Cheraman Juma Masjid is a mosque in Kodungallur in the Indian state of Kerala. Believed to be built in 629 AD by Malik Ibn Dinar, it is considered as the oldest mosque in India, and the second oldest mosque in the world to offer Jumu'ah prayers.
Constructed during the lifetime of Muhammad, the bodies of some of his original followers are said to be buried here. Unlike other mosques in Kerala that face westwards this mosque faces eastwards.
Architecture
The mosque is built in the traditional Hindu architectural style employed in construction of Hindu temples. Similar to Hindu tradition, the mosque uses brass oil lamps. The rosewood pulpit, from where the priest recites the Friday Jumu'ah, is covered with carvings akin to those seen in Hindu architecture. A block of white marble in the mosque is believed to have been brought from Mecca.
Place : Kodungallur, Thrissur district, Kerala
Significance : Believed to be the first mosque in India
Best Season : September to May