Kerala
has a strong connection with the Islamic culture and architecture since the
historic days. The traders and explorers from Persia and the Arab countries who
came to buy the exotic spices and the Mughals who found solace in the exotic
nature of the state have contributed to the culture and architecture of Kerala
to a large extent. Kerala tour packages through the mosques of Kerala will be an unusual and interesting journey.
The
Muslims can think of booking such a package as non-Muslims are not allowed to
enter the mosques. It is believed that one of the Chera kings who ruled
Kodungalloor converted to Islam and went to Mecca. He brought back with him
some Islamic religious leaders to establish the new religion in his land. He
got them approvals to do the necessary to establish the religion in
Kodungalloor near the port before he died. They built the first mosque here in
629 AD which is probably the first mosque in India. As with all the mosques,
only Muslims are allowed inside the mosque and hence it is difficult to get a
glance of their colourful and exotic interior architecture if you are
non-Muslim. This will be a unique way to enjoy Kerala tourism packages
along with a visit to the most popular and legendary Mosques in Kerala.
Cheraman Juma Masjid, Kodungalloor
The
Cheraman Juma Masjid was originally built using the typical Kerala architecture
that used a lot of wood and terracotta roofs. It is named after Cheraman
Perumal, the Chera King who built it. There’s an ever-burning lamp or ‘Kedavilakku’
as the locals say, inside the mosque which is believed to be thousands of years
old. Several extensions, renovations and restorations are done in the mosque to
accommodate the increasing number of believers and to sustain the nature’s
effects.
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Interior of Cheraman Juma Msajid |
Renovations
are planned to build 2 underground prayer halls as vertical expansions are no
more possible. Though it is rare, the Hindu ritual of Vidyarambham is followed
here too, particularly for the Hindu devotees. This is definitely a must-visit
during your Kerala packages focused of beautiful mosques . You can also visit the Muziris heritage museums in the
nearby town of North Paravoor which are closely related to the history of the Zamorins
of Kodungalloor.
Malik Dinar Mosque, Kasargod
As
per the records, this is the second mosque established in Kerala. This mosque
contains the grave of Malik Dinar who was one of the companions of Prophet
Mohammed and who built the mosque. Every year, Uroos is celebrated here for a
month which includes Ziyarath and Annadaanam or feeding the poor.
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Malik-ibn-Dinar Tomb |
Another noted
mosque in Kasargod is the Theruvath Mosque which is also very old. It joins the
Uroos celebrations every year. A visit to this mosque during your Kerala holiday packages to explore the rich culture will be a unique experience of Kerala’s culture and tradition and
how the Arab culture slowly synced with the Kerala culture.
Juma Masjid, Ramanthali
Though
very old, this is built is the typical Mughal architecture with Minarets and
domes. Located in Payyannur, Kannur, this mosque contains the grave of 17
martyrs who lost their lives in the war against the Portuguese.
Mishkal Mosque, Kozhikode
Built
by Nakhooda Mishkal in the 14th century, the mosque is named after the
Arab Merchant that he was. The mosque is entirely built in wood showcasing the
typical Kerala architecture of temples. There’s no tomb or minaret here because
of that.
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Interior of Mishkal Mosque |
It is an architectural beauty with 47 doors, a big prayer hall that accommodates up to 400 people at a
time and 24 carved pillars. Even though very old, the mosque is
well-ventilated. You can visit this mosque on your Kerala tour packages from Mumbai to see the beauty of Kerala’s
architecture along with the beautiful landscapes in the vicinity.
Central Mahallu Jama’ath, Muvattupuzha
This
is unlike the other mosques in Kerala. The CMJ, as it is popularly known, was
established in 1927 to eradicate poverty, provide employment, medical aid and
introduce education into the lives of Muslims. It accommodates nearly 2000
families who are provided shelter, medical aid, education and employment by the
CMJ. Though it was initially built in typical Kerala architecture, it was later
renovated introducing the minarets and domes which give it a typical Islamic
look. It will be worth visiting this unique mosque during your Kerala tour packages from Delhi to see
for yourself how a religious institution can contribute to the society and the
well-being of fellow believers.
Madayi Mosque, Kannur
This
is another ancient mosque built by Malik Ibn Dinar in the 12th
century. It was reconstructed later with minarets, bigger prayer halls etc.
Ponnani Mosque, Ponnani
Ponnani
is considered as sacred as the Mecca for by the Kerala Muslims. Built in the 16th
century in by Zainudin Mekhdum, the mosque is the centre of Islamic education
in Kerala. Muslim followers from across the country visit this church without
fail during their Kerala family or
honeymoon trip.
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Lamp kept inside the Ponnani Mosque |
Valiya Juma Masjid, Tirur
This
is another ancient and huge mosque in Malappuram where the mausoleum of the
Malappuram Shaheeds are kept. The annual feast held in March – April months for
4 days attracts quite a few Muslim devotees to the mosque.
Mambrum Mosque, Tirurangadi
Also
in Malappuram district, this mosque is related to the famous Mappila Lahala or Malabar Rebellion of
1921 against the British Empire.
Sheikh Fariddudin Mosque, Kanjiramattom
Located
in Ernakulam district, this mosque follows some special festivals and rituals
which attract many Islamic followers here every year. The Chandanakkudam ritual, which is more popular among the Hindus, is
one of the main specialties of this mosque which is practiced during the
Kodikuthu festival every year. Many typical Muslim art forms such as Duff
Muttu, Mappila paattu, Oppana etc. are also performed during the procession.
You can witness this colorful celebration during your Kerala tour.
Erumeli Vavar Mosque, Kottayam
This
mosque is visited by believers of all religions. In fact, everyone who visits
Sabarimala pays their tribute to Vavar at this mosque and then only proceed to
the main temple. It is believed that Vavar was a close friend of Ayyapa and helped
him get tiger’s milk which cures his mother’s illness. The Chandanakkudam
festival which is a part of the Makaravilakku celebration is a famous festival
celebrated here. All those who embark upon a Kerala travel to visit Sabarimala
also visits this mosque.
Beema Palli, Trivandrum
Beema
Mosque in Trivandrum is a very popular pilgrim place for the Muslims. It is
believed to be built by Hazratha Bee Amma and her son and hence the name Beema. Hazratha Bee Amma and her son
were believed to belong to Prophet Mohammed’s family and had divine powers. Thousands
of people attend the Chandanakkudam festival held here every year commemorating
Bee Amma and her son. You must visit this beautiful mosque when you plan your Kerala
tours to Trivandrum next time.
Palayam Palli, Trivandrum
This
is another famous mosque in Trivandrum which is actually named MASJID-I JahanNuma. It is probably the largest mosque in Kerala.
Srambia or Niskara Palli
These
are miniature mosques built near the paddy fields or water bodies using wood in
the ancient days. Though it is not clear why these were built, we can guess
that it was meant to be prayer halls for workers so that they do not have to
walk all the way to the nearest mosque. Since Kerala did not have as many
mosques in the earlier days, we can conclude that the Srambias were built for
the minority locals to pray near where they work or stay.
Apart
from these famous mosques, there are many more spread across the length and
breadth of Kerala. Many Indian Muslims plan pilgrim tours to Kerala with as
much interest as they would plan Kerala honeymoon packages with starting on religious places or family tours to visit these legendary mosques. Muslims
are an integral part of the business community of Kerala as most of the traders
you will find here will be Muslims only. They came as travelers and traders
and have contributed liberally to the culture, economy and architecture of
Kerala. In most part of the state, you will find a temple, mosque and a church
within a few meters’ distance that shows the communal harmony that exists among
the people of Kerala.
Kerala
is not only popular for religious and full length honeymoon packages and family holidays, it is also a popular pilgrim centre for
people belonging to all religions. Their contribution to the cuisine culture of
Kerala is also very important as those who have visited the Malabar region
would vouch. Their Biriyanis and Halwas are unbeatable and are very much a part
of Kerala’s tradition.
While
many Muslims plan their cool honeymoon packages in Kerala, they also
plan a visit to the mosques nearby, especially on Fridays for Juma. The Muslims
have been an important part of the economic development of the state,
particularly in bringing foreign money from the Arab countries. Their
willingness to work hard, no matter what the conditions are, have made them
successful entrepreneurs and some of the world’s richest people from India.
