Raghu's column!
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Mecca Masjid/Makkah Masjid, Hyderabad
Mecca/Makkah
Masjid, located in the heart of Hyderabad, India, is one of the largest and
oldest mosques in the country. Its name, "Mecca/Makkah Masjid" is
derived from the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, as the central arch of the
mosque is said to have been made from soil brought from Mecca. The mosque is an
iconic symbol of Hyderabad’s rich Islamic heritage and stands near the historic
Charminar in the old city.
The
rest of the article is after the following photographs and video.
Reminiscing
our visits to Mecca Masjid and Charminar – Video:
History and Construction
Foundation:
The construction of the Mecca Masjid began in 1614 during the reign of Sultan
Muhammad Qutb Shah, the sixth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. The mosque took
nearly 77 years to complete and was finished in 1693 under the orders of Mughal
Emperor Aurangzeb.
Architecture:
The mosque is an architectural marvel, built primarily with granite. It is an
excellent example of Indo-Islamic architecture with elements of Persian
influence. The main prayer hall is massive, measuring 75 feet in height, 220
feet in width, and 180 feet in length, accommodating up to 10,000 worshippers
at a time.
Notable Features
Granite
Blocks: The mosque is constructed from enormous blocks of granite, some of
which are said to weigh up to 40 tons. A massive structure comprising buffaloes
reportedly transported these blocks.
Main
Hall: The main prayer hall has 15 graceful arches—five each on three sides. The
roof is supported by these arches and a central dome.
Minarets
and Domes: Unlike many mosques, Mecca Masjid does not have towering minarets.
However, it features 15 intricately designed domes and three distinct façades.
Details:
The mosque is adorned with ornate floral motifs, inscriptions from the Quran,
and intricate latticework, which showcases the craftsmanship of the artisans of
that era.
Significance
Religious
Importance: As one of the most important mosques in Hyderabad, Mecca Masjid is
a significant place of worship for Muslims. It holds special importance during
Islamic festivals like Eid when thousands of worshippers gather here for
prayers.
Historical
Value: The mosque has witnessed centuries of Hyderabad’s history, from the Qutb
Shahi dynasty to the era of the Nizams and beyond. It has stood through
political changes, serving as a symbol of the city’s resilience and spiritual
legacy.
Modern Day
Tourist
Attraction: Today, Mecca Masjid is not only a place of worship but also a major
tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world who come to admire
its architecture and experience its serene atmosphere.
Cultural
Hub: The mosque is part of the old city’s cultural fabric and is often visited
alongside other historic sites like the Charminar, Chowmahalla Palace, and the
Laad Bazaar.
Mecca Masjid is a testament to Hyderabad's rich history and cultural diversity, blending architectural beauty with religious significance, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the city.
Sunday, September 15, 2024
Happy Onam! And Happy Engineer’s Day!
Happy
Onam to all my friends! Onam is a time of joy, togetherness, and reverence for
nature's bounty, deeply rooted in Kerala's cultural heritage.
While
studying Engineering at MIT, Manipal, I got to celebrate Onam at our hostel as
there were Malayali boys in our College. However, the celebration was in a very
grand manner at my brother's KMC Medical College, Manipal, with cultural
programmes and sumptuous food, as there was a very large community of Malayali
boys and girls at their College. I never missed attending these celebrations,
as my brother’s guest.
Longing
for the sumptuous Onam Sadhya!...
And
a Very Happy Engineers Day!
Monday, September 9, 2024
Friday, September 6, 2024
I remain, dreaming of their return again...
As trees and birds vanish all over the Twin Cities,
A small, green and serene
place exists.
This refuge, my haven, my
happy dwelling,
Yet even here, the birds
are quietly vanishing.
Their wings so bright, now slowly disappearing,
The songs they sang, now softly
dwindling.
I miss their colourful
company,
Their melodies, once wild
and free.
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Do you know why Lord Hanuman is always depicted in an orange hue?
According
to a popular belief, it is said that… once Lord Hanuman observed that Sita Devi
would apply a Sindhoor/Vermillion Bindi/Bottu, a decorative mark in the middle
of her forehead and at the parting of her hair every day. He asked Sita Devi
why she did so. To this, Sita Devi replied that applying Sindhoor ensured a long
life for Lord Rama.
Upon
hearing this, Lord Hanuman applied Sindhoor on his entire body to ensure Lord
Rama's immortality. Lord Rama was overwhelmed by Lord Hanuman's actions and he
declared that whoever would worship Lord Hanuman with Sindhoor would be free
from all problems and difficulties. This is why Hanuman’s idols in Temples are
always coated with Sindhoor – mostly in an orange hue. Devotees believe that worshipping
Hanuman with Sindhoor brings blessings, fulfils wishes and removes obstacles in
life.
Sindhoor
has a deep significance in Hindu traditions from time immemorial. Originally
made from a combination of Turmeric and Saffron and nowadays in many different combinations
like Vermillion. It is used in all Hindu rituals and traditions, in offerings
and prayers to Gods, in blessings to people – elders and children, festivals and
in wedding ceremonies. Married women apply it on their forehead and parting of
hair every day as a wish for their husband’s well-being and long life.
Sindhoor/Vermillion can be found in houses, offices, workplaces, Temples and rituals of Hindus, it signifies auspiciousness and happiness. And worshipping Lord Hanuman with Sindhoor in an orange hue brings blessings, fulfils wishes and removes obstacles in life.