The mosque in Kerala was built in 630 AD. The renovation has already cost Rs 9 crore, largely funded by donations
Team Clarion
KODUNGALLUR – The Cheraman Perumal Mosque in Kerala, India’s oldest Muslim house of worship, is currently undergoing a significant restoration project. It envisages the return of the historic building to its original form. However, progress has been delayed due to financial constraints. Situated in Kodungallur, previously known as Mazaris, along the Arabian Sea coast, the mosque dates back to 630 AD, during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It holds a prominent place in the early history of Islam’s advent in India.
Originally built by the Hindu King Cheraman Perumal, the mosque has undergone multiple renovations over the centuries, with various extensions added to accommodate the growing number of worshippers. The ongoing renovation is focused on removing these additions, to reveal the mosque’s original Kerala-style architecture. “The extensions added over time were removed, and now we can see the mosque as it was built centuries ago,” explained CY Saleem, former secretary of the mosque’s management committee.
While the renovation is a crucial step in preserving the mosque’s historical and architectural legacy, funding issues have caused delays. “The mosque’s original structure could accommodate only a limited number of worshippers, which led to the addition of extensions in past renovations,” said Saleem. These extensions increased the mosque’s capacity to 3,500 worshippers, but the current renovation aims to reduce the mosque’s size and introduce an underground prayer hall for 1,500 worshippers. To further increase its capacity, a canopy is being planned to create additional space for up to 2,000 people. The total cost of the work is estimated at Rs 15 crore.
The Cheraman Perumal Mosque holds a deep connection to the spread of Islam in India. Legend has it that King Cheraman Perumal converted to Islam after witnessing the miracle of the splitting of the moon. During his visit to Arabia, he met with Arab traders and embraced Islam. On his return, he fell ill and passed away in Salalah, leaving instructions for a mosque to be built in his kingdom. His descendants, along with Arab allies, are believed to have constructed the mosque in his honour.
The renovation has already cost Rs 9 crore, largely funded by donations. A notable contribution came from Yusuf Ali, a Kerala-born billionaire businessman, and retail magnate, whose family is known for the Lulu Mall chain in the Gulf region. “Without the generosity of donors, we would not have been able to achieve this progress,” Saleem added.
The mosque also stands as a symbol of India’s secular heritage. Saleem recalled the visit of former President APJ Abdul Kalam to the mosque in 2007, pointing out its significant role in promoting religious diversity. Situated near the powerful Kali Bhagavati temple and a church built in 50 AD by St. Thomas, the mosque represents a convergence of different religious traditions in the area.
Despite these ongoing efforts, the renovation is moving slowly due to the crucial funding gap that remains. The Kerala government had initially planned to build a heritage museum alongside the mosque, but these plans have since been redirected to another location in Kodungallur. However, the restoration of the Cheraman Perumal Mosque remains a vital and ongoing effort to preserve one of India’s most historically and culturally significant Islamic heritage sites.
The restoration of this mosque is an important part of India’s rich history, and its continued efforts highlight the need for sustained support to ensure the preservation of its legacy for future generations.