Bantwal: Thousands of Devotees Attend Malid Uroos at Ajilamogaru Jumma Masjid 
 
Report and Pics by Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (RD/SP)
 
Bantwal, Jun 9: The annual Malid Uroos, a great manifestation of Sufi Hazrat Sayyed Baba Fakruddin, was held at the historical Jumma masjid at Ajilamogaru, here from Saturday June 6 to Monday June 8.  Thousands of devotees from all over undivided Dakshina Kannada district attended the three days of worship and celebrations. 
 
Background of historical pilgrimage centre:
 
The history of Jumma masjid here goes back to 800 years that has the sanctity bestowed in both religious and social spheres.  Sayyed Baba Fakruddin was the ruler of a kingdom known as Sristan, in central Asia who abandoned his kingdom and worldly pleasures, in order to serve the humanity as he was quite moved by the plight and miseries confronting the people.  He toured several kingdoms before finally reaching Ajilamogaru, where he set up Jumma masjid.

This is the legend the local community tells the world.  Baba Fakruddin stayed on for a few years at the Jumma masjid, Ajilamogaru, and worked for the welfare of the community. He then handed over charge to his dear disciple Hazrat Zachariah with the commands to continue his good work here.  Baba Fakruddin in his quest to promote social welfare activities, covered several kingdoms ruled by petty rulers and finally arrived at Penukonda in Andhra Pradesh, where he breathed his last, serving the locals.
 
The humanitarian deeds that were begun by Baba Fakruddin are still being continued since the last four centuries at Jumma Masjid here by way of promoting social welfare activities, uplifting the downtrodden and orphans, besides undertaking religious tasks.  Sayyed Baba Fakruddin is believed to have left for the heavenly abode four centuries ago on a Thursday, during which period Jamadil Akar Chand is observed for three days.  Malida was a delicacy dear to Baba Fakruddin. The Uroos also gets this name for its significance.