Churches, Temples, Mosques and Synagogues
Temples
The temples of Kerala reflect the architectural beauty typical of this state. These ancient temples occupy a large area of space. You have to move through courtyards-within-courtyards before reaching the Sanctum-Sanctorum. The walls of the temples are covered with carving and motifs. Some of the mural paintings are preserved. These carvings and paintings depict episodes from the Indian epics and folklores. Larger temples have associated buildings called the KOOTHAMBALAMS where KATHAKALI and KOODIYATTAM are performed as offerings to the deity. The temples influence the life of HINDUS in Kerala.
Churches
Kerala had Christians as long as Christianity has been in Europe. The Portuguese were more than surprised to find Christianity already established along the MALABAR Coast when they arrived here centuries ago. The Christian community played a vital role in the trade and commerce of the state.
The early churches had a similarity with the temples in the architecture. Various elements such as the impressive gateways or an open-air cross in front of the building are borrowings from the temple-tradition. This form of architecture underwent a change when the Portuguese introduced the Roman form of architecture. Later, renovations brought in further changes and many new churches are now built in contemporary style.
Mosques
Malik- Ibn –Dinar landes at CRANGANNORE (KODUNGALLORE) in the eight century and his faith Islam found its way to Kerala. Later, many Arab traders traveled to MALABAR and quite a few had settled there.
The mosques are usually in the form of a covered structure with a large prayer hall in the centre. They also employ arches associated with the Islamic tradition. Superbly carved wooden pulpits are real pieces of art.
Synagogues
Kerala had a community of Jews from very early times. The many privileges granted to the Jewish community by the then King BHASKARA RAVIVARMAN were recorded on a copper plate and preserved in the Jewish Synagogue at MATTANCHERRY, COCHIN. The Synagogue, built in AD 1568 is the most important Jewish monument.
The interior is one of the finest of any synagogue in the world, beautifully decorated with Chinese hand-painted blue and white tiles differing slightly in design.
The mid 18th century floor tiles were bought from Canton by Ezekial Rababi as part of his reconstruction work. The crystal chandeliers were made in Belgium in the 19th century. The golden crowns were presented by the MAHARAJAS of COCHIN and TRAVANCORE.
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