The First Indian Mosque is believed to be the Cheraman Juma Masjid in Methala, near Kodungallur in Kerala state, India. Cheraman Juma Masjid was built in 643 A.D. by Malik Ibn Deenar alias Malik Dinar. He came to India to preach the teachings of the Prophet Muhammed.

Cheraman Juma Masjid is said to be the World’s second oldest Mosque, per an article on the Islamic Research Foundation International, Inc website.

Cheraman Juma Masjid, Near Kodungallur

Kodungallur Cheraman Juma Masjid was renovated first in the 11th century and many a time later on. The last renovation was in 2021. Cheraman Juma Masjid is constructed in the traditional Hindu architectural style. The pulpit shown in the above image is made of Rosewood.

Kodungallur was an important port for traders from Greece, Rome, Arab countries, China, etc., for centuries. It was the capital of the Chera dynasty.

Kodungallur, the Epicenter of Places of Worship

Besides the Cheraman Juma Masjid, Kodulgallur is home to famous Christian and Hindu places of work. It is also believed that St. Thomas, the apostle of Jesus Christ, landed at the port near Kodungallur and established a church at Kodungallur. This church is among the seven and a half churches established by Saint Thomas in Kerala.

Kodungallur also has the ancient Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple, which is believed to have been constructed by Cheran Senkuttuvan, the famous Chera Dynasty king. Kodungallur temple is renowned for the Kodungallur Bharani festival.

Malik Dinar Mosque at Thalangara in Kasaragod

Malik Dinar Mosque, alias Malik Deenar Juma Masjid, at Thalangara in Kasaragod, Kerala, is the second oldest mosque in India. This mosque is also a pilgrim center. The holy grave of Malik Dinar, a Tab’e who built this mosque, is at this mosque. i.e., Both the oldest and second oldest mosques in India were built by the same person. He also built many other mosques in India.

Tabi’eens (plural of Tab’e) are second-generation Muslims who have seen at least one Sahabi. A Sahabi is a follower or companion of the Islamic prophet Muhammad (570 A.D. to 634 A.D.) and a Muslim who has seen the prophet in person.

How Do I Go to The First Indian Mosque, Cheraman Juma Masjid in Methala, Kodungallur?

National Highway 17 passes through Methala. It is around 1-hour drive from Kochi, the commercial capital of Kerala state. Kochi International Airport at Nedumbrassery is very close to Kodungallur.

You may go to Methala by boat also! National Waterways Number 3 ends in Methala (Kottapuram). Kottapuram is at the northern end of the Vembanad backwaters (on the Kodungallur lakefront) and is a major vegetable market in Kerala.