Things to Know about Cheraman Juma Masjid Kerala before Visiting

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.

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.

1. Best time to Visit Cheraman Juma Masjid

The best time to visit the mosque is between November and March when the atmosphere is quiet and pleasant.

2. Cheraman Juma Masjid Location

Cheraman Juma Masjid is located in the Paravur- Kodungallur road, Kodungallur taluka, Thrissur, Kerala.

3. Cheraman Juma Masjid Timings

• Days - Every day of the week
• Opening Time - 5:30 am
• Closing Time - 8:30 pm

4. How to Reach Cheraman Juma Masjid?

Cheraman Juma Masjid is well connected to the local transportation facilities and is accessible by road.

• Nearest Railway Station to Cheraman Juma Masjid: The nearest railway station to the mosque is Irinjalakuda, 20 km away.
• Nearest Bus Station to Cheraman Juma Masjid: Kodungallur is the nearest bus station to the mosque, 3 km away.
• Nearest Airport to Cheraman Juma Masjid: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is 30 km away from Kodungallur.

5. Entry Fee for Cheraman Juma Masjid

There is no entry fee for visiting the mosque.

6. Cheraman Juma Masjid Nearby Places to Visit

The city provides various tourist attractions. Here are some nearby places to consider to visit in the city.

1. Athirappilly Waterfalls
2. Kuzhuppilly Beach
3. Cherai beach
4. Subhash Bose Park
5. Marthoma Pontifical Shrine - Cradle of Christianity
6. Kottapuram Fort

With an interesting history and innovations in the structure of the architecture, there are also a few unknown facts that peaks interest.

1. The tomb of Cheraman Perumal is in the city of Salalah, in Oman. Devotees visit the place to date and seek blessings.
2. Malik Ibn Dinar was the first Muslim to come to India, and because of him, Islam is present in the country.
3. The mosque is presently going into construction to be rebuilt it like the one in the 13th century.
4. Non- Muslim males are allowed, but women are not allowed to enter the mosque.
5. The followers celebrate Vijayadashmi, a Hindu festival, in the mosque.
6. Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam, one of the biggest personalities, also performed his prayers in this mosque.

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.