Mangaluru: The renovated Badriya Juma Masjid in Kuppepadavu, now stands as a testament to communal harmony, thanks to the collective support of Muslims, Hindus, and Christians in the region. With a legacy spanning over 72 years, this historic mosque witnessed the active participation of Hindu sculptors in its restoration. Moreover, members of the local Hindu and Christian communities generously contributed wood and other materials for its reconstruction. The mosque is not just a place of worship, but a powerful symbol of unity and shared heritage among diverse faiths in the community.
Masjid Committee president Mohammed Shareef Kaje said that the mosque was renovated at a cost of Rs 2.1 crore, and an inaugural ceremony was held on Friday. "Local engineer Praneeth Rai prepared the blueprint for the mosque, and the carving work was led by Raj Sagar from Shivamogga district. Meanwhile, Ravi Poojari assisted in the carpentry work. A team of about 10 wood sculptors from the GSB and Vishwakarma communities worked for about 14 months to complete the renovation work. The carvings on both the exterior and interior of the mosque have turned out beautifully, with the intricate door carvings being particularly captivating," he said, adding that the committee spent nearly Rs 1.2 crore for wood.
He said that the mosque was originally built on Jan 5, 1958. "Not only Muslims but also Hindus have been making vows at the Kuppepadavu mosque for a long time. Special offerings of jaggery porridge for children are made here, and white bulbs are also offered as a form of vow. The fact that Hindu and Christian communities have freely provided wooden logs to the mosque is noteworthy," he said.
Initially, there were only 17 houses under the jamath. At present, there are 360 houses under the jamath, and the committee also manages two other mosques, he added.