Religion

Kerala has a rich and diverse religious history, with a mix of Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and other religions. Here are some key highlights of the history of religion in Kerala:

Emergence of Hinduism: Hinduism has a long history in Kerala, dating back to ancient times. The state has been home to several famous temples, including the Sabarimala temple, which is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India.

Arrival of Christianity: Christianity was introduced to Kerala by St. Thomas, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ, in the first century AD. The state has a significant Christian population, and is home to several famous churches, including the St. Francis Church in Kochi, which is one of the oldest European churches in India.

Spread of Islam: Islam was introduced to Kerala by Arab traders in the 7th century AD. The state has a significant Muslim population, and is home to several famous mosques, including the Cheraman Juma Masjid in Kodungallur, which is believed to be the first mosque in India.

Rise of syncretic traditions: Kerala has a rich tradition of syncretic practices, where different religious beliefs and customs are blended together. For example, the Sufi tradition of Islam has been blended with local Hindu customs, leading to the emergence of unique religious practices and beliefs.

Religious harmony and coexistence: Kerala is known for its religious harmony and coexistence, with people of different religions living together peacefully. The state has a long tradition of religious tolerance and respect for different faiths, and has been a model of inter-religious harmony for the rest of India.

Overall, the history of religion in Kerala reflects the state's rich cultural heritage and diverse religious traditions, and the people of Kerala continue to celebrate and preserve their religious heritage in the present day.

Information related to all the major temples & Churches of Kerala and links to their websites. All the major Temples and Churches are listed.

  • Temples Listing of all important temples of the state of Kerala.
  • Churches Directory of all important churches in the state of Kerala.
  • Spiritual Leaders & Organizations List of Spiritual Leaders & Organizations in Kerala.
  • Festivals Listing of Festivals of various religions, cultural festivals and other events related websites from Kerala.