Cheraman Juma Masjid, a monument situated in Kodungallur/ Kodungalloor, is a profound example of communal and religious harmony in Kerala.
Kerala Tourism : Kerala Monuments : Cheraman Juma Masjid
Cheraman Juma Masjid
Fast Facts
| Location | Methala village, Kodungallur, Kerala |
| Nearest Airport/Railway Station | Nedumbassery International Airport / Irinjalakuda Railway Station |
| Nearby Attractions | Cherai Beach, Mahadeva temple, Kodungallor Bhagavathi, Marthoma Pontifical Shrine |
| Best Time to Visit | September to May |
Cheraman Juma Masjid is a popular mosque situated in Methala village, Kodungallur/ Kodungalloor of Kerala. The mosque is supposed to be built during 629 AD by Malik Bin Deenar. If we consider the date of construction of this mosque it is the first mosque ever built in India and the second oldest mosque in the whole world, which offers Jumuah prayers. The Mosque is an ideal example of the gamut of two traditions, which is evident from its architecture. The architecture of the Mosque gives it a unique appearance, as it sports the mixture of both Arab and Kerala style architecture and craftsmanship.
Cheraman Juma Masjid is a prominent pilgrimage for the Muslims in Kerala. Every year, a large number of devotees visit the mosque during the pious month of Ramzan. Women are not allowed inside the mosque. The Masjid sets an example of religious harmony, as on the day of Vijaya Dashmi 'Vidyarambham' is performed inside the premises of mosque, when a number of non-Muslim devotees initiate their kids into the world of literacy, here.
History
There have been evidences which support the fact that there used to be active trade relationship between Arabia and the Indian Sub-continent since ancient times. Those were the times when Islam wasn’t even recognized as a religion in Arabia. Since then, the Arab traders visited the Malabar region of Kerala, which used to be a major port at that time. As Islam was introduced in Arab, the traders also became the haulers of the new religion, Islam. The traders propagated the religion wherever they went. It is said that the first king to convert to the Islamic religion was King Rama Varma Kulashekhara aka Cheraman Perumal who was then the ruler of Chera province.
As per the historical records, Cheraman Perumal saw the miracle of the splitting of the moon, which is said to be performed by Muhammad. Later, he learnt that it was a symbol for the advent of messenger of God, from Arabia. Therefore, the king traveled to Mecca where he embraced the religion of Islam and accepted the Islamic name ‘Thajuddeen’. On his way back to India, he died at Salalah in the Sultanate of Oman and it is supposed that he authorized a few of his Arab companions to spread the religion of Islam in his Kingdom. So, Cheraman Juma Masjid was built on his name at Kodungalloor. Later, the Mosque was renovated. Today, it is maintained by Mahallu Committee.
Attractions
The unique architectural style of Cheraman Juma Masjid is its highlight. It sports a mixed Kerala and Arab style of Architecture. Moreover, a number of Hindu traditions are also followed inside the Mosque, such as the Hindu tradition of illuminating brass lamp. A brass lamp is there in the mosque, burns continuously. It is believed to be more than thousand years old. There is also a rosewood pulpit at the mosque, which has carvings made in Hindu style architecture. The pulpit is prominently used at a number of traditional Hindu temples. At the mosque there also lies a marble block, which is supposedly brought from Mecca.
How to Reach
By Road
Cheraman Juma Masjid is conveniently located and can be visited using both public and private transport. Taxies and auto rickshaws ply regularly to and from the Mosque.
By Air
The nearest airport which is the international airport is at Nedumbassery is situated 30kms from Kodungallur. From the airport you can board a flight to a number of domestic and international destinations.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Irinjalakuda, which is located 20kms from Thrissur. From here it is easy to catch a train to the nearby important cities.
Cheraman Juma Masjid is a prominent pilgrimage for the Muslims in Kerala. Every year, a large number of devotees visit the mosque during the pious month of Ramzan. Women are not allowed inside the mosque. The Masjid sets an example of religious harmony, as on the day of Vijaya Dashmi 'Vidyarambham' is performed inside the premises of mosque, when a number of non-Muslim devotees initiate their kids into the world of literacy, here.
History
There have been evidences which support the fact that there used to be active trade relationship between Arabia and the Indian Sub-continent since ancient times. Those were the times when Islam wasn’t even recognized as a religion in Arabia. Since then, the Arab traders visited the Malabar region of Kerala, which used to be a major port at that time. As Islam was introduced in Arab, the traders also became the haulers of the new religion, Islam. The traders propagated the religion wherever they went. It is said that the first king to convert to the Islamic religion was King Rama Varma Kulashekhara aka Cheraman Perumal who was then the ruler of Chera province.
As per the historical records, Cheraman Perumal saw the miracle of the splitting of the moon, which is said to be performed by Muhammad. Later, he learnt that it was a symbol for the advent of messenger of God, from Arabia. Therefore, the king traveled to Mecca where he embraced the religion of Islam and accepted the Islamic name ‘Thajuddeen’. On his way back to India, he died at Salalah in the Sultanate of Oman and it is supposed that he authorized a few of his Arab companions to spread the religion of Islam in his Kingdom. So, Cheraman Juma Masjid was built on his name at Kodungalloor. Later, the Mosque was renovated. Today, it is maintained by Mahallu Committee.
Attractions
The unique architectural style of Cheraman Juma Masjid is its highlight. It sports a mixed Kerala and Arab style of Architecture. Moreover, a number of Hindu traditions are also followed inside the Mosque, such as the Hindu tradition of illuminating brass lamp. A brass lamp is there in the mosque, burns continuously. It is believed to be more than thousand years old. There is also a rosewood pulpit at the mosque, which has carvings made in Hindu style architecture. The pulpit is prominently used at a number of traditional Hindu temples. At the mosque there also lies a marble block, which is supposedly brought from Mecca.
How to Reach
By Road
Cheraman Juma Masjid is conveniently located and can be visited using both public and private transport. Taxies and auto rickshaws ply regularly to and from the Mosque.
By Air
The nearest airport which is the international airport is at Nedumbassery is situated 30kms from Kodungallur. From the airport you can board a flight to a number of domestic and international destinations.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Irinjalakuda, which is located 20kms from Thrissur. From here it is easy to catch a train to the nearby important cities.
