Saturday, October 27, 2018

Meerapalli, Puducherry

Meerapalli, Puducherry
Meerapalli is a Muslim religious place located in Yanam Vengadasalam Pillai Street near White Town area in Puducherry Town in Union Territory of Puducherry. Meerapalli is the oldest standing mosque of Pondicherry. It was built by the Arcot Nawabs in late 17th century. This Mosque is the second oldest Mosque in the whole of Pondicherry. The office of the Pondicherry Haj Committee as well as the Pondicherry State WAKF Board is located next to the mosque. Another piece of the Islamic heritage, Kuthbha Mosque, lies within a short distance from the Meera Mosque.

History
The renowned Arab Navigator Suleiman Al Mahri mentions the Port of Bandikeri during the latter part of 15th century or the first part of 16th century along the Coromandel coast which is identified as Pondicherry. He informed about a Muslim settlement already present in Puducherry. According to the Dutch map of Pondicherry Fort in 1693, two mosques are located in the White Town of Pondicherry. One is believed to be Khuthbapalli and the other to be Meerapalli
Meerapalli was relocated during the first half of 18th Century to the present location where as Khuthbapalli, an ancient mosque then itself remained in the Western part of White Town till the destruction of the White Town of Pondicherry by the English in 1761. This was the ancient mosque that the French soldiers came to destroy in 1948 but was stopped in the process due to the Muslims of Pondicherry and especially by the timely intervention of Abdul Rahman. 

The Mosque
The mosque was originally built along the lines of the Indo-Islamic architecture. The Old structure has survived around which new extensions have been constructed. The architecture of the Meeran Mosque is quite unique. Built by the Arcot Nawabs, the basic structure of the Meeran Mosque follows a Gothic Islamic style. The Dome of the Mosque is supported by four lofty Pillars and the Meerhath and the Meember are located very near it.

Just above the Meerhath is the Kalima Slab. In order to enhance the beauty of the facade minaret a Bronze Kalasa is placed on the top of the structure. Next to the mosque is the resting place of the divine graves of Meeran, the one who built the Mosque, and of Suubhi Errai Perriar Mullah.
Connectivity
The Mosque is situated in Yanam Vengadasalam Pillai Street near White Town area in Puducherry Town. The Mosque is located at about 350 meters from Chinna Kadai Bus Stop, 500 meters from Puducherry Railway Station, 2 Kms from Puducherry Main Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Puducherry Airport and 150 Kms from Chennai Airport. The Mosque is situated on Pondicherry Bus Stand to JIPMER (Gorimedu) Bus Route. Devotee can get down at Chinna Kadai Bus Stop. The Mosque is located at a walkable distance from this Bus Stop. Taxis and Autos are also available to reach this Mosque from any part of Puducherry. Nearest Railway Station is located at Puducherry. Nearest Airport is located at Puducherry and Chennai.
Location

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