Cheraman Juma Masjid is situated in the Methala village of Kodungalloor Taluk,Thrissur, Kerala around 20 kilometres from the Irinjalakuda railway station. It was Founded in the seventh century, this is the first Juma masjid in India. This was Built in AD 629 , this is the first mosque in India and the second in the world where Juma prayers were started. Other places of interest nearby include Cheramanparambu, the ancient Thiruvanchikulam Temple, the Bhagavathi Temple and the Portuguese fort.This mosque bears a resemblance to Hindu temples as it was constructed using traditional architectural styles of the Hindus. Cheraman Juma Masjid is the first mosque in India where Juma prayers began.Apart from the magnificent brass oil lamp, delicately crafted woodwork in the pulpit, visitors will also find an old ceremonial pond close to the mosque which is still standing intact. People believe that two ancient tombs in this mosque belong to Habib Bin Malik(son of Malik Bin Dinar) and his wife Khumarriah.There is a large Kerala oil lamp in the centre and Muslims, Christians and Hindus alike bring oil for the lamp during any auspicious occasion in the family.The interior of the mosque has several decorative items like the brass oil lamp, finely crafted wood work, especially that of the rosewood pulpit. Inside the mosque there is a block of white marble that is believed to have been brought from Mecca. Near to the mosque is the old ceremonial pond which is still standing intact. The two ancient tombs inside the mosque belongs to Habib Bin Malik (son of Malik Bin Dinar)and his wife Khumarriah.Cheraman Juma Masjid is the only mosque where ‘Vidyarambham’ is done on the day of Vijaya Dashami. It has helped many non Muslim devotees to start their children’s education within the mosque premises. The mosque looks like the new monuments as it was renovated few years ago.Women are not allowed into the mosque at any time. Male visitors are allowed in with the prior permission of the priest of the mosque. The festivals of Ramadan and Bakrid are celebrated with a lot of fervour in this mosque.
Location info:
Address: Methala village of Kodungalloor Taluk, Thrissur District , Kerala, India
The weather Temperature: Max: 35 deg. C Min: 22.5 deg. C
History:
It is locally believed that King Cheraman Perumal went to Mecca, embraced Islam and accepted the name Thajuddin. He married the sister of the then King of Jeddah and settled down there.Before his death he handed over to the King of Jeddah several letters addressed to some rulers of Kerala seeking their help to propagate the tenets of Islam in Kerala. After his death the king came to Kerala and met the Rajah of Kodungalloor who helped him to convert the Arathali temple into a Juma Masjid.
Interesting things to do:
You can watch the ancient Thiruvanchikulam Temple, the Bhagavathi Temple and the Portuguese fort, magnificent brass oil lamp, delicately crafted woodwork in the pulpit,old ceremonial pond.The festivals of Ramadan and Bakrid are celebrated with a lot of fervour in this mosque.
Interesting things to Visit:
Bhagawati Temple:The Bhagawati temple at Kodungallur is known throughout Kerala. The Bharani festival at the Bhagawati temple is one of the biggest in Kerala.St.Thomas Church:Jesus Christ’s apostle, St. Thomas is believed to have landed in Kodungalloor (earlier Muziris) in 52 AD. The St. Thomas Church established by him houses ancient relics. St. Thomas is portrayed in the gospels as a courageous and brave personality.Kottayil Kovilakom:Kottayil Kovilakom is a small village located at Chennamangalam, near Paravur. The place is located around 40 kilometers from Ernakulam town and is a symbol of religious harmony. The beautiful hillocks of Kottayil Kovilakom are unique as the site of a Hindu temple (Dedicated to Krishna) , a Christian church, a mosque and the remains of a Jewish synagogue, all within 1 km of each other.Pallippuram Fort:Pallippuram Fort was built in 1507 AD, by the Portugese. It is considered to be the first fort built in India by the Europeans.It witnessed several battles between the Portugese and the Dutch. The hexagonal-shaped fort has three storeys and is now a protected monument.Shiva Temple:The Mahadeva temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located 3 kilometers from Kodungalloor on the Ernakulam road. The temple porch is very much attractive because it is decorated with carvings depicting people and incidents in the epic Ramayana. The Lord Shiva is worshiped here in the form of ‘Shivalingam’ and his faithful bull ‘Nandi’ also worshiped here.
Mobile range info:
How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:Thiruvalla and Irinjalakuda Railway station
Nearest Airport:Trivandrum Airport
Road Transport:You can access this place by bus from Thrissur’s Shakthan Thampuran stand.Kodungalloor is at a distance of about 40 km from Trichur. It is linked to this important district town by road. Buses are available at regular intervals and one can reach Kodungalloor in one and a half hours.
Nearest Visiting places:
Peechi Dam:
Peechi Dam, 23km fromThrissur is an irrigation project site which offers boating facilities at the reservoir. If you are lucky, you might even spot a wild tusker or two on the forested banks, which form part of the 125 sq. km Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary,and this place is easily accessible by road from Thrissur, as there are frequent private buses from Thrissur.Chowalloor Shiva Temple:Renowned as one of the 108 Shivalayas (Abode of Shiva) the Chowalloor Shiva Temple is in the neighborhood of Guruvayur. The temple location is scenic, calm and cool. The premier deity is Shiva with a special Shivalinga installed in the sanctum Sanctorum.Heritage Garden:Heritage Garden is located in the heart of the city, just on the southern side of Shakthan Thampuran Palace. The heritage garden is established recently to preserve and exhibit valuable Heritage Garden is located in the heart of the city, just on the southern side of Shakthan Thampuran Palace. The heritage garden is established recently to preserve and exhibit valuable indigenous trees and flora of Kerala.Lourdes Cathedral:Thrissur district was under the control of Dutch and British invaders. During their period they had created several beautiful churches, an example is the Lourdes Cathedral. The exterior features an Indo-European facade with pink spires. The Centenary of Our Lady of Lourdes was celebrated during the historic visit of Pope John Paul II to Thrissur in 1986.Archaeological Museum:The archaeological and art museum at Thrissur has a good collection of wood carvings, metal sculptures and ancient jewelers. Located near the Zoo, at a distance of 2 km from the Thrissur town, this museum is a treasure trove of various Veerakallu, temple models, olagrandhangal , megaliths like earthen pots and urns etc.The Zoo:2 kms from Thrissur town, is the zoo, which is a wonderful place for animal enthusiasts. Within the 13.5 acres of compound, a variety of fauna like the lion tailed macaque, Sloth bear, various species of birds, deer etc. The snake park has a reptilian collection of King Cobra, Kraits, Vipers and rat snakes.Shakthan Thampuran Palace:One of the landmarks of historical Perumpadappu Swaroopam, the Palace of Shakthan Thampuran in Thrissur is a major tourist attraction, especially for the One of the landmarks of historical Perumpadappu Swaroopam, the Palace of Shakthan Thampuran in Thrissur is a major tourist attraction, especially for the tourists having special interest on history.Vilangakunnu:7 kms from Thrissur, Vilangakunnu is a beautiful little hill which is a wonderful picnic spot. This spot is a feast for ones eyes with its natural charm and serenity.Punnathur Kotta (Elephant Shelter):Near Guruvayoor, 2 km away is Punnathur Kotta, the place where temple elephants (numbering over 40) are taken care of. Nowhere else one can find so many elephants at a time.Christian Divine Retreat Centres:They are located at Muringoor and Potta near Chalakudi, on the Kochi – Thrissur route.Thriprayar Temple:This Temple is located south of Thrissur is one of the important temples dedicated to Lord Rama. The exquisite wood carvings, sculptures and Mural Paintings are an interesting sight.Mummiyur Temple:This is a small temple dedicated to Shiva, whose image is said to have been existing in Guruvayoor, even prior to the installation of the image of Krishna. It is located near the famous Krishna temple.A visit to this shrine is considered mandatory for all those worshipping at the Krishna temple.Chavakkad Beach:Lying on the coast of Arabian Sea and situated 5 km from Guruvayoor, Chavakkad beach is an important tourist spot. Chavakkad is famous for Haidross Kuttee, a lieutenant of Haider Ali of Mysore. St Thomas Church at Palayur and Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary are nearby tourist spots.Parthasarathy:This is a famous temple credited with an idol of Parthasarathy, Lord Krishna in the form of Guiding Arjuana (Partha)Anakkaya:
Anakkayam is roughly 20 kms from Chalakudy on the Sholayar Peringalkuthu route, famous for its lake with cool and placid waters. The place got its name from a herd of elephants which used to visit the place quite often and the legend goes that the place got its name because some elephants had been drowned in this lake. The place is breathtakingly beautiful with its rushing waters, chiseled rocks and silent streams.Elephant Camp:Elephant Camp in the Punnathur Kotta is the largest elephant sanctuary in India. At present it has more than 60 elephants. All these elephants are offered to Guruvayur temple by the devotees of Guruvayurappan. This elephant sanctuary is a specimen example elephant love and preservation.The Vazhachal waterfalls:The Vazhachal waterfalls are located very close to the Athirapally falls and are a part of the Chalakudy river stream. Vazhachal is popular for its flora and herbal plantations (maintained by the forest department) apart from the scintillating waterfalls set in the backdrop of a lush green forest. This is an ideal picnic spot too.Sholayar Dam:Sholayar Dam is situated 20 km from Valparai, a hill station on the Anamalai range in Coimbatore District. It is the second deepest dam in Asia. With its scenic surroundings, the dam is a busy tourist spot in the hidden forest area. A part of the hydroelectric project of Tamil Nadu, special permission is required to visit the dam.Vachumaram:Vachumaram is a calm and beautiful lake surrounded by hills. If you are lucky, you can spot deer and wild elephants here.Thumpurmuzhi gardens:
Thumpurmuzhi gardens are located amidst the two water theme parks. The water from the river is redirected to deep tanks at Thumpurmuzhi, creating a waterfall like impact. The gardens are well maintained and have scenic surroundings.Malakapara Tea Gardens:
For the adventurous a family safari through the deep forest and high ranges complemented with lots of hairpin curves takes you to the fascinating sculptured beauty of Malakapara tea Gardens. Along the route if you are lucky you may end up seeing some good wildlife.Charpa Falls:To the east of athirappilly is the enchanting but lesser known Charpa falls which plunges on to the road during monsoon. It is a sight to watch and enjoy.Vadakkumnathan Temple:The famous Vadakkumnathan temple located in Thrissur, Kerala, South India.A very big temple in 10 acres is said to have been built by Parasurama, Vadukkumnnatha is a prominent Shiva temple, in downtown Thrissur. This is one of Kerala’s most ancient shrines, which also houses a museum of ancient wall paintings, wood carvings and art pieces of immense historical value.In a land crowded with several better-than-the-last temples, The Vadakkumnathan temple stands out as one of the oldest temples in the state of Kerala.
Nearest Petrol Pump:
Prabhus Petrol Pump Kodungallur, Thrissur Kerala.Petrol Pump Mahatma Gandhi Rd Thrissur, Thrissur, Kerala.HP Petrol Pump SH 22, Vasanth Nagar Thrissur, Thrissur, Kerala.Thaliyath Petrol Pump Irinjalakuda, Thrissur Kerala.Thaliyath Petrol Pump Irinjalakuda, Thrissur Kerala.Indian Oil Petrol Pump SH 22, Irinjalakuda Kerala.
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Hotel Nalummakal Municipal Bus Stand (west) Kodungallur Kodungallur, Thrissur, Kerala Tel: 0480 2802222.Fort Heritage Hotel 1/283, Napier Street Kochi, Kerala 682001 Tel: 0484 2215333.Hotel Das Continental Thrissur, Thrissur, Kerala Tel: 0487 2446222.Hotel Wyte Fort NH -47, Byepass Maraduru, Kochi Kerala 682304 Tel: 0484 2706952.Surya Hotels Kap Complex, Aluva Ernakulam, Kerala 680101 Tel: 0484 2626390.
Things to carry:
Tips & Suggestions:
Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:Kodungallur Police Station Kodungallur, Thrissur Kerala .Police Station SH 22, Irinjalakuda Thrissur, Kerala.Police station Kattoor Town Thrissur, Kerala.Koratty Police Station NH47, Thrissur Kerala.Chalakudi Police Station Chalakudi, Thrissur Kerala.Ayyanthole Police Station Thrissur, Kerala Tel: 0487 2363608.
Nearest Hospital:Ayurvedamonline.com Irinjalakuda,Thrissur Kerala 680121 Tel:0480 2833859 or 0480 2833738 or 09847259139.Modern Hospital Kodungallur P.O. Box No:22, Kodungallur Post Thrissur, Kerala 680664 Tel:0480 2802022 or 0480 6451456 or 0480 2808422.Madonna Hospital Aluva Road, Angamaly Ernakulam, Kerala 680572 Tel:0484 2452450.Janatha Hospital Market Road, Alwaye Aluva Ernakulam, Kerala 680101 Tel:0484 2624931.Electronics Diagnostics Changampuzha Nagar Opposite Federal Bank Atm Kalamassery, Ernakula Kerala 680104 Tel: 0484 2541951.
