Information on Jewish Synagogue (Ernakulam, Kerala) - History & Architecture

Jewish Synagogue is situated in Synagogue Lane, Kappalandimukku, Mattancherry Island, Cochin City, Ernakulam District, Kerala State in India. Synagogue is the worship place for the Jewish community. The Jewish Synagogue built at Mattancherry is the rear and ancient Synagogue in India, functioning till today in its high honor by the Jew peoples settled in Cochin. This Synagogue is the major first visit list of any foreign tourist coming to the Queen of Arabian Sea. This synagogue is a historic and religious symbol of Jewish culture in India.

Jewish Synagogue Architecture

Jewish Synagogue in Mattancherry is built and renovated many times in the passage of colonial history. It is built on the 'thachusasthra' pattern of architecture existed in the 15th century AD in Kerala in traditional manner with simple square stricter supported with bamboos and palm leaves. It was in the advent of 16th century AD, when the Portuguese came here for trading and they introduced the modern craftsmanship of European style like roofing on the wall with woods and laying a platform on ceiling with lime stone plaster. These western influences made the building stronger and enabled to reach more stories of heights in a building. This synagogue was also in the influence of the Dutch's and British in a Neo Gothic style. After the 20th century this synagogue was never altered by any one. What is now is the legendry art work of these colonialists in Kerala. It is constructed with Literate stones, granite stones and lime stones. Teak woods are seen in ceilings, on doors and windows. Large portion of the roofs are covered up by the terracotta tiles, which looks very beautiful in a white colored buildings. There are metal lighting arrangements and wall hangings made of glass are well ornamented. There is a separate venue for prayers splinted by genders. A high rise place is for the main orator in a rectangular shape followed by lowering steps where standing benches are made for prayers. A special room for circumcision is built in side. And there are halls to conduct special prayers and ceremonies here. A special podium is made of teak wood for Thora reading in the main hall.

Jewish Synagogue History

This Synagogue was built after getting permission from the Kochi King Rama Verma in (1568 AD). The peculiarity of this synagogue is that it is built in the adjacent wall side of a Hindu Temple. These Jewish peoples came to trade here from parts of Europe and Arab nations. Before getting permission to practice their religion, they were used to perform in unorganized manner from out of sight. After construction of this Synagogue, it became a permanent settlement for Jews leaving here and this place is called Jew colony. In the initial periods it was only allowed to participate by the richer section of the society like trades man and higher officials, the poor's and slave classes were made sit outside the premises. It was in the 19th century only all kind of peoples were given permission to enter inside the Synagogue. This holy place is otherwise known as Paradesi Synagogue and Mattancherry Synagogue in Kochi. From the day it was built, it only had a good development around it and never came in to any of the aggressions within the colonialist like Portugal, The Dutch, The French and British peoples.

Jewish Synagogue Tourism Importance

It is an ancient holly place to visit for its customs still followed and practiced in India by Jew peoples living here. It is a heritage site and of touristic importance internationally. This unique structure is unparalleled anywhere in the world built by non Jew peoples over a span of time in history and making it more divine and holly place.