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Kodungallor is located in Thrissur in the Kerala state of India and is most popular for as an important pilgrimage center. The place is a major tourist destination and is most known for the St. Thomas church and the Juma masjid. It is believed that this was the place where Jesus Christ landed when he visited India. Kodungallor is regarded as a high altar of worship and is considered to be the house of important Holy centers.
Initially the place was named as ‘Muziris’ by the Greek and houses many relics from the ancient periods. This is a very interesting place and is rich in its historical background. The old mosque, which is located around a couple of kilometers from the town was build long back in 629 AD and is the first in the country and the second throughout the world, where the Juma (Friday) prayers by the Muslims are offered.
The city also houses other important monuments like the Portuguese fort, ancient temples and historical buildings. This is one of the most prominent and oldest pilgrimage centers in the southern part of the country and attracts a large number of visitors and pilgrims throughout the year, who visit here to offer their prayers in the ancient houses of God.
History of Kodungallor
Kodungallor is not only an important destination, but has deep roots in the history of the state and the country. The town has found references in the Indian epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. Popular and well known poets like Karthiyayan and Pathanjali have referred to this town in their poems. Apart from this the Ashoka stone writings also refer to the town. The town has been the capital in the Chera rule during the 7th century when the then ruler vacated his throne and embraced Islam. The town has also shown signs of visit by the Romans, Jews and Greeks in the ancient times. A number of Roman silver and gold coins have been found in this town.
Special attractions in and around Kodungallor
- Bhagawati Temple: This is one of the most important temples in the town and houses an annual festival, when several hundred devotees get together to participate in the event.
- Cheraman Juma Mosque: The old mosque, which is located around a couple of kilometers from the town was build long back in 629 AD and is the first in the country and the second throughout the world, where the Juma (Friday) prayers by the Muslims are offered.
- St. Thomas Church: It is believed that this was the place where Jesus Christ landed when he visited India. The Church holds high importance among the followers of Christianity.
Best Time to Visit Kodungallor
The best time to visit Kodungallor is from September to May.
Location
State: Kerala
District: Thrissur
Distance of Kodungallor from nearest cities: The nearest cities are 38 km south of Thrissur, located 38 kilometers away and Ernakulam, located 35 kilometers away.
How to reach Kodungallor
Nearest airport: The nearest airport is at Kochi.
Nearest railway stations: The nearest railhead is Irinjalakuda
Directions by road from nearby cities: Kodungallor is well connected by road to Thrissur, Ernakulam and other important cities of the state.
Tourism Department
Department of Tourism,
Government of Kerala, Main Office,
Government Guest House,
Near St Theresa’s College
Shanmugham Road, Ernakulam
Ph: 91-0484-2360502
Climatic Conditions:
Kodungallor experiences a tropical humid climate, extreme summers and heavy rains in the monsoons.
Clothing:
Light cotton clothes in the summers and light woolen clothes in the winters are recommended.
Tourist attractions near Kodungallor
- Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple: It is believed to be amongst the oldest temples in the southern parts of the country and it is said that lord Shiva resided in this temple along with the other members of his family.
- Edavilangu Sivakrishnapuram Temple: This is another ancient temple of the town and is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva
This article was contributed by Abhay Tandon
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