subject: Jumma Masjid A Glimpse Of The Age-old Majesty In Indias It Capital [print this page] Bangalore, or Bengaluru as the locals call it, is characterized by both its modern, technologically advanced, liberal outlook and its deep-rooted sense of heritage. Although it is currently one of Indias most developed cities, the cityscape is littered with an abundance of temples, mosques, churches, Jain mandirs and Buddhist vihars, bearing testament as much to its cosmopolitan character as it does to the religious history which still plays a major part in the city residents day-to-day lives.
Of the countless religious sites of the city, the Jumma Masjid is a mosque which bears great significance to the Muslim dwellers of the city. Situated in the bustling KR Market area, it is the oldest mosque in the city, having been built circa 1790. Other than being a massive venue which can house a 10,000-strong congregation of Islamic worshippers from near and far, the building holds wider significance with regards to its architectural style, which is considered one of the most remarkable in Bangalore.
This religious site was originally known as Sangian Jamia, a name far more appropriate for the beautiful structure than the present-day kenning of Jumma Masjid, which simply means Friday Mosque - easily confused with a dozen other sites of the same name across the country. The walls of this impressive five-storey structure are decorated with elaborate embellishments of floral motifs and jali-work. A renovation attempt has recently uncovered numerous paintings on the walls that had hitherto been obscured by paint. These works of arts are considered to date back to the regime of Tippu Sultan.
Ornate granite pillars soar into majestic domes from the elevated prayer platform, gleaming in the rays of the sun. These minarets are adorned with facades which pigeons have made their nesting places over the years; the sight of thousands of these birds flying almost symbolically in an out of the building remains one of the mosques signature sights. In the festive season, the entire edifice is lit up at night, suffusing the magnificent monument in an ethereal nimbus.
Not only is it a landmark historic site and religious hub of the city; the mosque also houses a fully operational English Medium school for the city children in its cellars, and has gained a reputation for being a very forward-thinking and academic-oriented institution that does valuable work for the community.
Business and leisure travelers, who are accustomed to a high standard of living and are looking for hotels in Bangalore that will provide easy access to this and other historic sites of the city, need look no further than Ista Bangalore. Situated close to the city centre, this luxury hotel Bangalore affords beautiful views of the Ulsoor Lake and surrounding city as well as being reputed for its standards of luxury and service.
