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Cheraman Juma Masjid is the first mosque built in India in 629 A.D. It is the oldest mosque in India and the second mosque in the world where Juma prayers were first started. It was constructed in Kerala style, which was again renovated in the 11th century.
The mosque holds an intriguing history, dating back to when the Chera king instructed the construction of the first-ever mosque in India.
Location | Kodungallur, Kerala |
Type | Mosque and tomb |
Masjid Timings | 5:00 am to 8:30 pm; every day |
Entry Fee | Free |
Nearest Railway Station | Irinjalakuda |
Architectural Style | Hindu temple |
Best Time to Visit | November to March |
Nearby Places | Athirapally Waterfalls, Cherai Beach |
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The history of Cheraman Juma dates back to when Cheraman Perumal, the Chera king, experienced an unusual act that led him to build this iconic mosque.
In the 7th century, Cheraman Perumal, the King of Chera (Kerala), witnessed an unusual astronomical event: the moon dividing into two halves and merging back together again. He was completely awestruck by this act.
He summoned his astronomers to investigate this odd celestial phenomenon. They gave him many reasons, but they still needed to convince the king.
A few months later, a small group of Muslim pilgrims arrived at his court while passing from Mecca to Adam’s Peak (present-day Sri Lanka). The King welcomed them and asked about their faith, pilgrimage and Prophet.
While narrating their beliefs to King, they also told him about the miracle of “the splitting of the moon”.
The narration calmed the king as he experienced the magical night. Later, the King requested they visit his court again on their way home.
After much contemplation, he relinquished his throne and joined a Muslim caravan bound for Mecca. Impressed and devoted to Prophet Muhammad, he eventually embraced Islam in the presence of the Prophet himself, adopting the name 'Thajuddin'.
Later, he got sick and died in Oman before returning to India. Before he died, he asked Arab messengers to tell his people about his new faith.
Following his request, the Arab messengers, led by Malik Ibn Dinar, informed the kingdom about his conversion. They built India's first mosque and named it after him according to his wish.
The first and oldest mosque in India was built using a typical Kerala architectural design. Hence, it does not resemble the present versions of mosques.
The original structure of the mosque does not resemble the mosques of the other parts and doesn’t have stylish Islamic designs like domes, minarets, vaulting or any visually appealing element.
It was built as a double-storied structure with a sloping red-clayed roof according to the Medieval Kerala architectural design.
The mosque featured brass oil lamps, a traditional feature of Hindu temples. However, the oil lamp had important significance in this mosque.
The oil lamp was donated by the royal family of Kodungallur, which remained independent under the king's reign.
The custom continued for years, and the lamp is burned to date. Even presently, devotees donate oil along with the money and offerings. The mosque also features a huge rectangular pond on one side.
There are also two tombs of Malik Ibn Dinar’s wife and nephew, where visitors usually come for ziyarat and light incense sticks.
The mosque has been renovated over the years, but its original structure was not destroyed. Old structures were replaced, and new ones were added.
Today, the structure features two minarets, a tile roof, a huge courtyard, and four domes, typical of Islamic architecture.
The best time to visit the mosque is between November and March when the atmosphere is quiet and pleasant.
Cheraman Juma Masjid is located in the Paravur- Kodungallur road, Kodungallur taluka, Thrissur, Kerala.
Cheraman Juma Masjid is well connected to the local transportation facilities and is accessible by road.
There is no entry fee for visiting the mosque.
The city provides various tourist attractions. Here are some nearby places to consider to visit in the city.
With an interesting history and innovations in the structure of the architecture, there are also a few unknown facts that peaks interest.
Cheraman Juma Masjid in Kerala is an illustrious testament to the region's rich cultural and historical heritage. As the oldest mosque in the Indian subcontinent, it holds profound significance for religious adherents and cultural enthusiasts.
Malik Ibn Dinar built the first ever Cheraman Juma Masjid in 629 AD in Thrissur district.
Cheraman Juma Masjid is the first masjid in India, built in 629 AD and located in Kodungallur.
Cheraman was the king of Chera (Kerala) when he experienced a magical event that Hindu astronomers couldn’t explain.
It is the first-ever and the oldest mosque in India and the second mosque worldwide.
Yes, Cheraman Perumal was the first Indian to accept and embrace Islam.
No, women are strictly prohibited from entering the Cheraman Juma Masjid.
Faisal E B is the present administrator of Cheraman Juma Masjid.
The best time to visit the Cheraman Juma Masjid is during winter, between 5:30 am to 7 pm.
Cheraman Juma Masjid is the oldest masjid in India buit in 629 AD.
Cheraman Juma Masjid is located in the Paravur- Kodungallur road, Kodungallur taluka, Thrissur, Kerala.