The 200-year-old, two-storeyed structure has survived many vagaries of nature.
Rander in Surat is just like any other Muslim — dominated locality of the city. But what makes it stand apart from other localities is a unique mosque that stands on a single pillar!
Masjid-e-Qoatul Islam (Variavoli) which is also popularly called Hari Masjid has successfully withstood the vagaries of nature, though it has been built on only one pillar. Earthquakes, floods and even cyclones have not done any harm to the structure.
The mosque is very popular in Rander and the adjoining areas.
The 200-year-old mosque, unique for its ornate carvings, is a two-storey structure and has four minarets. Minute carvings, elegant designs and the overall architecture make this mosque an attraction.
Even though it has only one support, the mosque is beautifully balanced. After entering the underground room, one comes to know that the mosque has two floors apart from the base, all standing on one central pillar. Its arms spread out in all directions to support the edifice.
According to Mohammad Usman Mullah, chief Imam of the mosque, the building is more than 200 years old and there is no clear information available as to who built it.
“For the past 200 years, people have offered prayers in the mosque. The mosque has a chasma - place to wash hands and legs, a special space for maulvis and priceless antiques,” added Mullah.
Rashid Pathan, a Rander resident, says: “The mosque is a miracle. Few years ago, some engineers came here to understand its architecture and structural design. They studied it for hours but could not understand the style of its construction.”
“Apart from the minimum necessary repairs, no major restoration work has been done to the original structure,” added Pathan.
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