“This is also a monument. Do you want to check, Edwina?”
On my way to the Sahakari Spice Plantation in Ponda, my colleague casually pointed towards the Safa Masjid. This rather unknown-unheard of structure stood alone and proud among plentiful greenery, accompanied by a masonry tank with turquoise waters. I delightfully obliged to check it out!
Safa Masjid Ponda History
During the Adil Shah dynasty of 16th century, Goa had around 27 mosques. Most of these mosques were destroyed during the Portuguese Inquisition between 1560 and 1812. However, the Safa Masjid remained unharmed and stood tall to tell its tale.
Sultan Adil Shah of Bijapur was one of the oldest rulers of India. He is also credited with building the Reis Magos Fort in 1497 overlooking the Mandovi River in the Bardez province of Goa.
Safa Masjid, also called the Safa Shahouri Masjid is one of the oldest mosques in Goa. It was built by Ibrahim Adil Shah in 1560. Safa is Arabic for ‘Pure’ and the mosque rightly justifies the term. The single chambered mosque has a modest prayer room and an olden style terracotta roof. The overall structural framework is quite similar to a 16th century Portuguese home.
The star attraction of Safa Masjid is the huge laterite stone masonry tank with turquoise waters that is located within the mosque complex. The tank has over 40 hammams built in Mihrab style of architecture.
A National Monument
There is a board at the entrance to the complex that classifies Safa Masjid as a national monument under the purview of the Archaeological Survey of India. Along with a beautiful masonry water tank, the Safa Masjid also has a sprawling charbagh-style garden and a forested park in its backyard making for a pleasing evening outing. Credit must also be given to the local authorities for maintaining the Safa Masjid quite well as the area is clean and visitor friendly.
Hidden gem of Goa
Even as a Goan, I had never heard of the Safa Masjid until I accidentally landed here. The Safa Masjid doesn’t seem like a popular monument among the locals, let alone tourists. The best time to visit Safa Masjid is during the festive period of Eid.
On a bright sunny afternoon in June, I found Safa Masjid quiet and empty, much to my delight. The absence of tourists meant no commercialization and there was no sight of pushy shopkeepers and hawkers anywhere nearby. No tourist hubbub meant that I had Safa Masjid to myself, soaking in the view and enjoying the peace and calm the surrounding had to offer.
It’s worth mentioning that I didn’t see Safa Masjid as a religious monument but a surviving structure and an important piece of Goa’s history. It is a welcome addition to the list of things to do in Goa for those on an Offbeat Goa trail. Do try to catch a glimpse of this one.
How to reach Safa Masjid Ponda?
The Safa Masjid is in Shahpur on NH4A connecting Panaji with Belgaum. It is 2km away from the Ponda city center.
There is no entry charge to visit Safa Masjid.
Other things to do in Ponda
- Go on a Temple trail in Ponda and visit the most famous temples like Mangueshi temple, Shantadurga temple and Nagesh temple
- Take a spice plantation tour by visiting Savoy spice farm, Pascoal spice village, Tropical spice plantations and Sahakari Spice farm.
- Butterfly Conservatory of Goa is a delight for nature enthusiasts
- Immerse yourself in Ponda’s history by visiting the Ponda Fort once captured by Shivaji Maharaj
- Visit the only zoo in Goa at Bondla wildlife sanctuary.
Where to stay in South Goa
I would highly recommend checking out Sal Riviera near Cavelossim beach, South Goa. Their wooden cottages overlooking a river are simply fabulous. For a mid-budget luxury property, check out Jasminn Hotel near Betalbatim beach.
Liked this post on Safa Masjid Ponda History? Also see…
- The best museums in Goa for the culture-vulture
- 5 spectacular places to go trekking in Goa
- A visit to Palolem beach in South Goa
Recommended books on Goa for your reading
Reflected in water: Writings on Goa | Buy on Amazon
Gypsies of Goa, It’s a hippy trail | Buy on Amazon
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Very interesting….
Thanks Shabana 🙂
This post rewind memories, when I visited Safa Masjid in the year – 2010. I was very new to blog writing during that time and was learning and still learning how to write well, how to click photographs nicely and things like that.
I have to say: You have a very nice blog. Very informative. Keep traveling, keep writing. Best Wishes always & forever.
I stay in Pune. Goa is my native place and since childhood i have visited goa in my vacations. To be precise Phonda is my mama’s home town. But never went to see this beautiful masjid. Today my cousin posted few picks on status with her children. I browsed through net and saw ur post, hence replying. Will surely visit next time. Truely mesmerizing. Thanks for your blog with details.
Nice Post. Thanks for the interesting stuff that makes Goa appear more than just the beaches. Of course, there is much more to our rich heritage than what’s is easily visible. Now, this place is on my list whenever I visit Goa next time.