Masonic History

Masonic history dates back to 1012 BC, during the construction of King Solomon’s  “Temple of God” also known as “King Solomon’s Temple”. His friend and ally King Hiram, King of Tyre had sent 33,600 workmen, timber and stone for the construction of this temple which is still a marvel in the history of architecture.

King Solomon began to build “the house of the Lord” in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah in 966 B.C.( 1 Kings 6:1,2Chron. 3:1-2) and completed it in 7 years. He had employed an able architect Hiram Abif who had special skills and experience in the adorning and beautifying of structures.

The secrets and techniques in the craftsmanship applied by the various levels of workmen during the seven years to erect the Temple have been applied in the ceremonies in Masonry. In all ages and lands, men have formed secret societies, and so similarly from among the stonemasons’ guilds during the Middle Ages – Freemasonry was born.

Freemasonry traces its roots in India to the early years of the 17th century. In the year 1730 officers of the East India Company held their 1st meeting in Fort William in Calcutta. Read more at : http://www.masonindia.in/index.php/freemasonry-comes-to-india/

The Goshamahal Baradari in Hyderabad build by Sultan Abul Hassan Tanasha in 1682 is the oldest building used as a Masonic Temple in India. It was donated to the Freemasons in the year 1872 by the Nizam of Hyderabad.

Freemasons meet as a Lodge and not in a Lodge, although Masonic premises may be called Lodges, as well as Temples of Philosophy and Arts. These Masonic Temples or Freemasons’ Halls, are utilized by the Freemasons for the meetings of their Lodges and also for advance Masonic degrees.

We encourage you to discover the rich history of Freemasonry, through this website and herewith launch “India Masonic Tourism “– which is an invitation to visit the Masonic Temples of India.