Kazimar Big Mosque 🇮🇳

As the oldest mosque in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, the Kazimar Big Mosque (also known as Kazimar Periya Pallivasal) offers you a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich Islamic history. Constructed in 1284 CE by Kazi Syed Tajuddin—a descendant of the Islamic prophet Muhammad who arrived from Yemen—this historic Sufi Hanafi sanctuary sits on land gifted by King Kulasekara Ku(n) Pandiyan.

Capable of accommodating approximately 1,200 worshipers, the mosque campus remains managed by around 450 descendants of the founder who live along Kazimar Street. When you visit, you can explore the expansive site housing the Madurai Maqbara, a renowned dargah containing the graves of Madurai Hazrats, where visitors from across India and abroad gather for spiritual visits (ziyarat).

You can also learn about the campus's Kazi Syed Tajuddin Arabi Madrasah, where around 120 students learn basic Arabic. Located within 500 meters of the central Periyar bus stand, 1 kilometer southeast of Madurai Junction railway station, and 1.5 kilometers southwest of the Meenakshi Temple, this historical landmark stands as a vibrant testament to centuries of continuous lineage, spiritual tradition, and community management.

What to see at Kazimar Big Mosque

• Oldest mosque in Madurai, completed in 1284 CE by founder Kazi Syed Tajuddin
• Houses the Madurai Maqbara dargah inside the mosque campus
• On-site Kazi Syed Tajuddin Arabi Madrasah educating students in basic Arabic
• Continually managed by descendants of the founder who reside on Kazimar Street

Visiting tips

Plan your visit easily using local transit, as the mosque is located just 500 meters from the Periyar central bus stand and 1.5 kilometers from the Meenakshi Temple.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: During annual Urus anniversaries

How to get there & what’s nearby

Kazimar Big Mosque is easy to reach on Madurai’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Madurai travel guide.