Cats Treated Royally At The Agra Mosque

By Staff

Friday, January 30, 2009, 12:49

Apart from being a place of worship, the Sandali mosque, Agra has yet another attraction, the residing cats. The cats are adorned with a royal treatment and a lot of affection by the devotees.

The gesture goes back to an old belief that the good treatment of the cats followed by the prayers in the mosque help one's wished to be fulfilled.

The mosque is located next to the historic Taj Mahal and it is believed that the cats are blessed with divine powers. After the wishes are fulfilled, the cats are offered are offered milk, biscuits, meat, fruit, and many other delicacies.

The cats are treated like resident pets and even cuddle up into the laps of the devotees visiting the mosque. "Devotees feed these cats and also love them. These cats come and sit in the laps of those whose wishes are fulfilled," said Noor Mohammed, a local resident.

The mosque remains inviting for the people from other faiths as well, who visit to make wishes and feed the cats."Many people come to this mosque. They make a wish and once their wishes are fulfilled, they give food to these cats," said Ghias-ud-Din, another local resident.

The mosque was built by Mughal emperor Shahjahan to serve as a tomb for one of his four wives, Sandali Begum. The mosque is named after her.

The mosque has grown in its popularity along with the cats of various sizes and colors. People from far and wide visit the historic place of worship. AGENCIES