Mosques in Kerala
The mosques of Kerala are reminiscent of the Arabian legacy in Kerala. Islam in
Kerala was introduced and propagated by the Arab traders and by some disciples of
Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s). The mosques in Kerala are among the oldest in the history
of Islam, few of which were even built during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.s).
The Cheraman Jama Masjid is the most popular and historical of all the mosques
in Kerala. It is the oldest mosque in the Indian sub-continent and second oldest
in the world. It is located in Kodungallur near Thrissur and was built around 629
A.D., seven years after the Prophet’s migration to Medina. The mosque derives its
name from the ancient Chera ruler, Cheraman Perumal and was constructed by Malik
Bin Dar. The architecture of the mosque resembles that of a temple and unlike other
mosques that face westwards, this mosque faces eastwards. The mosque was constructed
during the lifetime of the Prophet and shelters the bodies of some of his original
followers. The mosque contains an ancient lamp which is more than thousand years
old and is considered to have always been burning. The mosque is a symbol of ethnic
vibrancy and communal harmony as it is one of the few mosques in Kerala that allows
the entry of people of other religions.
The Malappuram Jamat mosque was built in the 19th century by a Hindu family,
Prana Nambi as a sign of repentance for their crime and atrocities committed against
Muslims. It is a lovely creation resplendent with blue doors and distinctive snow
white walls. The mosque is known for its architectural excellence.
The Nainar mosque situated in Idukki district is the oldest and largest mosque
in the district. It was rebuilt and resurrected to its original shape in 1979. The
mosque is famous for its inscriptions inscribed on the stone steps. The mosque also
has a large water tank which is believed to have been sculpted out of a single rock.
The Pazhayangadi mosque located in Malappuram district is also referred to
as the Kondotty mosque. It was built in the 18th century along the lines of the
Mughal style of architecture. The mosque is embellished with a lovely white dome
that carries unique carvings. The annual festival at the mosque called Valia Nercha
attracts thousands of devotees every year and is a popular event among the Muslims.
Malik Dinar Mosque carries a lot of historical significance as it was built
by Malik Ibn Dinar, one of the disciples of Prophet Muhammad. He was one of the
important figures that propagated Islam in Kerala. The mosque is situated at Thalangana
in Kasargod. The body of Malik Ibn Dinar is buried within the mosque. An annual
Urs festival held at the mosque is attended by pilgrims from all over India.
Besides these, there are several other mosques in Kerala such as the Charachira
Jama Masjid situated at Palayam in Thiruvananthapuram, Kanjiramattom Mosque at Kanjiramattom
in Ernakulam district, Odathil mosque in Kannur district and a host of other mosques
of religious and historical significance.