Indo Islamic Heritage
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Urup Khunou Kabarstan Wali Masjid, located in Takhok Awang, Imphal East, Manipur, is a significant mosque adjacent to a Muslim cemetery, serving the local community’s spiritual needs. Situated near Kiyamgei Road, it offers a serene space for worship and reflection, integral to the village’s cultural fabric. Likely registered under the Manipur Wakf Board, the mosque facilitates daily prayers and community gatherings, reflecting Manipur’s diverse heritage. Its proximity to educational institutions like Kiyamgei High Madrassa School underscores its role as a community hub, fostering faith and unity in Imphal East’s vibrant rural setting
Urup Khunou Kabarstan Wali Masjid, located in Takhok Awang, Imphal East District, Manipur, is a vital religious and cultural landmark for the local Muslim community. Positioned near Kiyamgei Road in the village of Urup, under the postal code 795003, the mosque is situated adjacent to a kabarstan (Muslim cemetery), as indicated by its name, which translates to “Mosque of the Graveyard.” This proximity suggests its role not only as a place of worship but also as a site for funeral prayers (Janazah) and community gatherings related to memorial services, a common feature of mosques near cemeteries in Islamic tradition.Takhok Awang, part of the broader Urup village area, lies within the Kshetrigao Assembly Constituency and is approximately 6–8 km from Imphal’s city center. The region is known for its educational institutions, such as the Kiyamgei High Madrassa School, located along Kiyamgei Road, which serves the predominantly Muslim population of the area. The mosque likely plays a complementary role, offering spiritual guidance and a space for religious education, such as Quranic studies, which is typical of mosques in Manipur. While specific historical details about the mosque’s establishment are unavailable, it is presumed to be a relatively modern structure, possibly built in the 20th century to serve the growing Muslim population in Urup Khunou.The mosque is likely registered under the Manipur Wakf Board, as is common for Islamic institutions in the state, aligning with the Wakf Act, 1954. This registration ensures its management for religious and charitable purposes, including maintenance of the adjacent cemetery. Architecturally, Urup Khunou Kabarstan Wali Masjid is expected to follow the modest design typical of rural Manipuri mosques, featuring a prayer hall, a mihrab indicating the direction of Mecca, and possibly a small minaret for the call to prayer. Its serene setting near the cemetery provides a tranquil environment for worship and reflection, particularly during significant Islamic events like Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha, when community members gather for collective prayers.Urup, with its proximity to Manipur University (also under PIN 795003), is part of a region with a mix of rural and semi-urban characteristics. The area’s connectivity via Kiyamgei Road facilitates access for worshippers from nearby villages like Kiyamgei and Wangkhei Kongba. The mosque serves as a spiritual anchor, fostering unity among the Muslim minority in a region predominantly inhabited by Meitei and other communities. Its role extends beyond worship, likely including social welfare activities, such as distributing religious texts or aiding the underprivileged, as seen in other Manipuri mosques.The cultural significance of Urup Khunou Kabarstan Wali Masjid lies in its contribution to Manipur’s diverse religious landscape. By providing a space for prayer, education, and community bonding, it reinforces the identity of the Muslim community in Takhok Awang. Its location near a cemetery underscores its solemn role in commemorating the deceased, while its integration into the village’s daily life highlights its enduring importance as a center of faith and resilience.
Year of Built: Not Known
Address: Takhok Awang, Urup, Imphal East, Manipur
Country: India
State: Manipur
District: Imphal East
Pincode: 795003
Longitude: 93.9667
Latitude: 24.8333