|
|
Considered
to be the earliest mosque in India, Cheraman Juma Masjid is located 1500 m
from Kodungallur centre. Founded in the seventh century, this is the first
Juma masjid in India.
The mosque is situated in the Methala village of Kodungalloor Taluk,
around 20 kilometres from the Irinjalakuda railway station.
This mosque was designed and constructed in accordance with the Hindu art
and architecture. People from all walks of life visit this mosque. The
present building dating from the sixteenth century was until recently
predominantly made of wood.
The mosque eroded owing to adverse climatic conditions and had to be
partly rebuilt, though the wooden interiors are still intact. There is a
large Kerala oil lamp in the centre and Muslims, Christians and Hindus
alike bring oil for the lamp during any auspicious occasion in the family.
The Legend
It is locally believed that King Cheraman Perumal went to Mecca, embraced
Islam and accepted the name Thajuddin. He married the sister of the then
King of Jeddah and settled down there.
Before his death he handed over to the King of Jeddah several letters
addressed to some rulers of Kerala seeking their help to propagate the
tenets of Islam in Kerala. After his death the king came to Kerala and met
the Rajah of Kodungalloor who helped him to convert the Arathali temple
into a Juma Masjid.
Women are not allowed into the mosque at any time. Male visitors are
allowed in with the prior permission of the priest of the mosque. The
festivals of Ramadan and
Bakrid are celebrated with a
lot of fervour in this mosque.