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Kerala came in contact with Islam, perhaps earlier than in many parts of India . The mosques in Kerala are generally covered structure, with walls made of laterite blocks, consisting of a large prayer hall in the centre with covered verandhas on all the sides. Charachira Jama Masjid, Nainar Mosque, Kanjiramattom Mosque, Cheraman Jama Masjid, Odathil Mosque, Malik Dinar Mosque attract pilgrims from all over the country.
• Charachira Jama Masjid
Located at Palayam in Thiruvananthapuram city, this mosque features a large hall to accommodate several hundreds for prayers.
• Nainar Mosque
Situated at Karikodu in Idukki district, this mosque holds the credit of being the largest and oldest in Idukki. Rebuilt in 1979, it still retains the stone steps with inscriptions in an ancient script, a water tank carved out from a single rock and some old pillars.
• Kanjiramattom Mosque
Located at Kanjiramattom in Ernakulam district, this mosque is the perfect example of the antique magnificence of mazhars and dargahs. Come January and it's time for the famous Chandanakudam festival. Very interestingly, elephants and percussion music, the most common features in temples, form essential parts of this festival.
• Cheraman Jama Masjid
This Mosque, located at Kodungallur, deserves a special mention as it is the oldest Mosque in India and the second oldest in the world. Built in 628 AD, that is, 7 years after the Prophet's departure to Madina, this mosque resembles temple architecture. Legend has it that King Cheraman Perumal converted into Islam and accepted the name of Thajudeen. After his death, his brother-in-law the King of Jeddah, according to Thajudeen's wishes built this mosque with the help of the King of Kodungallur.
• Pazhayangadi Mosque
Situated at Pazhayangadi in Malappuram district, this mosque is built in the typical Mughal style architecture and features an awesome white dome and delicate, intricate work. The annual festival of Valia Nercha draws big crowd from near and far.
• Jamat Mosque
Legend has it that the Hindu Prana Nambi family forcefully took over the possessions of the Muslims. But the curse of the victims befell on the mighty family resulting in a fatal disease.The mosque is an act of retribution to escape the trauma. Located in Malappuram, this 280 year-old mosque has a temple-like pattern and features distinctive snow-white walls with blue doors.
• Odathil Mosque
This Mosque in Kannur district was built on the land gifted by Portuguese by an Arab gold and timber merchant. Instead of having domes or minarets, it features temple architecture with carved wooden walls and copper ceiling.
• Malik Dinar Mosque
Legend has it that Malik Ibn Dinar, a slave's son and a faithful disciple of Prophet Mohamed, initiated the propagation of Islam in Kerala. This Mosque, located at Thalangana was built by him. The body of Ibn Dinar was buried within the mosque.The famous annual Urs festival is celebrated to commemorate the arrival of Malik Dinar in Kasargod.
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