Mosques In India

Kazimar Big Mosque

kazimar big mosque, also known by the name kazimar periya pallivasal is situated in the heart of the city of Madurai. It’s location from some of city’s landmark points is 500 metre from Periyar bus stand, 800 metres to the south west direction of Meenakshi temple and 1 kilometre to the south east direction of Madurai junction. With an accommodating capacity of 2500 people, Kazimar big mosque was constructed by one of prophet muhammad's descendants, Hazrat Kazi Syed Tajuddin. He came to Madurai in the 13th century from Oman and constructed a mosque on the same land provided by Kulasekara Pandiyan, the then Pandiyan ruler. Infact this long living mosque stands on the first place of worship by muslims in Madurai.

Even in the present scenario, the descendants of Hazrat Kazi Syed Tajuddin, living in the kazimar street hold the position of Kazis to the local government i.e. a legal islamic jury or advisor.

The sacredness of the mosque is enhanced by the presence of Maqbara’s of some eminent Madurai Hazrats like Hazrat Meer Amjad Ibrahim, Hazrat Meer Ahamad Ibrahim and Hazrat Syed Abdus Salaam Ibrahim Rahmatullahi Alaihim who were also among the descendants of prophet muhammad.

Since past 700 years, the Kazimar Big Mosque is taken care of by the Huqdars or Syeds i.e. shareholders. These shareholders itself are the descendants of Kazi Syed Thajuddeen and live in the same Kazimar street. Not only this, all the Syeds are from Hanafi school, part of the sunni sect and shadhilis (shazuli) i.e. people who practise sufi order “Fassiyatush Shadhiliya”.

History

The construction of this first place of worship by muslims of Madurai dates back to the 13th century. The Kazimar Big Mosque or Kazimar Periya Pallivasal was built by one of the descendants of Prophet muhammad, Hazrat Kazi Syed Tajuddin from Oman.

Hazrat Kazi Syed Tajuddin, on making a dealing of land with the then Pandiya king Hazrat Kazi Syed Tajuddin, constructed the mosque over the same land and held the position of Kazi of all sultans

Maqbara And Madrasasa

The beauty of this long living mosque also resides in the Madurai Dargah, a dargah of popular Madurai Hazrats which itself is located in the premises of the mosque. Holding the holy remains of renowned Hazrats like Hazrat Meer Ahmad Ibrahim, Hazrat Syed Abdus Salaam Ibrahim  Rahmatullahi Alaihim and Hazrat Meer Amjad Ibrahim from past 700 years, the mosque has thus become a significant place of worship for the people in Madurai. Residing in the same Kazimar street since 700 years, all the descendants of Kazi Syed Thajuddheen are the responsible share holders of this mosque.

All the descendants of Kazi Syed Tajuddin have many things in common like belonging to the same locality, sect-sunni as well as following the same code of order Fassiyatush Shadhiliya i.e. sufi order.

Not only is the place a Dargah but also a mode of learning Arabic for approximately 75 students i.e. the Hazrat Kazi Syed Tajuddin Arabi Madrasah.

Kazi And Imams

Since the time of Hazrat qazi Syed Tajuddin i.e. from 13th century, the huqdars of the mosque are designated with the position of Kazi to the local government. Akin to “kazi’s” the descendants of Hazrat Kazi Syed Tajuddin are also among one holding the position of Qatibs and Imams. Presently Al Hafil Moulvi. S.M. Mueenuddeen Ibrahim Faizi is the head Imam of the Kazimar big mosque whereas Moulvi A.Syed Khaja Mueenuddeen B.A is the present head Kazi of Madurai.

How To Reach

By Air

If choosing flight as a mode of transport, reaching Madurai is not at all a difficult job as the city is in close network to all the major states and cities of the nation. With location of the airport at a considerable distance of 10 kilometre from Madurai, there are daily flights to catch up from Chennai, Tiruchi, Bangalore and Coimbatore.

By Rail

The city of Madurai falls in path of the Madurai-Tiruchirapalli-Dindigul-Quilon line. A major southern railway junction, it directly connects Tirunelveli and Chennai through railway lines. To reach Madurai in minimum possible time, Vaigai Express is the fastest running day train connecting Madurai, Egmore and Chennai. It only takes 7 hours to cover a large distance as 495 kilometres.

By Road

Much like the railway lines, the city has well constructed and connected roads to reach various cities of Southern India. With the presence of 5 bus stands in the city and excellent provision of bus service at short intervals, reaching neighbouring states and cities of Tamil Nadu is all made easy by it’s local government.

Getting Around

With the location of the mosque in the heart of the city, 1 Kilometre from Madurai junction, half a kilometre from city’s local bus stand and 800 metres from the sacred Meenakshi temple, it is very easy to reach the place. Local modes of transportation like shared autos, rickshaws, taxis etc are also easily available for the use of common people.

General Facts About Kazimar Big Mosque

• The visitors should avoid entering the mosque premises with their footers on
• keep yourself clean and neat before entering the mosque
• Tourists are advised to cover their arms and knees before entering this sacred place

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