The oldest mosque in India was built in 629 CE, just seven years after the Prophet’s migration to Medina. In addition to being the oldest mosque in the country, it also has the distinction of being the second oldest mosque in the world where Friday prayers are conducted. It was constructed in a distinctively indigenous architectural style.

According to the legend, King Cheraman Perumal, after whom the mosque is named, converted to Islam. He took on the name ‘Tajuddin’, marrying the sister of the Jeddah king. Before he died, he handed over letters addressed to the Rajas of Kerala to his brother-in-law, exhorting them to propagate Islam in the region. As per his wishes, the Jeddah king came to Kerala and met the Raja of Kodungallur, who helped him build the Juma Masjid.