Said to be the first Islamic place of worship in Madurai city of Tamil Nadu, Kazimar Big Mosque was built in 13th century. This mosque was established by a descendant of Prophet Muhammad, Hazrat Kazi Syed Tajuddin who had visited the city during 13th century. This land was given to him by the then King Kulasekara of the Pandyan Dynasty.
With a capacity to accommodate around 2500 people, Kazimar big mosque attracts hordes of devotees from everywhere. This magnificent looking mosque is also known for the maqbara which add on to its religious significance. Many tourists visit this place while on their Madurai tour.
This mosque houses a popular dargah of eminent Hazrats of Madurai city, known as Madurai Maqbara. Maqbara of prominent Hazrats of Madurai has been built here. Some of the maqbara here are of Hazrat Meer Amjad Ibrahim, Hazrat Syed Abdus Salaam Ibrahim Rahmatullahi Alaihim, Hazrat Meer Ahmad Ibrahim, who are also considered to be the descendants of Prophet Muhammad. This place is also an important site for Arabic learning. At Hazrat Kazi Syed Tajuddin Arabi Madrasa, located within the mosque complex, many students come to learn the ancient tradition.
There are a few things visitors need to follow while visiting this mosque. One needs to leave his footwear outside the place of worship. Visitors are also advised to cover their hands and knees before entering the mosque.
History of Kazimar Big Mosque, Madurai
This mosque was built by Hazrat Kazi Syed Tajuddin, who is known to be a descendant of Prophet Muhammad. He had come to the city from Oman in 13th century. It is then he has built this mosque. He has received the land from the Pandyan King Kulasekara on which he constructed this mesmerising mosque, which stands strong even today. Syed Tajuddin was appointed as Kazi to the Sultan. Currently his descendants are appointed as Kazis, an Islamic advisor, to the Tamil Nadu Government.
Since then this mosque has been managed by the descendants of Kazi Syed Tajuddin. There are about 450 Huqdars for this mosque. The management committee is selected from these Huqdars, who are also the descendants of Hazrat Qazi Syed Tajuddin. The management committee of this mosque is consisted of four board members who are selected for a term of 3 years each. Most of them stay at Kazimar Street of Madurai.
Reaching Kazimar Big Mosque, Madurai
Image Gallery of Kazimar Big Mosque in Madurai
Kazimar Big Mosque is easily accessible via road. It is located at a distance of only 500 meters from the central bus stand. From Madurai railway station it is about 1 km away. It is only 800 meters away from Meenakshi Amman Temple, which is one of the most sacred shrines and tourist attractions of Madurai.
To reach Kazimar Big Mosque, one can use public transport such as buses and auto rickshaws or even hire a taxi.