Indo Islamic Heritage
The nearest major airport to Cuttack is Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) in Bhubaneswar, about 28 km away (roughly a 30–40 minute drive or 1¾‑hour bus ride) . The railway option is Cuttack Junction (station code CTC), right in the city and one of Odisha’s busiest stations on the Howrah–Chennai line . For buses, the major hub is Cuttack Netaji Bus Terminal (CNBT) in Khannagar, a modern interstate terminal opened in September 2023, along with the older Badambadi Bus Terminus serving local and state routes . A strong road network connects Cuttack via NH 16 and other highways to Bhubaneswar and beyond .
Mehndi Peer Masjid, also known as Mehendipir Mosque, is nestled in the bustling Oriya Bazaar/Mohammadia Bazaar area of central Cuttack. Though detailed historical records specifically about this mosque are limited, it's part of a network of Islamic monuments dating back to the Nawab era under Shujauddin Khan (circa 1715) . Located just 0.2 km from landmarks like the Lord Jagannath Temple and Sri Balakeswar Radhagobind Temple, the mosque occupies a cherished spot in the old city’s tightly interwoven religious landscape . This mosque is among several smaller religious structures—including Ujale Khan and Sardar Khan Masjids—that illustrate the diversity of Indo-Islamic architecture in Cuttack. These mosques typically feature domes, minarets, hexagonal bases, and chhatris, a legacy of Mughal and Nawabi design influences . As a functional place of worship, Mehndi Peer Masjid continues to serve local Muslim residents, especially during weekly congregations and festive celebrations, mirroring the living tradition shared by other nearby shrines. Culturally, this mosque highlights Cuttack’s long-standing communal harmony. Sites like the Qadam‑i‑Rasool shrine draw both Hindu and Muslim devotees every Thursday—a testament to centuries of interwoven faith practices . While the mosque may not boast grand scale, its significance lies in its continued role as a spiritual and social hub within a neighborhood celebrated for its shared festivals, rituals, and craftsmanship. In essence, Mehndi Peer Masjid stands as a modest yet meaningful testament to Cuttack’s rich tapestry of Nawabi-era architecture and enduring interfaith coexistence.
Year of Built: 18th Century
Address: Oriya Bazar, Cuttack, Odisha 753002, India
Country: India
State: Odisha
District: Cuttack
Pincode: 753002
Longitude: 85.8830° E
Latitude: 20.4625° N