Kodungalloor

The small country town of Kodungalloor is situated 35 km South of Thrissur. Kodungallur situated on the West coast, was once a great port of the Chera rulers of Tamilnadu. It was known by the Greek as the Muziris and is a place immersed in rich history. Kodungalloor is surrounded by backwaters and the sea is also famous as Cranganore and has an illustrious past. It is said to be the place where St. Thomas first preached Christianity in India.

Cheraman Juma Masjid: This mosque in Kodungalloor resembles a Hindu temple in appearance. It was earlier made of wood. Built in 629 A.D., this is the first mosque in India where Juma prayers were started. Recent changes have been made and it now has concrete minarets. The interiors remain wooden with a Kerala oil lamp right in the centre. This lamp is of great significance to people of all religions. Some of them bring oil for the lamp on the auspicious occasion of major family events.


Kodungalloor Bhagawati Temple: The Bhagawati Temple at Kodungallur is of great renown throughout Kerala. The Bharani festival at the Kodungallur Bhagawati Temple is one of the grandest in Kerala. It is a month of festivities from the Bharani asterism in the month of Aquarius to seven days after the Bharani asterism in the month of Pisces. During this occasion, one can also witness the largest congregation of oracles, not seen anywhere in Kerala.

The Bharani festival also witnesses the offering of worship to the deity in the innermost sanctum by those belonging to castes other than the priestly class. One day before the final Bharani, the Chandanapodi Chartal or the smearing of the image with sandal paste is carried out.

St.Thomas Church: Christ's apostle St Thomas is believed to have landed in Kodungalloor (formerly called Muziris) in 52 AD. The St.Thomas Church established by him houses ancient relics.

St. Thomas is portrayed in the gospels as a courageous and challenging personality. He had preached the gospel from Ethiopia to China. Many a church in West Asia considers him as the father of its faith. At Kodungalloor, he established the first Christian church in India and is the architect behind other Churches in Kerala: Kodungallur, Kottakkavu, Palayur, Kollam, Kokkamangalam, Niranam and Nilackal.

Other places of interest nearby Kodungalloor include Cheramanparambu, the ancient Thiruvanchikulam Temple, and the Portuguese Fort.

Getting there:

By road: You can reach Kodungallur from Thrissur's Shakthan Thampuran stand.

Nearest railway station: Irinjalakuda, about 20 km.

Nearest airport: Nedumbaserry International Airport at Kochi, about 60 km.