Kottayam, KERALA :

The age-old Juma Masjid at Thazhathangadi, believed to be among the 11 mosques constructed by Malik bin Dinar, the eighth century religious preacher from Arabia, will, for the first time, be opened for women.

Timings

Women believers can enter the mosque on April 24 and May 8 from 8 a.m. till 12 noon and then from 1 p.m. till 3.30 p.m. and later from 4.30 p.m. till 6 p.m. The timings have been regulated so as not to interfere with the religious rites, a press note said on Tuesday.

The unique construction attracts tourists from far and wide, but women have not been allowed to have a peek into the richly carved interiors, made primarily of wood, so far, said C.M. Yousuf, secretary of the Thazhathangadi Muslim Jamaath, in the press note.

The Juma Masjid, considered one of the most beautiful places of religious worship, reflects the heritage of Kerala temple architectural styles and showcases the rich sculptural styles of Arabic architecture.

The mosque also houses the centuries-old sundial, sacred writings from the Quran embossed in wood, the stunning Maalikappuram and the richly carved facades and many more objects of interests.

According to Mr. Yousuf, researchers and tourists used to arrive to have a look at the unique structure, but so far women have been denied permission.

There have been appeals from the local people for such a permission. It was against this background that the Juma Masjid committee decided to allow women to enter the mosque, he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Kerala / by Special Correspondent / Kottayam – April 20th, 2016