Recently, I had the privilege of going to the Freemasons’ Hall in Mumbai for a photo walk. Freemasons’ Hall? Where is that? What is that? Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest organizations, that was brought in India by the English. It consists of a group of men who are engaged in various charitable and virtuous causes.
I did not know such an organization exists in Mumbai. The Hall is located right opposite to Sterling Cinema in Fort, and I am amazed that I never noticed it. The building speaks volumes about the grandeur and heritage of the freemasons. They have an entrance hall, 3 banquet halls, and 3 temples. Temple is a place where freemasons hold their meetings and discussions, and not a place for praying and spirituality as we may presume.
As you enter you come across the foundation stone, which is located at the North East part of the building. It is compulsory for freemasons to lay their first foundation stone at the North East corner of the building. I went inside and found this huge entrance hall, full of portraits, statues, frames, and the main staircase, that leads us to the temples.
Before going to the temple, let’s have a peek at the banquet hall down here. It looks so magnificent and historic. We have portraits of former Lodgers here, complete with huge dining tables and chandeliers.
Now let’s go up to the temples. Photographing my way through the staircases, I arrive at the temple. It looked like a giant courtroom to me. There are 3 high chairs in this room for the Sun, Moon, and Master of the Lodge, located at the East, West, and South of the temple respectively. Anyway, just look up at the ceiling, which is painted like the sky, with the letter G hanging from the sun. It signifies that God is always watching us.
The highlight of the event was the freemasons dressing up in their traditional attire and allowing us to click their photographs.
I have been to countless photo walks, and I think I had the most fun at the Freemasons’ Hall. The freemasons are very hospitable and keen to share their knowledge with you. They have actually lived the legacy and history of the place. They allow public access to their Hall not very frequently. But if you ever get a chance to go there, you must definitely go visit them. @dgl_bombay rocks!
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Entrance Hall
Banquet Hall
Main Staircase
The Main Temple
'G' sign hanging from the ceiling of the Temple
The Freemasons
