Kasargod Pilgrim Centre

Malik Ibn Dinar Mosque

Legend has it that, Malik Ibn Dinar, was a missionary from Arabia whom is credited with bringing Islam to the shores of Malabar. Following up on the wishes of ruler Cheraman Perumal who embraced Islam and died later in Arabia, Dinar and his followers set about buildings mosques in Kerala and spreading Islam.

The original mosque Dinar built was a small structure with thatched roofing, but had marble stones that he brought with him from Mecca, in its elaborate structure in its place, resembling the stones from the original shrine were used in building the new edifice, which was out together by the same artisans who had built the palace. Much later, an extension was added to the structure.

Currently, the flat wooden roof of this two-storied building is supported by massive wooden beams and pillars that have intricate carvings of Arabic verses. Sloping tiled roofs extend on all sides. Historical details about its construction are also carved on the latticed woodwork in Arabic.

The tomb of Malik Ibn Muhammed- a member of Dinar’s family, enshrined within the mosque, draws devotees. However, a historian from Egypt maintains that the tomb is that of Malik Ibn Dinar himself and not that of Mohammed, as people believe. The matter remains unresolved.

Madhur Sree Madananteshwara Vinayaka Temple

Of the four noted temples in Kerala built by the Mypadi rulers of Kumbla around the 10th century, the one at Madhur is the most renowned pilgrim Centre in Kerala. Many myths and legends have been woven around the miracles attributed to this Shaivite shrine.

Renovated in the 15th century and built in a distinctive style, this oval shaped structure has three storeys, the top two are covered with copper plates and the lower one with tiles. Within the main structure is a deep well untouched by sunlight and held with much reverence. Its water is said to have curative properties and is used only for temple related rituals.

Ananthapura Lake Temple

Considered to be the only lake temple in Kerala, this pilgrim Centre in Kerala, the beginnings of which date back to the ninth century, is unique in other ways too. Set in the middle of a picturesque lake, its sanctum sanctorum is reachable only by a bridge. Two other structures stand separately in the lake housing other deities. The outer walls of the sanctorum are covered with ancient murals depicting scenes from the Vedas. On the northeastern corner of the lake is a large cave with a small pit that holds water perennially. A single crocodile inhabits the lake and strangely, only one has been spotted since time immemorial and is a must visit place when on a tour to Kerala.