Cheraman Juma Masjid Kodungalloor Kerala

Cheraman Juma Masjid is an ancient mosque located almost 2 kilometers away from Kodungalloor town in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. It is said to be the first mosque in the country which is believed to be built in the seventh century. One of the great features of this pilgrim center is that it has the resemblance of a Hindu temple. Built in the year AD 629, this is the second mosque in the world and first in India where Juma prayers were started. This Muslim shrine is an icon for the peaceful entry of Islam into the subcontinent of India. It is also a symbol of the harmonious co-existence in the state with religions for centuries and the flourishing commerce between India and the Arab countries.

It is believed that the area where the mosque now stands was a Buddha Vihara. Later Arab converted a local temple into a Mosque. Usually, all the mosques face Mecca but it faces east as it was originally a Hindu temple. The interiors of the mosque have still Hindu motifs and brass oil lamps. Ernakulam railway station is 36 kilometers from this shrine while Thrissur railway station is about 38 kilometers away. Cochin International Airport is around 28 kilometers from this Muslim pilgrim center. Plan a spiritual tour to the popular pilgrimage centers and holy sites of Kerala by choosing an affordable travel package from Tour My India.