200 years ago, country’s only five domed mosque was built in Varanasi
VARANASI: The holy city Varanasi houses a ‘unique’ mosque: ‘Paanch Gumbadon Wali Masjid.’ Known for its five domes, the mosque is located in the densely populated Lallapura area in the heart of the city.
Its four domes are equal in size while the fifth one is a bit larger and also constructed a bit higher than two domes.
The central dome has two domes on either side. Together, these five domes make a beautiful picture.
Dr Abdul Waheed Ansari, a local scholar, says, “The mosque is over two centuries old. It has five domes, which are signs of five duties of Islam— Kalma, Namaz, Roza, Zakat and Haj. The mosque is unique because of its domes and architecture.”
Usually, most mosques have one tomb and two or more minarets while some have three tombs or two or more minarets. But this is the only mosque in the country that has five domes, Dr Ansari said and added further that it was the country’s only mosque with five domes.
However, there is no record available about its construction date and who built it, says Dr Ansari.
He says local Muslims who offer namaz here help look after the mosque.
They contribute funds required for its repair and painting, which is usually done once in four years.
They also pay water and electricity bills from the funds raised through contribution.
The outer walls of the mosque are in a dilapidated condition, which Dr Ansari assures will be repaired soon.
A resident Mohammad Kaleem says some years back this mosque also featured in Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC).
THE MOSQUE IS OVER TWO CENTURIES OLD.IT HAS FIVE DOMES, WHICH ARE SIGNS OF FIVE DUTIES OF ISLAM— KALMA, NAMAZ, ROZA, ZAKAT AND HAJ