Epilogue
By Pallikonam Rajeev
It is believed that Islam started and spreading the Old Kottayam from 7th century A.D. This area was one of the early Muslim centres in Kerala. Before the era of the Prophet Mohammed, Arabs had already arrived here. They were very pious and were strict followers of their tradition and religious practices. These wealthy overseas traders temporarily resided in this place. These Arab traders married local women from the early days. This is quite clear from masterpiece literature works like “Thuhfathul Mujahideen”and also from the works of Ibn Battutta and Sulaiman. It was the Islamic Missionary Malik Bin Dinar, who during the era of Prophet Mohammed had come to India, established about eleven mosques in Kerala and Tamilnadu and personally contributed to the growth of Islam. A section of the Thazhathangadi residents influenced by the Arabic culture embraced Islam. Malik Bin Habib, nephew of Malik Bin Dinar, had a major role in the establishment of mosques from Kodungalloor to Kollam. The missionaries, who accompanied him, led the prayers at these mosques in the early days. The Missionary, Sheikh Ahmed, was the first Khasi of the world famous Thazhathangadi Juma Masjid. This religious monument is estimated to be about 1200 years old.
This magnificent religious monument, built in a style blending the contemporary Kerala style and the Arabic classic design is a proud symbol of the Muslim heritage in Thazhathangadi. Earlier, when the River Meenachil was wider, it is said to have flown through the front compound of the mosque. Now the river is retreated and is at a considerable distance away from the mosque. It is said that the Thaliyil Siva Temple and this Juma Masjid had been built around the same time. The artisans brought from Kodungalloor, when it was part of the Vemboli Kindgom, were the architects of these religious monuments. Their descendants still reside in the Veloor region and are the architects for many other religious monuments and ancient homes in the region. There is a story about the Chief Architect of the Thazhathangadi Juma Masjid, who, prior to the completion of the mosque, had fascinating religious visions about Islam and converted to the faith. It is a popular myth that after erecting the dome of this mosque, he collapsed dead and was buried in under mosque. In the eastern compound of the mosque, there are two tombs which belonged to some unknown dignitaries.
The broad water tank made of singe peice black stone, situated at the front of the mosque is wonderful sight. The water from the well adjacent to the mosque is routed through a stone channel to this tank. One could only enter the mosque after washing the hands and feet with water from his tank. Quotes from the Quran, engraved in wood and placed on the Eastern corridor of the mosque, are hallmarks of the sculpture. The dias of the Imam and the historical sword are also seen here. The sword donated to the mosque by the Thekkumkoor king is preserved using nickel coating and today’s Muslim community proudly showcase this royal sword. The dome of this mosque is where the wonders of Vasthu are enshrined.
There is a sundial (or shadow clock) situated in the front of the mosque. This square-shaped sundial has been mounted vertically in the North-South direction. There is a circular opening in the centre of the dial. It was on the basis of the shadow formed due to reflections from this dial, that the worship time was estimated in the olden days when clocks did not exist. This clock exists even today. The Khazi’s room has an extraordinary locking mechanism which requires adequate training and practice to operate. This simple device, which is a sight of curiosity to visitors, is based on a simple trick and remains a mystery to modern day technology. Several tombs can be seen around the mosque. There was a big “Mahallu” under the jurisdiction of this mosque. The number of burials here cannot be estimated. There is a pool on the right side of this mosque. The Juma Masjid mosque and its followers were strong promoters of the secular concept. The Imam always welcomed historians who came here to do research.
Virtual Tour - http://p4panorama.com/panos/Thazhathangadi_JumaMasjid/index.html