Methala, where the mosque is located, is situated on the Malabar Coast. It experiences a tropical wet climate. It is flanked by Arabian Sea on the west. The mosque is located in the heart of the city, and has a well maintained garden within its compound.
Pilgrim
Cheraman Juma Masjid
About Cheraman Juma Masjid
Cheraman Juma Masjid is the first mosque to be built in India, and this attracts throngs of people to the mosque every year. It was built by Malik Ibn Deenar, who led a large group of men to build various mosques in Kerala and Karnataka. The mosque is located in Kodungalloor Taluk in Thrissur district. The mosque was built in 629 AD, but was believed to be renovated in the 11th century. The original structure didn’t have any domes or minarets and the architecture was similar to that of temples of the region.
The mosque is famous because it accepts pilgrims of all caste and religion. The mosque has a lamp burning, which is believed to have been burning for nearly thousand years. A special feature of the mosque is that it faces east, whereas all the other mosques faces Mecca.
History or Myth
Cheraman Juma Masjid has an intriguing history. One day the king saw the moon splitting into two, and his astrologers and astronomers were unable to explain this phenomena. When a few Arab traders came to the country, they revealed that it was Prophet Muhammad who did it. He set sail to Mecca immediately, and converted to Islam upon meeting the Prophet. He sent a letter to the relatives asking them to treat the followers of Prophet who would arrive at their city. These followers built a mosque as an homage to the king, which came to be known as Cheraman Juma Masjid.
Tips or precaution
- Women are not allowed
- Men are allowed only by prior appointment
- Oil can be donated for the mosque
How to reach
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BY AIR
The nearest airport is Nedumbassery International Airport, which is connected to all major Indian cities. -
BY TRAIN
Irinjalakuda Railway Station is the closest railway station to Kodungallur. However, not many trains stop here. Aluva Railway Station is the closest railway station to the taluk. -
BY ROAD
It is connected to various major cities of India by the NH-66. -
BY WATER
The major inland transportation system connecting Kollam and Kottapuram ends at Kodangallur.
Highlights or specialities
- Was visited by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
- First mosque in India
- Burning oil lamp for nearly thousand years