Cheraman Juma Mosque
The Cheraman Juma Mosque is a popular pilgrim centre in Kodungallur in Thrissur district. According to hagiographical legends, it is claimed that the mosque was built in 629 CE by Malik Bin Dinar.
| Cheraman | |
|---|---|
Restored Masjid as of July 2022 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Sunni Islam |
| District | Thrissur |
| Location | |
| Location | Methala, Kodungalloor |
| State | Kerala |
Shown within Kerala | |
| Territory | India |
| Geographic coordinates | 10.22°N 76.194°E |
| Architecture | |
| Completed | 1568 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 61 m (200 ft) |
| Width | 24 m (79 ft) |
It is claimed to be the first mosque to be built in India and the second in the world where Juma prayers were started. It is claimed to be the oldest mosque in the Indian subcontinent which is still in use.
The mosque was constructed in Kerala style with hanging lamps, making the historicity of its date claims more convincing. Other scholars are more skeptical and dated the structure to the 14th-15th century based on the architectural style.
The mosque was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1504 when Lopo Soares de Albergaria attacked the port of Kodungallur. The old building was built some time after the 1504 de Algabaria attack (i.e., from mid-16th to the early 17th century). Modern corridors and halls were built in 1984. The 1984 extensions, which surround the old building, conceal almost all of the exterior features of the old building.