Kazhimar Big Mosque - Madurai
Madurai is the Temple City of India. In addition to the famous Meenakshi temple, there are many ancient temples at every nook and corner of the city, which is well known. However, most of us might not know that Madurai has an old mosque dating back to the 13th century.
Kazhimar Big Mosque, called Kazhimar Periya Pallivasal in Tamil and Qadi Taj al-din, is the oldest mosque in Madurai. This mosque is located on Kazhimar Street, a small street that branches out near the Bus Stand. The mosque is traditionally believed to have been built in 1284 CE.
It is said that Sayid Jamal Aldin, a descendant of Prophet Mohammad, was sent from Egypt as Qazi (the religious arbitrator) for Malabar in the 13th century CE. His son, Qadi Sayyid Taj al-din, became the Qazi of Madurai. He built Big Mosque as a thatched structure originally.
As per the legend, the Pandya King of Madurai donated the land and permitted Qazi to construct the mosque. (Who was that Pandya King? There is no firm record).
(The historical details about this mosque are based on the records maintained by the masjid authorities.)
The current concrete structure of the mosque is the result of the extension and repair works done a few decades ago. The original structure, which is entirely built of stone, might belong to the 16th or 17th century CE. The original structure was small but architecturally attractive. It has an exterior facade with five arches, and the middle is much broader. The parapets and turrets cannot be seen anymore, as the entire structure is hidden and surrounded by the current structure.
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