The Cheraman Masjid is said to be the very first mosque in India, built in 629 AD by Malik lbn Dinar. Scholars are of the opinion that an old Buddha temple was gifted to the early Muslims to establish the mosque. It is believed that this mosque was first renovated and reconstructed in the 11th century C.E. and again 300 years ago. The front portion was demolished and extended in 1974 to accommodate the larger congregations that began to gather for prayers. Today, people of all religions come to this mosque and many non-Muslims conduct ‘vidhyarambham’ (the initiation ceremony to the world of letters) of their children here.
Cheraman Juma Masjid
