Indo Islamic Heritage
The Nearest Bus Stand is the Tenkasi Old Bus Stand, situated at 1 km, the Nearest Railway Station is the Tenkasi Junction (TSI), situated at 2.2 km, and the Nearest Airport is the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV), which is situated at 105 km from the mosque.
The Five Colour Big Masjid, locally known as the Ainthu Varnam Masjid (or Ainthu Varnam Jamaat Mosque), is one of the most distinctive and culturally significant Islamic landmarks in Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu. The name "Ainthu Varnam" translates to "Five Colours" (or Five Communities), historically representing the unification of five different groups or neighbourhoods within the local Muslim community into a single congregation. Historical & Religious Significance Unity & Heritage: The mosque stands as a symbol of communal unity. Historically, the "Ainthu Varnam" (Five Colours/Varnas) refers to five distinct clans or guilds of the local Muslim population who came together to establish this central Place of Worship. Architectural Style: The mosque is known for its grand scale and traditional South Indian Islamic architecture. It features large, colourful minarets and a vast prayer hall that can accommodate a significant portion of the town's worshippers during peak times. Establishment: While the mosque has undergone several phases of expansion and modern renovation, the "Ainthu Varnam" congregation has been a central pillar of Tenkasi’s social fabric for over 150 years, with the current large-scale structure being consolidated and significantly upgraded in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Religious Hub: It is a major venue for Friday Jum'ah prayers and serves as the primary gathering point for major festivals like Eid-ul-Fitr and Milad-un-Nabi. Scale: As the "Big Masjid," it is one of the largest congregational spaces in the district, often used for community-wide announcements and religious rulings. Accessibility: Located near the MDR923 road, it is easily accessible via auto-rickshaws and is within walking distance for those staying in the central Tenkasi bazaar area. Community Spirit: The mosque is renowned for its inclusive nature, often hosting community feasts and welfare programs that benefit the local population regardless of their specific clan background.
Year of Built: Around the late 19th Century
Address: N E Koikkal Street, Melapuliyur
Country: India
State: Tamil Nadu
District: Tenkasi
Pincode: 627811
Longitude: 77.31510563550383
Latitude: 8.955707827577873