Korome Mosque: A site to visit in Wayanad

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For over 300 years the Korome mosque has stood witness to changing times & generations in Wayanad. The mosque like none other has an architecture which is similar to the Kerala Hindu temple & stories attached to the mosque stamp the belief of secular values. The mosque is open for Muslims but the communal harmony is seen when people from all faiths are allowed to participate in the annual Uroos festival here. The beauty of the architecture & the values associated with the mosque is one reason why the site is included in the pilgrim tourist circuit of Wayanad along with Valliyoorkavu temple & Pallikunnu church.

Korome is a small town near Mananthavady in Wayanad & it was part of Thondarnadu which was looked after by Thondar Nambiar. The exact year of when the mosque was built is not clear but it is believed that the Athilian family is responsible for constructing the structure. The land to build the mosque was granted to the family by the Nambiar & this is where this beautiful structure was built. The mosque is built on a raised platform to protect the inhabitants from crawling reptiles like snakes who were found in abundance here. Inside the mosque one can see a grand usage of wood, be it in the craftsmanship on the roof or the solid wood pillars. The mosque has two chambers & large wooden walls separate them. There are large doors & windows around the mosque but one should also take notice of some of the tiny doors that allow light inside. The pulpit inside the mosque is adorned with bells which shine in the dark; the stairs inside the mosque are also a great design.

 The mosque built with the help of the Nair community was to help the desolate find a shelter in the mosque & worship as per their faith. The mosque is said to have had a small madarsa on the first tier to provide education. The mosque is also said to have in its possession a rare manuscript of handwritten copy of the Prophet's sayings. For most tourists who come to Wayanad, heritage sites are not part of their itinerary but a visit to Korome mosque is necessary as it is one of the oldest religious sites of Wayanad.

Location: Korome, Kerala 670731, India

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