Kerala Religions

Hinduism

Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world ,dating back to BC 5000 .Hinduism origintaed with the worship of Lord Siva and Lord Vishnu .Hinduism in Kerala is a result of blending of various cultures of Dravidians and Aryans and synthesis of religions like Brahmanism ,Jainism and Budhism .Kerala is blessed with the birth of great philosopher and saint Sree Sankaracharya who advocated Advaitha (non-duality) . Hinduism is the main religion in Kerala .

Christianity

With the arival of St.Thomas in Kerala in first century AD ,Christianity took roots in Kerala .And he established seven churches in Cranganore, Paravur(Kottakavu), Palayoor, Kokkamangalam, Malayattoor, Niranam, Chayal (Nilackal) and Kollam (Quilon).Christian missionaries were instrumental in spreading modern education in Kerala .Due to different types of foreign influences different sects developed amongst christians .Out of 23 dioceses in India ,11 are in Kerala.Christians in Kerala celebrate all types of festivals celebrated elsewhere in the world besides ,Nercha' and 'Noyambu'(offerings and prayers to deities ).Many traditions and customs of Hndus have been adopted and adapted by Kerala christians.According to the latest census the population of Christians in Kerala is around 20% .Christians of Kerala is a mighty force to be reckoned with in the fields of education and economic prosperity .

Islam

Islam came to Kerala in seventh century AD through the traders from the middle east (Arab countries).Kerala Muslims are stead fast adherents of their religious customs ,beliefs and traditions . Belief in one God, prayers five times a day, Ramsan fast, Sakkath and Hajj are some of the traditional observances of Islam.Arabic language played a dominant role in the culture of Kerala Muslims.Kerala's raditionally famous mosques are mostly found in north Kerala (Malabar).Beema Palli (Mosque) situated in sea shore in Trivandrum is most famous mosque in south Kerala.Kerala Muslims are secular and attach importance for brotherhood with other religious sects.

Jainism

Jainism came to Kerala during the period of Chandra Guptha mourya.With the arrivals of Aryans in Kerala ,many places of worthship of Jains were transformed into Hindu temples.Today few Jain families are found around Palakkad in Kerala.

Jews

Jews came to Kerala for trading in 7th century AD and gradually settled in Kochin .Jewish church found in Mattanchery in cochin is the famous church of its kind found in Kerala .With the formation of Israel most of the jews in Kerala migrated to Israel.

Bhuddhism

During the period of Asoka, Bhuddhism came to Kerala . A large number of Buddha-images have been discovered in the coastal districts of Alleppey and Quilon.