Dewatagaha Jumma Masjid - cars parked in front of beige concrete building during daytime
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Dewatagaha Jumma Masjid

4.5
·899 reviews·Colombo, Sri Lanka

A historic Colombo mosque renowned for its unique Islamic architecture, intricate calligraphy, and a legend of divine intervention.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Experience tranquility

CrowdLow
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Dewatagaha Jumma Masjid - cars parked in front of beige concrete building during daytime

Dewatagaha Jumma Masjid

Best Time

Early mornings

Experience tranquility

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Colombo mosque renowned for its unique Islamic architecture, intricate calligraphy, and a legend of divine intervention.

4.5
(899 reviews)

"A beautiful and spiritually uplifting mosque with stunning architecture and a peaceful atmosphere."

Vertical photo
TIP

👗 Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders & knees. Scarves recommended for women. Respectful attire is essential. :pray:

📸 Capture the Artistry

The mosque's calligraphy and architecture are stunning. Visit on a sunny day for unique photo ops. :camerawithflash:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Architectural Grandeur

Architectural Grandeur

Admire the unique Islamic architecture, reminiscent of Galle mosques, with striking minarets and intricate calligraphy.

Legendary Foundation

Legendary Foundation

Discover the fascinating 19th-century legend of the oil monger woman that inspired the mosque's construction.

Spiritual Sanctuary

Spiritual Sanctuary

Find a calm and respectful atmosphere for prayer and reflection, offering a serene escape from the city bustle.

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Planning Your Visit

Respectful Attire is Key

Visitors should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, out of respect for this active place of worship. Scarves are recommended for women. Arrive with an open mind to experience the spiritual ambiance.

Best Times for Serenity

To avoid crowds and experience the mosque's peaceful atmosphere, plan your visit during prayer times or early mornings. Weekends can be busier with worshippers.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Experience tranquility
Crowd
Low
When
During prayer times
Why
Witness devotion
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

👗 Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders & knees. Scarves recommended for women. Respectful attire is essential. :pray:

📸 Capture the Artistry

The mosque's calligraphy and architecture are stunning. Visit on a sunny day for unique photo ops. :camerawithflash:

🙏 Be Mindful of Prayer

Avoid visiting during peak prayer times to ensure a peaceful experience for worshippers. :clock1:

🚶‍♂️ Explore Adjoining Shops

The small shops nearby add to the area's charm and offer a glimpse into local life. :shopping_bags:

Tips

from all over the internet

👗 Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders & knees. Scarves recommended for women. Respectful attire is essential. :pray:

📸 Capture the Artistry

The mosque's calligraphy and architecture are stunning. Visit on a sunny day for unique photo ops. :camerawithflash:

🙏 Be Mindful of Prayer

Avoid visiting during peak prayer times to ensure a peaceful experience for worshippers. :clock1:

🚶‍♂️ Explore Adjoining Shops

The small shops nearby add to the area's charm and offer a glimpse into local life. :shopping_bags:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(899 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Dewatagaha Jumma Masjid is lauded for its stunning Islamic architecture, rich history, and serene spiritual atmosphere. Visitors appreciate its unique design, intricate calligraphy, and the peaceful ambiance it offers as a sanctuary from city life. While generally well-received, some may find parking challenging in the busy urban setting.

"Dawatagaha Jumma Masjid is a beautiful and spiritually uplifting mosque in the heart of Colombo. The architecture is stunning, with intricate details that reflect its rich history and cultural significance. It’s a peaceful place for prayer and reflection, welcoming to both locals and visitors. The mosque is well-maintained, and the atmosphere is calm and respectful. A must-visit for anyone interested in Islamic heritage and a serene escape from the busy city."

Khuram Shahzad

"A two hundred year old historic mosque in the centre of Colombo. There used to be also a grave (mazar) within the compound."

Arshad Haque

"The Dewatagaha Mosque is an important prayer place for worshipers.

It is one of the unique architectural Islamic monuments in Sri Lanka.

The history of the mosque dates back to the early 19th century, however, the mosque is thought to be built 150 years ago. The foundation of the mosque is based on a story that affected the construction of the mosque. In 1820, an oil monger woman who had been earning her livelihood from oil had her oil pot broken. She had been very hopeless that she was not able to bring food to her family after this happened; however, a saint had come and helped her; filled a pot with oil amazingly. After this legend, the mosque was built where this event has happened.

From that time till now, the place stands on the same place, representing purity, spirituality, and truth.

Also, the mosque is architecturally noticeable; having similar characteristics to the mosques at Galle.

The minarets are notable and the mosque is famous for its calligraphy works."

Karin S.

What People Like

Beautiful architecture
Peaceful atmosphere
Rich history

What People Dislike

Parking challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The mosque is centrally located in Colombo, making it accessible by taxi, tuk-tuk, or public transport. Many visitors find it easy to reach via ride-sharing apps. It's a well-known landmark, so most drivers will know the way.

Parking can be challenging in this busy city center. It's advisable to use ride-sharing services or public transport to avoid parking hassles. If driving, look for designated parking areas nearby, but be prepared for limited availability.

Tuk-tuks and taxis are readily available and offer a convenient way to reach the mosque from anywhere in Colombo's city center. For a more budget-friendly option, local buses also serve the area.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Dewatagaha Jumma Masjid is free. It's a place of worship, and visitors are welcome to enter and experience its spiritual ambiance without charge. Donations are appreciated.

The mosque is generally open throughout the day, especially during prayer times. It's best to visit outside of the main prayer hours to ensure a peaceful experience and to avoid disturbing worshippers.

There's no need to book tickets in advance as entry is free. Visitors can come and go as they please, respecting the prayer schedules and the sanctity of the place.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Modest attire is essential. Women should cover their heads, shoulders, and knees. Men should wear long trousers and cover their shoulders. Scarves are often available for visitors who need them.

Yes, the mosque is known for its calm and respectful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for prayer and quiet contemplation away from the city's noise.

Photography is generally permitted, but it's crucial to be discreet and respectful. Avoid taking photos of worshippers without their permission and refrain from using flash during prayer times.

It's a historic mosque dating back to the early 19th century, known for its unique architecture, calligraphy, and the legend of its founding. It's a significant Islamic monument in Sri Lanka.

📸 📸 Photography

Early mornings or late afternoons offer beautiful lighting for photography. A sunny day can make the white structure stand out dramatically against the blue sky, resembling a 'gigantic white flower'.

The mosque's distinctive minarets and intricate calligraphy are highly photogenic. The overall unique design, similar to mosques in Galle, also makes for striking images.

You can capture stunning exterior shots showcasing the mosque's unique form, detailed close-ups of the calligraphy, and wider shots that include the surrounding urban environment for context.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Dewatagaha Jumma Masjid is a place of worship, families can visit to introduce children to Islamic architecture and culture. Emphasize the importance of respectful behavior and quiet voices. The legend behind the mosque's construction can be a captivating story for younger ones. Ensure children are dressed modestly, covering shoulders and knees, to adhere to the mosque's dress code.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Dewatagaha Jumma Masjid offers unique photographic opportunities. Its distinctive white architecture, especially on a sunny day, creates a striking visual. Focus on capturing the intricate calligraphy and the elegant minarets. Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the textures and details, making for truly memorable shots. Remember to be discreet and respectful when photographing, especially if worshippers are present.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History and Legend

The Dewatagaha Jumma Masjid is more than just a place of worship; it's a repository of history and local lore. Its origins trace back to the early 19th century, with estimates suggesting construction around 150 years ago. The mosque's foundation is rooted in a touching legend involving an oil monger woman. After her oil pot broke, leaving her despondent, a saint miraculously refilled it, inspiring the construction of the mosque on that very spot. This tale imbues the site with a sense of purity, spirituality, and truth that continues to resonate with visitors today.

The mosque's architectural style is noteworthy, sharing characteristics with the historic mosques found in Galle. Its prominent minarets and exquisite calligraphy are particularly striking features. These elements contribute to its status as one of Sri Lanka's unique Islamic architectural monuments. The building itself is described as artistic and picture-worthy, especially on a sunny day when its white facade contrasts beautifully with the blue sky, evoking the image of a large white flower.

Experiencing the Atmosphere

Visitors consistently describe Dewatagaha Jumma Masjid as a place that offers a profound sense of peace and spiritual upliftment. It serves as a serene sanctuary, providing a welcome respite from the bustling energy of Colombo. The atmosphere is consistently calm and respectful, making it an ideal location for prayer and personal reflection.

Whether you are a local worshipper or a curious visitor, the mosque is welcoming. The reviews highlight its well-maintained condition and the tranquil environment that pervades the premises. It's a destination recommended for anyone interested in Islamic heritage or seeking a quiet moment of contemplation amidst the urban landscape.

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