Cheraman Juma Mosque
| Cheraman Juma Mosque | |
|---|---|
The mosque in 2022, following restoration. (The added dome and minarets cannot be seen). | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Sunni Islam |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Mosque |
| Status | Active |
| Location | |
| Location | Methala, Kodungalloor, Thrissur district, Kerala |
| Country | India |
Location of the mosque in Kerala | |
| Geographic coordinates | 10°13′12″N 76°11′38″E / 10.22°N 76.194°E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Mosque architecture |
| Style | |
| Founder | Malik Bin Dinar (at the behest of Cheraman Perumal) |
| Completed |
|
| Specifications | |
| Length | 61 m (200 ft) |
| Width | 24 m (79 ft) |
| Dome(s) | One (1994–2022) |
| Minaret(s) | Four (1994–2022) |
The Cheraman Juma Mosque is a mosque in Kodungallur, Thrissur district, in the state of Kerala, India. According to traditional legends, it is claimed that the mosque was built in 629 CE by Malik Bin Dinar though some scholars suggest a later construction date in the 14th–15th century. Due to these claims, it is often regarded as the first mosque built in India and the oldest mosque on the Indian subcontinent still in use. However, historical research has cast doubt on these claims, suggesting that the origin story may be fictitious or legendary rather than factual.
The mosque was built in the Kerala-Islamic traditional Vastu shastra architectural style, with hanging lamps, making the historicity of its date claims more convincing.
Modern corridors and halls were added in 1984, which surround the original building, and conceal almost all of the exterior features of the original structure. A dome and minarets were added in 1994 and removed following a restoration of the building in 2022.
The mosque is located on the Paravur–Kodungalloor Road.