Cheraman Juma Masjid Mosque
Cheraman Juma Masjid Mosque
4.5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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4.5
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Subin Mohan
Dubai, United Arab Emirates245 contributions
Mar 2015 • Solo
One will find nothing unusual about this place of worship for Muslims as one drives past this town in central Kerala, just 30km north of Kochi.
For Cheraman Jumah Masjid in this town, also known by its anglicised name Cranganore, is not just the oldest in India and the subcontinent but one built during the lifetime of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) in AD629 by an Arab propagator of Islam, Malik Bin Dinar.
It is also testimony to two facts. One, Islam came to India long before the Mughals came in from the northwest. Two, the entry of Islam was smooth and Muslims enjoyed the full patronage of the locals irrespective of their religions — a facet that is still visible and cherished here.
This mosque stands proud with two other landmarks of Kodungallur, also known as Muziris. The first is the Saint Thomas Church, also said to be among the first in India built by the Apostle himself around 52AD. He had arrived here in India and the church has some holy relics from the olden days. The second is the Bhagavathy Temple of Cheran ruler Chenguttavan, also known as Vel Kelu Kuttuvan, around 150AD.
There are several legends surrounding the Cheraman Jumah mosque. As one goes: It was built under the patronage of the last Chera king, Cheraman Perumal, who is also believed to have abdicated his throne and embraced Islam upon meeting the Prophet at Makkah.
But before he died at Dhofar in Oman due to some illness on the way back to India, he wrote some letters asking the local rulers, to whom he had handed over his empire, to extend all help they could to some Arab merchants who were planning to visit India.
One such merchant, Malik Bin Dinar, was given permission by local chieftains to build Islamic places of worship around the area. The mosque accordingly is called the Cheraman Mosque in recognition of the help extended by the last Chera ruler.
This apart, Malik Bin Dinar, who was also a “sahaba” or a companion of the Prophet, was the mosque’s first Gazi, succeeded by his nephew Habib Bin Malek. Both Habib Bin Malek and his wife are entombed at the Cheraman Juma Masjid.
The original mosque itself has undergone several renovations. The oral traditions have it that the first such refurbishment took place in the 11th century and again some 300 years later. In the modern era a revamp was done in 1974, after which a reconstruction happened in 2001.
But all along, the sanctum sanctorum has been preserved. Minarets and a dome are also modern-day additions. Yet, despite the renovations, a striking amalgam of different cultures and religions is in full play at the grand old mosque.
From some angles, it can even pass off as a temple.
At the centre of this striking blend of several architectural styles and practices is a traditional Kerala-style lamp hanging from the ceiling. This lamp also has inscriptions in old Malayalam script Vattezhuthu.
The mosque also has a small museum. At the centre, inside a glass casing, is a miniature replica of the mosque as it stood around 350 years ago. There are also some other artefacts from the times gone by, such as the redstones that were used to as building material in sizes uncommon today, and an ancient sewage channel.
For Cheraman Jumah Masjid in this town, also known by its anglicised name Cranganore, is not just the oldest in India and the subcontinent but one built during the lifetime of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) in AD629 by an Arab propagator of Islam, Malik Bin Dinar.
It is also testimony to two facts. One, Islam came to India long before the Mughals came in from the northwest. Two, the entry of Islam was smooth and Muslims enjoyed the full patronage of the locals irrespective of their religions — a facet that is still visible and cherished here.
This mosque stands proud with two other landmarks of Kodungallur, also known as Muziris. The first is the Saint Thomas Church, also said to be among the first in India built by the Apostle himself around 52AD. He had arrived here in India and the church has some holy relics from the olden days. The second is the Bhagavathy Temple of Cheran ruler Chenguttavan, also known as Vel Kelu Kuttuvan, around 150AD.
There are several legends surrounding the Cheraman Jumah mosque. As one goes: It was built under the patronage of the last Chera king, Cheraman Perumal, who is also believed to have abdicated his throne and embraced Islam upon meeting the Prophet at Makkah.
But before he died at Dhofar in Oman due to some illness on the way back to India, he wrote some letters asking the local rulers, to whom he had handed over his empire, to extend all help they could to some Arab merchants who were planning to visit India.
One such merchant, Malik Bin Dinar, was given permission by local chieftains to build Islamic places of worship around the area. The mosque accordingly is called the Cheraman Mosque in recognition of the help extended by the last Chera ruler.
This apart, Malik Bin Dinar, who was also a “sahaba” or a companion of the Prophet, was the mosque’s first Gazi, succeeded by his nephew Habib Bin Malek. Both Habib Bin Malek and his wife are entombed at the Cheraman Juma Masjid.
The original mosque itself has undergone several renovations. The oral traditions have it that the first such refurbishment took place in the 11th century and again some 300 years later. In the modern era a revamp was done in 1974, after which a reconstruction happened in 2001.
But all along, the sanctum sanctorum has been preserved. Minarets and a dome are also modern-day additions. Yet, despite the renovations, a striking amalgam of different cultures and religions is in full play at the grand old mosque.
From some angles, it can even pass off as a temple.
At the centre of this striking blend of several architectural styles and practices is a traditional Kerala-style lamp hanging from the ceiling. This lamp also has inscriptions in old Malayalam script Vattezhuthu.
The mosque also has a small museum. At the centre, inside a glass casing, is a miniature replica of the mosque as it stood around 350 years ago. There are also some other artefacts from the times gone by, such as the redstones that were used to as building material in sizes uncommon today, and an ancient sewage channel.
Written 20 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ZainulAbideen
Kozhikode, India5 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
Historical place, Cheraman Perumal, (Tajuddin. r.a) king of india-Kodungallur, Kerala (AD 622-628. Hijra 1-7) was the first Indian to accept Islam. Many historians have recorded this fact in their writings. Kerala is a state of India. The state stretches for 360 miles (580 kilometers) along the Malabar Coast on the southwestern side of the Indian peninsula. King Chakrawati Farmas of Malabar was a Chera king, Cheraman perumal of Kodungallure. He is recorded to have seen the moon split. The incident is documented Hamidulla writes in "Muhammad Rasoolullah in a manuscript kept at the India Office Library, London, reference number: Arabic, 2807, 152-173 A group of Muslim merchant passing by Malabar on their way to China spoke to the king about how God had supported the Arabian prophet with the miracle of splitting of the moon. The shocked king said he had seen it with his own eyes as well, deputized his son, and left for Arabia to meet the Prophet in person. He embraced Islam at the hand of the Prophet and when returning home, at the direction of the Prophet, died at the port of Zafar, Yemen,(Present salalah Oman) where the tomb of the Indian king was piously visited for many centuries.
Written 5 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AKDileep
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India12 contributions
Nov 2015 • Family
This is the first Muslim Mosque in India , situated in the city on Kodungallur. Good that the authorities are maintaining the actual structure still.
Written 27 November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natureinabundance
Bengaluru, India85 contributions
Dec 2016 • Solo
The Masjid is suppose to be one of the oldest in the country. The place is around 35kms from the Thrissur. One can take limited stop bus from saktan bus stand, which is less than a km away from the railway station. The bus normally an hour or more to cover the distance. One need not go till kodangallur bus stand but just some 5 kms before the kodangallur get down and take a bus heading to puduyur. It is slightly more than a 2 kms and the bus stops just outside the masjid.
There is an office just at the entrance.
Though the masjid has undergone renovation which is evident but still some of the artefacts are intact, Like the doors, pulpit, lamp etc are major attraction. One can definitely have a closer look, just ensure atleast feet are washed before entering as people pray on the spreads of the masjid.
There is a museum adjacent to the masjid one can see some old time items on display though not many. There is a museum caretaker who charges entry fee and gives a peek into the collection. Further a brochure is available with more details of the masjid on payable basis.
There is a grave yard and water well within the compound. Typical of the this grave yard is that the marking stones are placed on both the head and feet. Whereas in most of the other place as a practice it is just on the head side.
There is an office just at the entrance.
Though the masjid has undergone renovation which is evident but still some of the artefacts are intact, Like the doors, pulpit, lamp etc are major attraction. One can definitely have a closer look, just ensure atleast feet are washed before entering as people pray on the spreads of the masjid.
There is a museum adjacent to the masjid one can see some old time items on display though not many. There is a museum caretaker who charges entry fee and gives a peek into the collection. Further a brochure is available with more details of the masjid on payable basis.
There is a grave yard and water well within the compound. Typical of the this grave yard is that the marking stones are placed on both the head and feet. Whereas in most of the other place as a practice it is just on the head side.
Written 27 December 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joji J
Kochi (Cochin), India3,049 contributions
Jul 2017 • Friends
Cheraman Juma Masjid Mosque is considered to be the first mosque in India and was named Cheraman Juma Masjid in memory of Cheraman Perumal, the Chera King who went to Arabia and embraced Islam. In 629 AD a group of Arabs including Malik Bin Deenar and Malik Bin Habib came to India and constructed this mosque and named it Cheraman Juma Masjid. The Mosque is open to non muslims too and they bring oil to a an ancient lamp in the mosque. The Mosque was renovated later in 11th Century and is now a main tourist attraction near Kodungalloor. Many notable visitors like former Indian President APJ Kalam have visited the mosque.
Written 23 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ishfaqali
Jagtial District, India66 contributions
Jan 2015 • Family
good very old stucture doesnot look like mosque but it build in AD629 they say so architechure is worth seeing ,will feel a inner peace in this place worth visiting
Written 18 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelbug539
Singapore, Singapore119 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
I was simply amazed that this almost 1000 year old mosque was still standing. The original shape of this mosque had a flat roof, but some minerets were added a few years ago, to enhance the
exterior of the mosque. Ladies were not allowed into the mosque, until quite recently, a tiny corner was allotted for them to visit to make supplications & perform their obligatory prayers. The mosque had a fresh coat of paint recently, and my Husband had been so fortunate to have prayed on a luxurious, thick carpet in the main prayer hall. This is a place not to be missed whether your'e a Muslim or aren't.
exterior of the mosque. Ladies were not allowed into the mosque, until quite recently, a tiny corner was allotted for them to visit to make supplications & perform their obligatory prayers. The mosque had a fresh coat of paint recently, and my Husband had been so fortunate to have prayed on a luxurious, thick carpet in the main prayer hall. This is a place not to be missed whether your'e a Muslim or aren't.
Written 6 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MathaiFenn
Kottayam, India9 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
Cheraman Perumal was an Indian king, who legend has it, travelled to visit The Prophet during his lifetime. On the way back he died and his tomb is in Salala, Oman. He sent orders to build the mosque while he was away. Like all mosques, there are specific sections where women are not allowed entry. Avoid Prayer times and Fridays.
Contact the office near the Mosque to arrange a tour (nothing spectacular). Its worth a visit if you are into history.
Contact the office near the Mosque to arrange a tour (nothing spectacular). Its worth a visit if you are into history.
Written 14 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
borhancikgu
Penang, Malaysia56 contributions
Oct 2019 • Family
I have always wanted to visit this oldest mosque in India and I had the opportunity to visit this mosque recently. Close to Cochin Airport in Kodangallur. Impressed with its history. But the actual face has a new touch even though you find some of the old architecture intact inside the mosque. It is said that this mosque was built during Prophet Muhammad’s time. It has a small museum which I feel can be made an attraction to this part of India with more historical things and a proper display. Probably the history of the mosque could have been explained in detail with some art work. There is a replica of the actual mosque inside and I feel it could have been made better. Overall the mosque is a must if you are in Cochin. Congratulations to the management for the good work they are doing to preserve its glorious past.
Written 6 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AsifKhan_Delhi
New Delhi, India265 contributions
Oct 2016 • Family
When companions of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) came to India from Arab, they started trading in the region. This was the first ever mosque built in India when the King Cheraman Purenmel embraced Islam after being influenced by good behavior and fair trade practices of those Muslims who came from Arab for trading.
This is must visit place due for muslims for historical reason, the place is around 30 KM from Kochi and easily accessible through taxi, buses etc.
This is must visit place due for muslims for historical reason, the place is around 30 KM from Kochi and easily accessible through taxi, buses etc.
Written 12 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How can I reach here from chennai
Written 16 February 2017
You need to reach Thrissur, which is prominent station in Kerala. I wouldn't to be able to suggest best route, as I have not travelled from Chennai.
Written 17 February 2017
What will be good way to come from Germany I can land in Bangalore. Is there way to book train ticket and rent car with driver or taxi to visit the Masjid.
Will appreciate you can provide information to my
Masyood
Written 6 November 2016
Hello,
Car/Train is not advisable from Bangalore to Kodungallur.
Easiest option is a domestic flight from Bangalore to Kochi (1 hr) and a taxi from Kochi Airport to Kodungallur (1 hour). There are plenty of flights operating daily on this route. Getting a pre-paid taxi from Kochi airport will make the travel much easier.
Written 7 November 2016
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