Mosques of Kerala
There are several mosques in Kerala, and most of them are located in the northern part of the state, where most of the Muslims have settled. It is believed that Malik Ibn Dinar was the first Muslim to land at Crangannur and that he built some mosques along the coast. These mosques are scattered in different locations across the state like Muziris, Quilon, Kasargod, Sreekanteswaram, Valapattanom, Madayi, Dharmadom, Pantalayiri, Kollam and Chaliyam. The mosques of Kerala are generally covered structures which feature a large prayer hall at the centre, surrounded on all sides by covered verandhas.
Major Mosques of Kerala
Cheraman Juma Masjid - Founded in the seventh century, Cheraman Juma Masjid is famous as the first Juma Masjid in India. It is located at 1500 m from Kodungallur centre.
Kanjiramattom Mosque - Located at Kanjiramattom - 30 km from Kochi - this mosque is believed to have been built over the mortal remains of Muslim saint, Sheikh Parid.
Madayi Mosque - Built in 1124 AD by Malik Ibn Dinar, this beautiful mosque houses a block of white marble which is known to have been brought from Mecca by Ibn Dinar.
Pazhayangadi Mosque - This mosque is located 18 km east of Manjeri on the Malappuram - Kozhikode route.
Malik Dinar Mosque - One of the most famous mosques of Kerala, this mosque at Kasargod is believed to have been founded by Malik Ibn Dinar. The body of Ibn Dinar was buried within the Mosque.
Some of the other well-known mosques of Kerala include Charachira Jama Masjid at Palayam in Thiruvananthapuram, Nainar Mosque at Karikodu in Idukki district, Jamat Mosque Malappuram on Malappuram-Venkara Road and Odathil Mosque located at 500m from Thalassery Fort.
The most important mosque in South Kerala is the Beemapalli Mosque dedicated to Beema Beevi, a devout Muslim Lady. Located on the beach in Trivandrum City, this mosque is a favorite pilgrim place for devotees irrespective of caste or religion.
