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Each pilgrimage centre has a story to unfold, a secret to reveal. Here we have a mosque that was built in the name of a King who converts to Islam and spreads the message of Islam in his land. Let us know more about Cheraman Juma Masjid in Kerala!
Located around 2km from Kodungallur in Kerala, Cheraman Juma Masjid that was constructed in 629 AD, is the first mosque in India, and also one of the oldest mosques in the world. Legend has it that King Cheraman, the ruler of Kodungallur, had a dreamt of the moon splitting in two. When he disclosed this to some Arab traders, he was informed that it is a message from the Prophet. On hearing this, the King travelled to Madina to meet the Prophet, and converted to Islam.
Photo Courtesy: Shahinmusthafa
Unfortunately, the King dies on his way back to his land. Before his death, he instructed a travel companion Malik Bin Dinar, to build a mosque in his land and spread the message of Islam across the state. Consecutively, a mosque was built in Kodungallur in his name and several other mosques were built across the state.
Unlike other mosques, Cheraman Juma Masjid has a structure that resembles a temple in Kerala. The mosque has an ancient oil lamp that always burns. The lamp is believed to be more than thousand years old. The mosque allows people from other religions to enter the mosque, and devotees offer oil for the lamp as an offering. Though several renovations had happened at the mosque, the original hall and the internal structure are preserved till date.
Photo Courtesy: Challiyan
Several notable personalities have visited the mosque, including the then President Abdul Kalam and the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi has also gifted a gold plated replica of the mosque to the Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
King Cheraman had such an influence on his people that the place where the mosque is situated was named as Cheraman Malik Nagar, after the King and his travel companion.
Photo Courtesy: Official site
How to Reach Cheraman Juma Masjid
Once you reach Kodungallur, you can hire an auto rickshaw or taxi to the mosque. Here's how to reach Kodungallur.
Apart from this mosque, Kodungallur has several other places of interest for a traveller. These places include Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple, Thiruvanchikkulam Temple, Koodalmanikyam Temple and Mar Thoma shrine.
Travel to the historical land of Kodungallur in Kerala that had served as the capital of Cheraman kings.
