Thousand Lights Mosque

Thousand Lights Mosque is a prominent Shia mosque located on Anna Salai in the Thousand Lights neighbourhood of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Originally built in 1810 by Nawab Umdat ul-Umara of the Carnatic and rebuilt in 1981 in its present form, it is noted for its distinctive multi-domed architecture, twin minarets and tradition of being illuminated by a thousand oil lamps. It remains an active place of worship and a significant architectural landmark in central Chennai.

Visitors can expect a large, active mosque complex on busy Anna Salai with white multi-domed prayer halls, two tall minarets, arched entrances and a spacious courtyard. The interior features a main prayer hall with chandeliers and calligraphy. The surroundings are urban and busy, with commercial streets and traffic. Visitors can view the exterior architecture, walk through the courtyard outside prayer times, and observe daily worship activities in a calm, reverent atmosphere.

Built in 1810 by Nawab Umdat ul-Umara of the Carnatic dynasty. According to tradition, the assembly hall was illuminated by a thousand oil lamps, giving the mosque and the surrounding neighbourhood the name Thousand Lights. The original structure was rebuilt in 1981 in its present modern form with domes and minarets, while retaining its historical importance.

One of the principal Shia mosques in South India and a major religious centre for the Shia community in Chennai. It serves as an active place of daily prayers, Friday congregations and observances during Muharram, and is noted for its Indo-Islamic architectural style and community role in central Chennai.