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Ernakulam
Jewish synagogue
This is the oldest synagogue, which was built in 1568. It is well
known for the 18th century hand printed, willow patterned flow tiles
from china, the great scrolls of the old testament, a clock tower,
Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs, ancient scripts on copper plates
etc. there are also gold and silver crowns gifted to the synagogue
by various patrons.
Kalady - Adi Sankaracharya
10kms away from Alwaye is a famous pilgrim center Kalady, situated
on the banks of River Periyar, which is the birthplace of Adi Sankaracharya,
the great Indian philosopher of the 8th century. There is a shrine
dedicated to him in the name of Dakshimurthy and a temple of goddess
Sharada. Also and ancient Shri Krishna Temple is situated close
by, which was the family temple of Adi Sankaracharya, known as the
International temple dedicated to Shri Ramakrishna. There is also
a place situated there called the crocodile ghat, where this great
philosopher took his vows of renunciation.
Malayattoor - St. Thomas
47 kms from Kochi is a famous Catholic Church, built on the 609
feet high Malayattur hill dedicated to St. Thomas, as it is believed
that he had once prayed here. Thousands of devotees visit this church
to pray during the annual festival "Malayaattur Perunnal",
which is held during March- April.
Munnikkal Guhalayam
This place is located on the top of a hill at Chengamanad, 30kms
north of Kochi. It is believed that sage Jangaman live here 2000
years ago. A famous temple of Lord Murugan is located on the spot,
where the sage is said to have meditated, which was later consecrated
by Chattambi Swamikal in 1898. This place got the name " Munikkal
Guhalayam' which means 'Sages Rock Cave"
Pazhur
25 kms towards the south east of Kochi, near Piravom is the place
Pazur. It is believed that Shiva Temple here is nearly 1800 years
old. The River Muvattupuzha flowing westward from the east, changes
direction on reaching the temple, otherwise the temple would have
been washed away. This place is important for astrologers who believe
that it is blessed with divine powers.
Santhanagopala Krishnaswamy Temple
This is one of the oldest temples in India. The original foundation
of this temple was laid in 947 BC, according to the inscription
found in the temple.
St. Francis Church, Fort Cochin
Built by Portuguese, St. Francis Church in memory of Franciscan
Friars in 1503. This is the first European church in India. It was
restored in 1779 by the protestant Dutch, converted to an Anglican
church by the British in 1795, and is presently used by the protestants
in south India. Vaso-Da-Gama was buried here. But fourteen years
later, his mortal remains were taken to Lisbon, in Portugal. His
tombstone still remains here.
Vamanamoorthi Temple
In Thrikakkara near Ernakulam is this beautiful temple where the
inscriptions from the 10th to 13th century are found.
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