Kerala Cheraman Juma Masjid

The Cheraman Juma Masjid, withstanding the ravages of time, stands tall at the Methala Village in Kodungalloor. This prominent heritage edifice was erected in 629 A.D and displays a magnificent conglomeration of conventional elan of the architecture of the land of coconuts and Arabic style. It is the ideal haunt for all the quiz and history buffs, for the Cheraman Juma Masjid is the first ever mosque to be built in India.

The history behind the construction of the mosque is fascinating. Cheraman Perumal, the ruler of the Chera dynasty was instrumental in the establishment of this beautiful mosque. The lure of commerce brought Arab merchants to the coasts of Keralathat triggered off Perumal's association with the principles of Prophet Mohammed. The indelible imprint of the holy man's teachings led Cheraman Perumal to change his religion and took on the nomenclature of Thajuddin. The mosque was built in the honor of Perumal's death wish, recorded in a series of documents. His will was conveyed by one Malik Bin Dar who took it upon himself to hasten the execution of his will. The Cheraman Juma Masjid, deriving its name from the ruler, had Malik Bin Dar acting as the first qazi and was later succeeded by his son, Habib Bin Malik.

Another school of thought proclaims that the mosque was built on the foundations of a temple dedicated to Lord Buddha. Kerala Vyasan Kunjukuttan Thampuran leads this line of argument. Though the mosque, in the twenty first century wears a revamped look, with annexes, the sacred holy of holies, has not gone under the chisel.

The shrine is embellished with wood etchings and houses a Nilavilakku. The visitors can take a dip in the auspicious pool that graces its precincts. The mosque also houses the remains of Habib Bin Malik and his spouse. A mass of white hued marble, possibly fetched from the holy city of Mecca is also on display.

The administration of the mosque is the sole prerogative of the Mahallu Committee. Gender discrimination abounds in the Cheraman Juma Masjid where the "second sex" is barred from entering its boundaries.

The Muslim devotees flock to the mosque during the holy Ramzan. It boasts of being the second mosque in the world to hold prayers on Juma baar. It also attracts worshippers from other religions during the vidyarambham ceremony, held on Vijaya Dashami.

A visit to the mosque ensures you a tour of the other tourist attractions in the neighborhood of the mosque. You can troop to the Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple and the Mahadeva Temple. Relive history with a visit to mansions of the Chera emperors.

A trip to this fascinating historical site is hassle free. It is accessible by Railways, Road and aerial routes. The tourists who want to travel by air will have to get off at Ernakulam. The Irinjalakuda station is the place to get down at for those who want to board the train. There are also buses that ply from Kodungallur.

Last Updated on 24 May 2011