Mohidden Mosque, Kavaratti

The Mohidden Mosque, also called the Ujra Mosque, stands in the north-west of Kavaratti Island in Lakshadweep. It dates from the 17th century and is known for its ornate ceiling, said to be carved from a single piece of driftwood, and its finely carved pillars. A well within the precinct holds water believed to have healing powers.

Local legend says the carver drew his designs from the leaf of a plant, and that when he tried to repeat the work in his own house, a splinter struck his eye and blinded him. The grave of Sheikh Mohammad Kasim, held in reverence by the islanders, is inside the mosque.