Historic Pathar Masjid in Srinagar partially damaged in mid-night fire

Srinagar: A mid-night fire damaged the historic Mughal era Pathar Masjid in Nawabazar area of Srinagar partially, officials said on Friday morning.

Quoting an unnamed official, Kashmir News Observer (KNO) reported the pulpit of the masjid got fully damaged in the blaze but since the masjid is built of stone, the fire did not cause much effect.

“Fire service vehicles reached the spot well on time and doused the blaze,” an official said, adding that short circuit has been found as the primary reason for the blaze. “Police and locals also helped in dousing the flames.”

Pertinently, Pathar Mosque, locally known as Naev Masheed (new mosque) is a Mughal era stone mosque located in the Nawabazar area of the old city of Srinagar. It is located on the left bank of the River Jhelum, just opposite the shrine of Khanqah-e-Moula. It was built by Mughal Empress Noor Jehan, the wife of emperor Jehangir.

The mosque has some distinct features that make it unique among the mosques in Kashmir. Unlike other mosques, it does not have the traditional pyramidal roof. Furthermore, the mosque has nine mehraabs (arches), with the central one being larger than the others. KNO