Juma Masjid

Juma Masjid located on JM Road may have been built around 644 AD by early Arab traders who came in search of the famous Malabar spices. Tipu Sultan the famous ruler of Mysore is credited to have renovated in 18th century. The mosque has carved intricately wooden roof. The prayer hall is the main attraction which is a rectangular platform which is 3 ft above the ground.
This mosque also marks the arrival of Islam in this region. It is also called Masjid Zeenath Baksh.


The prominent leader among Arab traders was Hazarat Malik bin Dinar, who settled at Cranganore. Raja Cheruman Perumal of Malabar is believed to have offered them his gracious hospitality. One of the ten mosques allowed to be built by the Raja was the Zeenat Baksh mosque. It was inaugurated on Friday, 22 of Jumail Awwal month in 22 al Hijra, corresponding to year 644 AD, with the first Qazi Hazarat Moosa bin Malik, son of Moosa bin Abdulla.
The majestic veranda, a spacious place for prayer, a convenient ablution point, an eye-catching water tank with aquatic growth - all these features would impress any visitor, irrespective of caste, creed or class





The outward look of the structure would lead a visitor to take it for a large feudal mansion from a distance or even after getting in it could be mistaken for an old palace of a local chieftain. Most of the material used is of large wooden pillars, all finely carved with designs. Noted DK historian Bantwal Ganapati Rao Aigal who lived in the early part of the 20th century AD insists that no other mosque can be found with such wooden carving work anywhere else in the country.
The renovation work was reputed to have been executed by the Tiger of Mysore, Tipu Sultan, himself. He is said to have taken care of its entire restoration with decorated wood during the latter half of the 18th century AD and named the mosque 'Zeenat Baksh' after his own daughter. Ever since the precincts have undergone expansion, with the highest improvements being made around 1900 AD. Besides a host of community-beneficial activities like providing assistance for the purpose of marriage, education, medical relief and shelter, the committee runs a yateemkhana (orphanage). it also conducts the noble deed of giving a decent burial to the departed destitutes, absolutely free of cost.