Religion
As far as the religion of Kerala is concerned, the origins could be traced to Hinduism. Then came in the Islamic faith and Christianity with its various sects. The other Indian religions like Buddhism; Jainism had some influence among the Hindus and was found scattered with their migration to Kerala.
HINDUISM, the world's oldest religion dates back to about 5000 BC. The sacred texts include the Vedas, Epics and Puranas, apart from other philosophical treatises. Hinduism is a way of life and is based on the principle of Sanathana Dharma. Hinduism is a polytheistic religion. The chief gods worshipped by the Hindus of Kerala are the Trimurthies. Hinduism in Kerala is divided into many casts like Brahmins,Nairs, Ehavas etc
Islam is believed entered into India through Kerala. There are historical records of commercial trading between Kerala and Middle East during 7th Century AD. The Jews and Arabs of the Pre-Islamic period were among the pioneers of spice trade with Kerala. The religion of Islam was also by these traders from Middle East, who later settled in Coastal belt of Kerala.
In the absence of clear historical records, it is believed that Apostle of Jesus, St. Thomas himself, introduced Christianity in India in the year 52 A.D. The early Christians (St. Thomas Christians) were called Syrian Christians because they followed the Syriac liturgy, a dialect of Aramaic, the language of Jesus. With the arrival of Portuguese (1498) and the establishment of their political influence, the Latin rite emerged as an important factor and a large community of Latin Christians sprang up and grew, particularly in the coastal areas. The work of St. Francis Xavier and the synod of Diamper (1599) played an important part in the Latinisation of the church. In the beginning of 19th century, when the British spread its influence in Kerala, the Church Mission Society (CMS) of London actively associated them in the workings of Syrian Church. After some years of close co-operation, the missionaries broke their connection with Syrian Bishops and church. It was on their initiative the Anglican Church came into existence.
Some priests of the Syrian Church under the influence of missionaries advocated reforms, including the replacement of Syriac by Malayalam, which was disfavored by Bishops and Clergy of Syrian Church. Following this the reformers formed a new church known as Marthoma Syrian church as distinct from the Anglican Church and the Roman Catholic Church.
Other religion
THE OTHER Indian religions like Buddhism and Jainism had some impact among the Malayalee Hindus, but with the Aryan migration to the south. There was dissemination of all these religion.
Jainism
Though there is evidence of practice of Jainism in Kerala before the arrival of Aryans. History is silent about it. The Famous Jainmedu temple in Palakkad is the manifestation of Jainism in Kerala. Today few families of Jain community are found around Palakkad in Kerala.
Judaism
The traders from Middle East bought Judaism into Kerala during 7th Century AD. Later these traders settled in Kochi. Jew Town in Kochi, is the testimony of the Judaism in Kerala. Today it is one of few places in World where Jews are living in peace. There is a Synagogue in Jew Town.
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