Kasargod {India}

Kasaragod acquired over the years considerable importance as a centre of Islam on the west coast. The historic Malik Deener Juma Masjid built in the typical Kerala style is believed to have been founded by Malik Ibin Dinar. The Juma Masjid, which is one of the best kept and most attractive in the district is located at Thalangara on the side of Arabian Sea.

It contains the grave of Malik lbn Mohammad, one of the descendants of Malik lbn Dinar and the place is sacred to Muslims. An important local celebration takes place every year in commemoration of the arrival of Malik lbn Dinar. The Uroos attract pilgrims from all over India.

Hazrat Malek ibn Dinar(raz)
He was the First Sahaba to visit India

Malek ibn Dinar al-Sami was the son of a Persian slave from Sejestan (or Kabol) and became a disciple of Hasan of Basra. He is mentioned as a reliable
traditionist, transmitting from such early authorities as Anas ibn Malek and Ibn Sirin. A noted early calligrapher of the Quran, he died c. 130 (748).

How Malek-e Dinar came to be so named, and the story of his repentance
When Malek was born his father was a slave; yet though he was a slave’s son, he was free from bondage to both worlds. Some say that Malek-e Dinar once embarked in a ship. When the ship was far out to sea the mariners demanded,
“Produce your fare!” “I do not have it,” he answered. They beat him till he was senseless.
When he recovered, they shouted again. “Produce your fare!”
“I do not have it,” he repeated. They beat him unconscious a second time. When he came to, they demanded a third time.


Malik Deenar Mosque If today, Kasaragod is known as center of Muslim pilgrimage on western coast, it is all due to this mosque. The Mosque was founded by Malik Ibn Dinar and is situated in the part of city called Thalankara. It is distinguished for its unique architectural style, which strongly resembles a traditional Kerala kovilakam. An important local celebration takes place every year in commemoration of the arrival of Malik Ibn Dinar. The uroos attracts pilgrims from all around India and world.

Ullal Darga : The Ullal darga and Uroos fair is attracting thousands of people from all over India irrespective of religion and also known as Ajmer Darga of South. Darga is just 10km away from Mangalore city and 40km from Kasargod town.

It is believed that about 400 years ago, Sayyid Muhammed Shareeful Madani came to Mangalore from Saudi Arabia, reaching the shores of Ullal by floating on a piece of cloth. He camped in a small mosque at Melangadi in Ullal village where he led a simple life showering his love on the poor and solving their problems and treating them through prayers.
Many miracles have been credited to this saint and to this day, people from all communities come to Ullal mosque to seek his blessings
A tomb was raised over the Saint’s grave after his death and the miracles continued.
The Sayyid Madani Dargah observes Uroos once in five years and managed by a registered Trust which runs an Arabic College, a Technical Education Institute, a charitable hospital etc.

Other Places of Interest - Mosques

Theruvatthu Mosque situated on M.G road Kasaragod, is an important pilgrimage center for Muslims. During Uroos, the Mosque draws people from all over India.

Nellikkunnu Mosque The mosque is popular because of the Uroos in the name of Thangal Uppappa whose grave is in the mosque. It is believed that he was an Auliya from the same place and had lot of miracles. It is just 2km away from the town.

Bekal Fort is considered to be part of a chain of forts constructed by Sivappa Naik for the defense of the kingdom. Another version says that the fort was captured by Shivappa Naik from the Kolathiri Rajas, who were its owners. Hyder Ali of Mysore Kingdom taken the control of Bekal Fort in 1763. After his death in 1782, Tippu Sultan was successful in taking the Malabar under his Kingdom. An old mosque recently renovated, stands just outside the fort. is believed to have been built by Tippu Sultan of Mysore. The British (East India Company) got Canara after the death of Tippu in 1799.

Hosdurg Fort The Hosdurg fort with its round bastions, looks imposing from a distance. Several public offices are located within its premises. There is a famous temple attached to the fort which is known as Karpooreshwara Temple. The fort is a major attraction for tourists. In Kanhangad, there are two churches; one Catholic and the other a Protestant. There are also a number of mosques here.

About : Kasaragod (occasionally spelt Kasarkode) is a city and a municipality in Kasaragod district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is the administrative headquarters of Kasargod district. The city was formerly called as Kangirakuttom. Kasaragod is a tourists paradise. Few other places in India offer such a wide variety of tourist facility. Nurtured by Chandragiri river, this piece of land is unique.