The model of what is billed as India's biggest mosque - accommodating 25,000 in its courtyard - was unveiled recently.

The mosque is to come up in a 40 acres near here and the complex will also house a heritage museum, convention halls, and a media centre, according to the Jamia Markazu Ssaquafathi Ssunniyya headed by Muslim scholar Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobaker Musliyar, who unveiled the model here.

"The heritage museum is for the protection and exhibition of all such holy remnants of prophets and men of Islamic importance, and this will surely add a new dimension to the cultural life of Kerala," said Musliyar.

Speaking to IANS, an official of the Markaz said that the work on the mosque is expected to begin in April and would be completed in 18 months time.

"The cost of the project is estimated to be Rs 40 crore and will come through public contributions. The feature of the mosque is that initially it would be an open one and would more or less resemble the famed Jama Masjid in Delhi," said the official who did not wish to be identified.

Musliyar heads the popular social, charity and educational organisation based here, which has taught more than 30,000 students from various states in the country in the last three decades.

Three years back, the Markaz was in the news when more than 100 children from Kashmir were brought here for basic education.

Delhi's Jama Masjid is currently India's biggest mosque.

Tags: biggest mosque, Delhi's Jama Masjid, Jama Masjid, kerala, kozhikode