine with Bhadra Fort and Teen Darwaza on foot.
- Keep voices low; it is an active mosque.
When to visit
Late afternoon between October and March, when low sun lights the jaali screens. Avoid Friday midday prayers.
Accessibility
The garden and entrance are mostly level, but the prayer hall requires removing shoes and may involve a small step. Wheelchair users can view the jaali screens from the lawn.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
A visit usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, enough to see the jaali panels from inside and outside.
Is photography allowed?
Photography of the architecture is generally accepted, though visitors should avoid photographing people at prayer.
Is there an entry fee?
No. Entry is free, and donations are accepted.
Is it worth it for kids?
The visit is short and the setting is calm, so it suits children who can behave quietly, though it is mainly of interest for architecture.