Kazimar Big Mosque

Kazimar Big Masjid
Religion
Affiliation	Sunni, Hanafi, Shazuli, Qadiri
Leadership	Govt. Qazi of Madurai: Syed Khaja Mueenuddeen
Location
Location	Madurai, India
Geographic coordinates	9°54′46″N 78°06′51″E / 9.91275°N 78.1142°E / 9.91275; 78.1142Coordinates: 9°54′46″N 78°06′51″E / 9.91275°N 78.1142°E / 9.91275; 78.1142
Architecture
Type	Mosque
Style	Indo-Islamic,
Date established	1284
Specifications
Capacity	1200
Dome(s)	1
Minaret(s)	8
Materials	Calcium sand stones
Website
http://www.maqbara.com

Madurai Hazrat's Maqbara located within the Big Mosque

Kazimar Periya Pallivasal or Kazimar Big Mosque, built in 1284 AD (Hijri 683) is the oldest mosque in Madurai city, Tamil Nadu, India. The mosque was founded by Kazi Syed Tajuddin, a descendant of Muhammad, who left Yemen in the 13th century and received the land from the King Kulasekara Ku(n) Pandiyan.^[1] The mosque which was the first Muslim place of worship in Madurai.^[2][3] It was managed by Tajuddin followed by his children and descendants hereditarily for more than 7 centuries. Almost all of Tajuddin's descendants have lived in the same locality (Kazimar Street) for more than 700 years and the family ha managed the mosque.^[4]

The mosque, which can accommodate about 1,200 people, is within 500 metres of the Periyar (central) bus stand, within one kilometre southeast of Madurai Junction railway station^[5] and 1.5 km southwest of the Meenakshi Temple.

Founder[]

Tajuddeen began the construction of the mosque in the year 1281, and the mosque was opened in 1284. Tajuddin died on 15 Rajab 692 Hijri (March 1293 AD) and was buried in the large cemetery surrounding the mosque. Founder's day (his Urs anniversary) is celebrated in the mosque every year on 15 Rajab.

Maqbara[]

The genealogical lineage of Tajuddin and Maqbara Hazrats as seen in Madurai Maqbara.

Madurai Maqbara, the grave (dargah) of several Madurai is inside the mosque.^[6] The anniversary urus of Periya Hazrat is commemorated on 13th of Ramadan and Chinna Hazrat on 28th of Shawwal. Abdus Salaam Ibrahim Saalim Hazrat's anniversary is celebrated on 18th of Rabiul Aakhir.

Kazis of Madurai[]

The musallah and pulpit of the mosque.

Tajuddin was appointed as Kazi (Islamic Jury) of Madurai by the Government of Madurai Sultans and his descendants on Kazimar Street are appointed as Kazis to the Government of Tamil Nadu. Sheikhuna Meer Ahmad Ibrahim was appointed as Chief Qazi (Qaziyul Quzzat) of Madurai by the government of the Nawab of Arcot. The present Qazi of Madurai, Moulana Moulavi Khaja Mueenudeen^[7] is huqdar of this mosque and a descendant of Tajuddin.

Management[]

All the 450 heirs of Tajuddin constitute the general body from among whom the management committee is selected. Presently, the mosque is being managed by a board of four trustees.

Madrasa[]

In Kazi Syed Tajuddin Arabi Madrasah on the mosque campus around 120 students learn basic Arabic.

References[]

External links[]

• 360 degree view of Kazimar Big Mosque and Madurai Maqbara.