The Cheraman Juma Mosque is a mosque in Methala, Kodungallur, Thrissur in the Indian state of Kerala. A legend claims that it was built in 643 CE,which makes it the oldest mosque in the Indian subcontinent which is still in use. It was built on the orders of the successor of Cheraman Perumal, the Chera King of modern-day Kerala.
Cheraman Perumal, the reigning King of Kerala, with Kodungallur as its capital, once experienced an unusual dream of the new moon being split into two halves at the horizon. His Court astrologers could not give him a satisfactory explanation. Later when a group of Arab traders on their way to Ceylon met the Perumal, he mentioned about his dream. They explained that this could probably be the miracle Prophet performed at Arabia. This explanation convinced him and he decided to embrace Islam. His decision to leave for Mecca was kept a secret.Before his death, he wrote letters to local rulers of Malabar and handed them to his friends. Later, when Malik Bin Dinar and his companions reached Kodungallur, the letters were handed over to the ruling chieftains. They were given permission to construct mosques in different places. The first mosque in India was thus constructed at Kodungallur and Malik Bin Dinar himself was the first Ghazi of this “Cheraman Masjid”.
It is believed that the mosque was first renovated or reconstructed sometime in the 11th Century AD and later again 300 years ago. The last renovation was done in 1974 when, as a result of increase in the population of the believers, an extension was constructed demolishing the front part of the mosque. The ancient part of the mosque including the sanctum sanctorum was left untouched and is still preserved. Another extension was made in 1994 to accommodate the ever increasing number of believers. When yet another extension to the mosque was needed in 2001 it was decided to reconstruct this in the model of the old mosque.
The unique architectural style of Cheraman Juma Masjid is its highlight. It sports a mixed Kerala and Arab style of Architecture. Moreover, a number of Hindu traditions are also followed inside the Mosque, such as the Hindu tradition of illuminating brass lamp. A brass lamp is there in the mosque, burns continuously. It is believed to be more than thousand years old. There is also a rosewood pulpit at the mosque, which has carvings made in Hindu style architecture. The pulpit is prominently used at a number of traditional Hindu temples. At the mosque there also lies a marble block, which is supposedly brought from Mecca.
The mosque celebrates several festivals throughout the year, including Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha, and Milad-un-Nabi. The mosque’s annual festival, known as the Kodungallur Bharani festival, is celebrated during the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February-March) and is a colourful and vibrant event.
It is a matter of great pride that devotees and substantial number of pilgrims are from non-Muslim communities. The Mohalla Committees have encouraged this and the secular credentials of the mosque are dearly preserved. Offerings of Iftar during the fasting month of Ramzan are being made by the non-Muslim communities. Many non-Muslim devotees are conducting “Vidhyarambham” of their children at the mosque. The mosque’s unique architecture and cultural significance make it a notable landmark in Kerala.
