Where temple, masjid coexist
B. Madhu Gopal
http://www.hindu.com/2008/06/20/stories/2008062058190400.htm
---------------------------------
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 committees 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
With Regards
Abi
