Exploring the Beauty of Islamic Architecture in the Mosques of Kerala

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.

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. 

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 14^th 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. 

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 12^th 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 16^th 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.

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.