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Kodungallur, The Temple Town

By Manoj

Kodungallur is a small town in Thrissur and is located on the Malabar Coast. The town served as the capital for the Cheraman Kings during the 7th century. The kings were influential in making Kodungallur a trade hub, and it is believed that during their reign it was commercially linked with the Middle East countries like Syria, Asia Minor and Egypt.

The Chereman kings were religious people and respected other faiths as well. Therefore, a trip to this town will make you feel like you are traversing through a town of temples, mosques and churches.

Some of the tourist places to visit in Kodungallur, include; the Cheraman Juma Masjid, Keezhthali Mahadeva Temple, Koodalmanikyam Temple, Mar Thoma Shrine, Thiruvanchikkulam Mahadeva Temple and more.

How to Reach Kodungallur

How to Reach Kodungallur

By Air: The airport nearest to Kodungallur is the Kochi International Airport which is located at a distance 35 km. Kochi Airport receives good connectivity to and from all major cities in India such as Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi and Hyderabad.

By Train: The railway station situated nearest to Kodungallur is at Iringalakuda (16 km). There are regular trains running from Iringalakuda to different parts of Kerala.

By Road: Kodungallur town enjoys remarkable connectivity by road. Kerala State Road Transportation buses (KSRTC) and private transport buses run regular services to this town. Travelers can connect to Kodungallur from Kochi (44 km), Thrissur (38 km) and Guruvayur (50 km). Buses are available from other major cities of South India.

Photo Courtesy:pravin.premkumar

Cheraman Juma Masjid

Cheraman Juma Masjid

One of the tourist places in Kodungallur is the Cheraman Juma Masjid, which is believed to have been built in 629 AD by Malik Bin Deenar. It is also considered to be the oldest mosque in India, and the second oldest mosque in the world. The most noteworthy part of the temple is its architecture, which resembles a Hindu temple. Also, there is an oil lamp which burns here at the center of the mosque. People of all faiths can enter here and pour oil in this lamp. There is a white marble block here, which is believed to have been brought from Makkah.

Photo Courtesy:Sherenk

Keezhthali Mahadeva Temple

Keezhthali Mahadeva Temple

Another place to visit in Kodungallur is the Keezhthali Mahadeva Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The prime attraction of this temple is a large Shivalingam, which is believed to be very old and is 8 ft high and 7.5 ft in radius. It is regarded as one of the biggest Shivalingams in India. The temple is located on a hull and gives a panoramic view of the region.

Photo Courtesy:RajeshUnuppally

Koodalmanikyam Temple

Koodalmanikyam Temple

The Koodalmanikyam Temple located at Iringalakuda is the only temple in India which is dedicated to Bharatha, the brother of Lord Ram. The temple is known for its architectural grandeur and splendid craftsmanship. Visitors coming here are left amazed by the beauty of the temple's architecture. The temple complex comprises of a circular sanctum or Chuttambalam, magnificent murals on the interior walls, and four ponds in and around the temple.

Photo Courtesy:Aruna Radhakrishnan

Kurumbakavu Temple

Kurumbakavu Temple

Another tourist place in Kodungallur is the Kurumbakavu Temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathi. The temple idol of the Goddess is said to adorn weapons in all her eight hands. The temple premises contain two more idols of Vasoorimala and Tavittumurthi. An air of devotion and chants of prayers linger in the surroundings of the temple, soothing the minds of those who visit it.

Photo Courtesy:Kerala tourism

Mar Thoma Shrine

Mar Thoma Shrine

The Mar Thoma Shrine also known as Mar Thoma Pontifical Shrine is where Saint Thomas is believed to have landed in Kerala. Built in Indo-Persian style, the shrine displays excellent craftsmanship and architectural beauty. Ancient relics of Saint Thomas are housed within the altar and are displayed to the public on certain select occasions. A short video demonstrating the life of Saint Thomas is shown to the visitors. There is also a marvellous painting portraying the arrival of Saint Thomas which is yet another attraction of this shrine.

Photo Courtesy:നിരക്ഷരൻ.

Sringapuram Mahadeva Temple

Sringapuram Mahadeva Temple

A must visit place is Kodungallur is the Sringapuram Mahadeva Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The name Sringapuram which when translated means Land of Sringa is derived from a myth according to which Sage Rishyashringa installed the Shiva idol in this temple. What makes this temple different from other Shiva temples is that Lord Shiva is enshrined here without Goddess Parvati. The idol of Shiva depicts a sorrowful mood indicating the grief after the self-immolation of Sati. Visitors coming here can marvel the intricate carvings done on the walls of the temple.

Photo Courtesy:Praveen Kaycee

Thiruvanchikkulam Mahadeva Temple

Thiruvanchikkulam Mahadeva Temple

The Thiruvanchikkulam Mahadeva Temple is believed to be one of the oldest Shiva temples in South India. The temple carries a history of about 2000 years, and is best known for the manifestations of Lord Shiva namely; Gopuram Thevar, Dakshinamoorthy, Pasupathy, Natakkal Shivan, Sandhyavela Shivan, Palliyara Shivan, Unni Thevar and Konnakkal Shivan. The temple attracts the attention of many as it hosts a very rare event, namely Anayottam or the Elephant Race. This event, held as part of the annual temple festival draws travellers from far and wide.

Photo Courtesy:Kerala Tourism

Triprayar Sri Rama Temple

Triprayar Sri Rama Temple

The Tripayar Sri Rama Temple is a tourist place in Kodungallur, and is situated on the banks of Thriprayar River. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. There are many myths about the idol in this temple, of which the most famous is that the idol contains the power of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Devotees throng this place to pay respect to the lord and also to enjoy the scenic view it provides.

Photo Courtesy:Vsathian

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