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Synagogues Of Kerala

Jews have migrated from Israel in early 16th century and settled in Kerala. Kerala has a rich Jewish culture and one can visit the many famous synagogues here.

The Jewish Synagogue, Mattanchery

The Jewish Synagogue is built in 1568 and preserved till today. It is the oldest Synagogue in the commonwealth countries. This synagogue stands out as a testimony of communal harmony in the state for centuries. The tiles displayed here are two hundred year old.

You can also explore the other articles of interest in the synagogue like the giant scrolls of the Old Testament, copper plates, painted Chinese tiles and Belgium chandeliers. The Mattancherry Jewish synagogue is 7 km from Kochi city and regular buses run on this route.

Other Synagogues

The Thekumbagum and the Kadavumbagham Synagogues in Kerala Ernakulam once had a thriving Jewish community. The Thekumbagum synagogue, on Jew Street (Market Road), was built in 1580. The Kadavumbagham synagogue, also on Jew Street a short distance away, is reputed to have been built in 1200. Rebuilt in 1554, it was closed in 1972, when its Torah scrolls were sent to the Cochin synagogue near Beersheba. Today the building houses a plant nursery.

The other synagogues in Kerala are at Kochi, Sendamangalam, Parur and Mala.

Jain, Buddhist and Sikh Prayer halls

An old Jain temple is located in Alappuzha town near the Cathedral church.--->
There is a small Sikh Gurudwara at Thevara, Kochi. The Buddhist statue at Karumadikuttan near Ambalappuzha in Alappuzha district.