Information on Religion in Kerala

by Nisha Parmar SEO Executive

Kerala is not just diverse in its location and climatic conditions, but likewise in the spiritual faith. The state has individuals belonging to various neighborhoods and religions, residing in harmony. The predominant faiths followed in Kerala are Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. Apart from these religions, there is significant population of people belonging to the Buddhism, Jainism and Judaism. The various religions in Kerala have influenced the culture of the state. There are a number of temples present in the state which are famous for their annual festivals. The state likewise is house to significant number of mosques and churches.

Hinduism

Apart from being the 3rd largest religion worldwide, Hinduism is also among the primary faiths followed in Kerala. Nearly half of the population of Kerala consists of Hindus. The state includes a long list of ancient and sacred temples committed to different Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Nambudiri, Nair, Ezhava, and other Dalit castes form the significant population of Hindus in Kerala.

Islam

It is thought that of Islam set its foot in India through Kerala. The Arabs of the Middle East came here for trade and settled here at the coastal areas. Kerala has the earliest mosque in the nation. Majority of the Muslim population lives in the seaside areas of central and southern Kerala, particularly in Malappuram district.

Christianity

It is believed by the Syrian Christians that St. Thomas went to Kerala in 52 ADVERTISEMENT and established 7 churches in the region. In 3rd and 4th centuries, a large number of Jewish Christians from Middle East came to the state. Portuguese who showed up in 15th century introduced Latin rites. Couple of centuries later, missionary motion throughout British rule brought Protestantism. At present, there are five various branches of Christianity in Kerala.

Buddhism

It is thought that Buddhism thrived in Kerala throughout the duration of 650-850 AD. There are numerous ancient statues and idols in the state revealing the value of Buddhism in Kerala. Nevertheless after 8th century, the faith began fading and totally vanished by 11th century. There is significant effect of Buddhism in temples of Kerala where we can see the influences of Buddhist art and literature.

Jainism

Jainism was brought by Chandragupta Maurya to the south in 3rd century BC. There is an ancient Jain temple called Jainmedu in Vadakkanthara town, near Palakkad. Currently, Jainism is restricted to just a little population of Kerala, which primarily include Marwari company community settled in Kochi and Calicut.

Judaism

It is believed that spice traders brought Judaism to Kerala, in 7th century. According to Jews of Cochin, following the destruction of Second Temple of Jerusalem, a considerable population of Jews relocated themselves to Kerala. With death of centuries, the population of Jews reduced substantially and at present, there is just couple of hundred Jews left in Kerala.

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