The Cheraman Juma Mosque is situated in Methala, Kodungallur at Thrissur District in Kerala. Built in 629 AD, it is the first mosque in India. This Mazjid is a part of prestigious Muziris heritage project.
Cheraman Juma Masjid Mosque- The First Mosque in India
Cheraman Juma Masjid Mosque is located in Methala of Kodungallur in the cultural captial of Kerala. The masjid own the special factor of being the first ever Mosque in India and was named after in the memory of Cheraman Perumal, Chera king who went to Arabia and embraced the Islam and that is why the mosque was named as Cheraman Juma Masjid.
The mosque was constructed in 629 AD by a group of Arabs including Malik Bin Deenar and Malik Bin Habib. It stands as a symbol of a place of unity in Kodungallur.
The non- muslims were also allowed to came into the Mosque and they bring oil to an ancient lamp in the mosque. The ancient oil lamp will always burns and which is believed to be more than thousand years old. The people brings oil as an offering and not only Muslims but also the non- muslims.
The mosque was renovated in later 11th century and is now the biggest tourist icon and peaceful locale at Kodungallur of the cultural capital. Many of the notable visitors were come and visited the place and among them there was a notable one who is none other than our former president Dr. APJ AbdulKalam who came into the mosque.
The mosque was 1000 years old and still looks young and still standing by showcasing the unity. The original shape of the mosque had a flat roof, but some minarets were added a few years ago, which enhance the exterior of the mosque. The mosque doesn’t allow ladies to visit the place but there is a tiny corner which is allotted to them and they can visit to make supplications and perform their obligatory prayers. There is a museum beside to the masjid which showcases the old time items, only the major ones.
On the first glance the masjid shows resemblance to a Hindu temple and this historic place draws in devotees in large numbers to the day. Besides its impressive history, distinct Kerala- style architecture and deep legacy which makes this landmark building to be the historic and architecturally stunning mosque.
