Visit the Safa Masjid in Goa | Incredible India

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January

17.4 - 35.2 °C

February

17.9 - 36.2 °C

March

20.2 - 35.5 °C

April

22.6 - 35.3 °C

May

23.0 - 35.4 °C

June

22.2 - 34.4 °C

July

22.4 - 31.5 °C

August

22.7 - 31.2 °C

September

22.7 - 32.2 °C

October

21.7 - 35.0 °C

November

19.6 - 35.4 °C

December

18.3 - 34.9 °C

Nearest Airports :

Dabolim Airport (GOI), Goa

Manohar International Airport (GOX), North Goa

Nearest Railway Station :

Madgaon Junction Railway Station (MAO)

The oldest mosque and its ‘pure’ beauty

When the Portuguese invaded Goa and went on a violent rampage of destroying its historical monuments, they also didn’t spare its 27 mosques. But in its small town called Ponda, Safa Shahouri Masjid escaped the brutal end, even though it was burned and left in ruins until it was partially reconstructed in the 1980s. This oldest mosque is surrounded by dunes of green and showcases the architectural splendor of Islamic culture against the backdrop of coastal charm.

‘Safa’ means ‘clean, chaste, and pure’ in Arabic. It suits the mosque's design that’s without much extravagance. Dating back to the 16th century, the mosque looks humble, all it does is sing through its vivid simplicity. But if you are looking to have an offbeat experience in Goa, drive down to the Safa Shahouri Mosque, now an ASI protected Monument of National Importance.

Take a moment to appreciate the serene architecture

The mosque was constructed around 1560 by the Bijapuri ruler, Ibrahim Adil Shah I. But it might date back even earlier, as there's no inscription or historical records confirming the exact date.

As you enter, you will see it has just one rectangular prayer hall and a traditional terracotta roof. But it has a greenish-bluish water tank made of laterite, with small chambers consisting of ‘meharab’ designs. Also inside the mosque complex are 40 hammams and a gorgeous garden designed according to the Charbagh style.

The masjid is quite unlike a Goan tourist spot. If you go there, the absence of hawkers, shacks, food, and entertainment choices will seem odd. It is truly a loner’s paradise. You can sit in the courtyard and simply gaze at the greens around and the blues below.

Timings

Opening time - 05:00 AM

Closing time - 09:00 PM

Creating your own trail

Safa Shahouri Mosque is a trip out of the ordinary. It has survived violence and negligence. Once you have well-documented the beauty of this place, you can wander around and visit a few nearby places.

Ponda has a temple trail. Some of the most exclusive, prominent mandirs are lined one after the other. You can visit the Mangueshi temple, Shantadurga temple, and Nagesh temple. If you need a deviation from spirituality, you can enjoy the Butterfly Conservatory nearby. You can even try the spice plantation or immerse yourself in nature by visiting the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary.

Goa is fascinating at every bend. Some pockets have the most pristine churches, while some flaunt the temples. The choices are abundant. However, a mosque is rarer and not as common as its peers. Safa Masjid is a symbol of Goa’s cultural heritage. Don't forget to drop by and enjoy this precious gem.