The structure of Masjid Zeenath Baksh is very unique. It is the only Masjid in Karnataka which is built entirely of wood. The roof is also made of wood and is covered by a brass sheet to protect it from rain. The carvings on the wood is 400-year-old, but still exhibits the veneer of freshness. The intricately carved designs on pillars and beams were made from one block of wood, so there is little chance of wear and tear such as nails breaking off or adhesives wearing off. Only oil is rubbed in to preserve the wood and small scratches are fixed. Apart from this no part of the structure has either been modified or replaced in all these years.

The inner wooden sanctum of the Masjid is the main highlight of its architecture. The sanctum has 16 pillars made of teak hardwood. The pillars are decorated with patterns of bells, and flowers. Rosewood and tropical teak hardwood have been used to construct the floor, walls, and doors. The life stories ... More

The structure of Masjid Zeenath Baksh is very unique. It is the only Masjid in Karnataka which is built entirely of wood. The roof is also made of wood and is covered by a brass sheet to protect it from rain. The carvings on the wood is 400-year-old, but still exhibits the veneer of freshness. The intricately carved designs on pillars and beams were made from one block of wood, so there is little chance of wear and tear such as nails breaking off or adhesives wearing off. Only oil is rubbed in to preserve the wood and small scratches are fixed. Apart from this no part of the structure has either been modified or replaced in all these years.

The inner wooden sanctum of the Masjid is the main highlight of its architecture. The sanctum has 16 pillars made of teak hardwood. The pillars are decorated with patterns of bells, and flowers. Rosewood and tropical teak hardwood have been used to construct the floor, walls, and doors. The life stories of Prophet Mohammad are inscribed in it.

In the 17th century, the renovation process of the Masjid was undertaken by Tipu Sultan, the King of Mysore. He not only renovated but also beautified it with exquisite wooden carvings. Although the original name of the mosque was Malik Dinar Valya Juma-ath Masjid, Tipu Sultan renamed this as Zeenath Baksh, after his own daughter. The renovation coexists in harmony with the older, more ancient staccato structure. Subsequently in the year 1920, a large assembly hall or ’Jamath Khana’ was constructed. The water tank in the centre of the premises has granite steps and provides water for the ablutions (Wuzu) which are mandatory before reciting the prayer (Namaz). 

The masjid has many characteristics of a temple, such as the large water tank which lies below the ground level, the shape of the tiled roof which is characteristic of the old Malabar structures, and the hand carved wood work which is found in local temples.

Another structure, which was constructed later, has four minarets and a typical dome. This houses the tomb of Hazrath Sheikuna Muhammed Moula Jalal Masthan Al Bhukhari. Tombs of his kin can also be seen here.