Kerala, one of the tenth paradises on Earth, is explored by large number of pilgrims owing to its various religious sites of spiritual and cultural significance. It is perfect home to the large number of shrines, located in various parts of the city. The state is not only an ideal center for a particular religion but also for other different religion and communities. The enchanting state is explored by several countries such as Greece, Romans, Arabia, Portugal, Britain, French, Dutch etc, and left many sacred places. In Kerala, You can find several holistic places of different communities for instance Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jewish, Buddhist, Jainist as well as indigenous tribal shrines. In this way the state reflects a perfects amalgamation of different religion and communal harmony and Co-existence which make it a paradise for pilgrimage tour, in India.
Places of interest
Jewish synagogue- one of the most sought-after pilgrimage destination for Jewish in India, It is located in Eranakulam (Cochin) in Kerala. The synagogue was built in 1568 and notable for 18th century hand printed, willow patterned flow tiles from China, the great scrolls of the Old Testament, a clock tower, Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs, ancient scripts on copper plates etc.
Francis church, Fort Cochin- it is a first European Catholic Church in India, built by Portuguese in memory of Franciscan in 1503. In 1779, it was come under protestant Dutch and transformed into Anglican by the British in 1795, right now used by the protestant in South India. It is the place where Vasco-De-Gama was buried but fourteen years later his remains had been brought back to Portugal. But you can see his tomb stone. Other sacred churches include St. Thomas. St Cathedral, St Sebastian Church, St Mary Church etc.
The Jama Mosque- Located at Malappuram, it is considered as first and one of the most sacred mosques in India. The Jama mosque is notable for the annual Nercha festival celebrated for four days in April. You can also explore the adjoining mosque the Malappuram Shaheeds who had been immortalized in Mappila Ballads or Muslim Ballad. Madayi Para, Mallik Denar Mosque are other notable mosques of the state.
Karumandi Buddhist Centre- It is notable for a black granite figure of Buddha, called Karumandi Kuttan, situated in east of Ambalapuzha. The Buddhist centre was built hundreds year ago and several legends are related to it. Other Buddhist site is Dhramadham.
Jain Temple of Jainmedu- it is one of the most holistic Jain shrine in Kerala, situated in Vadakkanthara village on the western border of Palakkad town. The 32 feet long and 20 feet wide granite temple is bestowed with fabulous sculpture and images of Jain Tirthankaras and Yekshinis. In the temple, famous poet Kumarasena has written his monumental poem 'Venapoovu means the 'Fallen Flower.
Aranamula- Temples are the essence of Keralas tourism and Aranamula Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is situated on the bank of the holy river Pamba. You can enjoy famous Aranamula snake boat race, held during Onam. Apart from this temple, the state boasts of other famous temples such as Thirunakkara Mahadev Temple, Sree Mahalinheshwara Temple, Sree Ramaswamy Temple, Sabarimala (Pilgrim Centre), etc. |
