Kerala Religions
Ancient religion in Kerala was Dravidian in Nature. The migration of Dravidians from North India to Kerala is also said to be happened in BC 700.
Hinduism
The Aryans began to dominate Kerala from the 4th century BC. According to Keralolpathy, the period up to AD 216 is called as ‘Parasurama’ period and the period starting from AD 216 to AD 428 is called as age of 'Perumals'. The Brahmin families are believed to be migrated during this period to Kerala and were settled in 64 villages. In the 8th century AD, Aryanisation of Kerala reached its climax. Adi Shankaran (Shankaracharya) born in kaladi. He spreaded the advaitham in four parts of india by establishing four Mathas in East Govardhana (Puri), South Sringeri (Mysore), West Dwaraka, and North Jyotirmath (Badarinath). Adi Shankara died in AD 820. Later from 15th century onwards, bhakthi movement started to influence the hindus. The works of ezhuthachan, cherusseri and others helped bhakthi movement to gain wide popularity among the people. Idol fixing and worship of Deities is common in Hinduism. Temples are the place of Worship.
Jainism
Jainism reached Kerala in the third century BC. Jains transformed the major places at that time, Thrikkannamathilakom, Kallil, Ganapathi Vattam (Sulthan Bathery), Chitharal (Kanyakumari) into Jain Centers. The famous Koodalmanikyam Temple at Irinjalakkuda, dedicated to Bharata was once a famous Jain Temple. Ganapati Vattam or Sultan's Bathery, Manantoddy and other places in the Wayanad area were also important centres of Jainism. The decline of Jainism in Kerala started in the 8th century AD when the Saivate and Vaishnavite movements made their impact. Jain Temples are the places of worship.
Buddhism
It is assumed that Buddhism reached Kerala during the period BC 270 to 240. This period saw the spread of Buddhism in Kerala. A 3rd-century-BC (BC 257) rock inscription about Kerala (in the name of Keralaputra) is found in one of the rock edict by Emperor Asoka. The Sangam work Manimekhalai mentions about the spread of Buddhism in Kerala. A large number of Buddha images have been found from Kunnathur and Karunagappally taluks of Quilon district. Famous Buddhist image Karumadikuttan has been discovered from Karumadi near Ambalappuzha. Sreemoolavasam is the major Buddha center at that time. Buddhism began to decline from the eighth century AD. The great poet Kumaranasan was considerably influenced by Buddhism. His works Karuna, Chandalabhikshuki and Sreebuddhacharitham are examples of his influence. Hinayana and Mahayana are the major sections of Buddhism. Pagoda is the temple of Buddha Religion. The Eightfold Path, Ashtanga Marga is the base of Buddhism. Jataka Tales are the story about earlier lives of Buddha in both human and animal forms.
Christianity
Christianity was introduced in Kerala in the first century AD (52 AD) by St. Thomas, who was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. St. Thomas founded seven churches in Kerala, ie, Maliankara, Palayur, Kottakkavu, Kokkamangalam, Quilon, Niranam and Nilakkal. St. Thomas Christians were called Syrian Christians. Bible is the holy book of Christians.
Judaism
Judaism was one among the oldest religion. Hebrew is the liturgical language of Judaism. Torah is the holy book of Jews. Synagogue is the temple of Jews. The White Jews Synagogue at Mattancherri was built in 1567.
Islam
Islam was introduced to Kerala probably in 644 AD by Malik Ibn Dinar. He founded the Cheraman Mosque at Kodungallur (Thrissur). Mosques are the places of worship.
