The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Visakhapatnam News : Where temple, masjid coexist

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Friday, Jun 20, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam

Where temple, masjid coexist

B. Madhu Gopal

26-year-old Anil Kumar has created a replica of Makkah Masjid on the first floor of Ramalayam near Poorna Market

Photo: K.R. Deepak

Worthy effort: Gatti Anil Kumar with the replica of Makkah Masjid in Visakhapatnam. -

Visakhapatnam: A ‘masjid’ atop a temple of Lord Rama in Visakhapatnam! Sounds unbelievable?

Head straight to the Ramalayam at Periki Veedhi near Poorna Market. The first floor of the ancient temple houses a replica of Makkah Masjid, which is considered to be the holiest shrine of Muslims.

While the skill of Gatti Anil Kumar in creating the masterpiece is coming in for all-round appreciation, the temple committee’s gesture in allowing him to use its terrace is being seen by Muslim brethren as a move that helps in narrowing down the cultural divide.

The cherished dream of every Muslim is to visit Makkah during his/her lifetime. But not many can afford to visit the holy place spending thousands of rupees. It was this thought that made 26-year-old Anil Kumar create the replica of the grand mosque. Muslims can have a feel of the mosque in all its grandeur and those going there for the first time can have first-hand knowledge of the places of historical and religious importance and make sure that they do not miss them.

Eye for detail

His in-depth knowledge of the holy shrine and the legends associated with its various structures, apart from his eye for detail in making the model, has earned him the appreciation of Muslim religious leaders.

It took two years for Anil Kumar to build the 8’ x 10’ replica that is 20” high.

“I have used soft metal and teakwood in making this model. Unlike my earlier model that was made with sand, sawdust and plaster of Paris, this is a permanent one.”

His father Suryam assisted him by getting details and pictures of the mosque from his friends. His ambition is to shift the present replica to the Haj House in Hyderabad.

‘Exact model’

“I had been to Makkah on five occasions. This is an exact replica of the original structure and I am sure that Saudis would be prepared to pay any amount to airlift the model to their country,” says Aziz.

Anil cherishes the appreciation of his earlier model by former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. He met Dr. Kalam during his visit to the city for the Presidential Fleet Review.

Anil has been making models for nearly a decade now. He considers making the ‘grand mosque’ as his toughest and most satisfying experience.

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