Riyadh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today gifted King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud a gold-plated replica of the Cheraman Juma Masjid in Kerala.
Situated in Thrissur district, the Cheraman Juma Masjid is believed to be the first mosque built in India by Arab traders around 629 AD, and symbolic of active trade relations between India and Saudi Arabia since ancient times, an official statement about the gift said.
According to oral tradition, Cheraman Perumal was the Chera king and a contemporary of the Holy Prophet who went to Arabia and embraced Islam after meeting the Holy Prophet at Makkah.
The mosque has an ancient oil lamp that is always kept burning and is believed to be over a thousand years old. People from all religions bring oil for the lamp as an offering.
"A truly Royal welcome. PM @narendramodi is welcomed by His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at the Palace," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup tweeted.
PM Modi will leave for New Delhi on Sunday evening.
Situated in Thrissur district, the Cheraman Juma Masjid is believed to be the first mosque built in India by Arab traders around 629 AD, and symbolic of active trade relations between India and Saudi Arabia since ancient times, an official statement about the gift said.
According to oral tradition, Cheraman Perumal was the Chera king and a contemporary of the Holy Prophet who went to Arabia and embraced Islam after meeting the Holy Prophet at Makkah.
The mosque has an ancient oil lamp that is always kept burning and is believed to be over a thousand years old. People from all religions bring oil for the lamp as an offering.
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"A truly Royal welcome. PM @narendramodi is welcomed by His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at the Palace," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup tweeted.
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PM Modi will leave for New Delhi on Sunday evening.
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