Paravur Jewish Synagogue

Visited on June 2nd, 2019.

Paravur Synagogue was built in 1164 and it is maintained that the Synagogue was rebuilt many times over (in AD 1586 and 1616) especially after the Portuguese destroyed it in 16th century AD. The Synagogue belonged to the malabari/black/brown Jews.

The "Tharisappalli Copper Plates" that is displayed (a replica actually) inside the synagogue is the earliest clearly dated document in Kerala History which ascertains the Jewish presence here.

"The Jewish Copper Plates" (displayed along with Tharisappalli Copper Plates) which is from AD 1000 is one that ascertain the esteem, consideration and privilege that the Jewish community enjoyed in kerala of the middle ages. This documents puts on record the list of 72 privileges that king of Kochi granted to the Jewish leader at that time.

There is a second "Bema" or "Theva" in the balcony where the Torah recital during the sabbath and festival days are conducted. This ensured that the women who were present in their enclosure in the balcony too can clearly listen to the recital.

There are only 20-30 Jews left Kerala today as other Jews went back to Israel in the 1950s after Israel became a nation in 1948. It could be a part of an ongoing fulfillment of prophecies we see in Isaiah 11:12, Ezekiel 34:13, Jeremiah 23:3 etc.

An awesome place to visit for lovers of history of Jews in Kerala. This Synagogue was active until 1985 when majority (almost all of them) of Jews left for Israel. The Synagogue and its surrounding are well kept. Both the original "Hekel" or (Ark) and "Bema" (Theva) were taken to Israel.
Now they have replicas inside the Synagogue which are carefully crafted.

Guides are available and they do a good job walking you inside the Synagogue.

Photography is allowed on the premises even though it is stated otherwise at the entrance signage. You could spend a good one hour here.

Entrance fee - Rs. 55 (Adult), Rs. 45 (Seniors), Rs. 20 (Children 7-12 years), Free (Children below 7 years), Rs. 15 (Students with ID card) and Rs. 105 (Foreigner).

Credit and Debit cards are accepted.

Visiting Hours 10 am - 5 pm (Monday holiday).

A jewish church dating back to 12 th century, well maintained accesable by road, open for public. Good place to visit for people intrstd in culture, history and ancient architecture. 26/12/2020

Very nice Museaum that gives you a short history of Jews in kerala. The guide was excellent.

Really a must visit place.
Perhaps the only jewish synagogue with a mix of kerala style architecture.
The synagogue was once the biggest Jewish synagogue in India . the place is maintained by archeological department of kerala it is a part of the broken history of the Jews that once settled in kerala and after attaining a permanent land for all Jews around the world all the existed Jews in kerala migrated to Israel.

We spent a couple of hours at Paravur Synagogue which was enlightening regarding the Jewish communities who came here in different periods, although now the users of the synagogue have all but faded away. The structure of the synagogue is a brilliant combination of Jewish tradition & 'Kerala - ness'.
Our guide Vysakh PS was very informative & knew his history, thank you.🙏🙏🙏

This is one of the oldest synagogues located on Jew street in Paravur, Kerala. This place has an architectural impact on Jewish history. The place has the traditional architecture of pillared corridors and teak woods used. The pillared pathway leads to the prayer room.
This is included in the muziris heritage plan and conserved.
The entry fee is 55 /- Indian rupees and guide fees are included. She explained the history very neatly and well behaved too. The place is located very close to Paravur Kodungallor road. Paravur market is situated nearby. There is a boat jetty that is within walking distance from the synagogue.
The place is well maintained.
The locals are unaware of the place.

Must visit place if you are a traveller or historian or interested in Historic Places. Initially built in 1100 and reconstructed on 1600+ . Paravur Jewish Synagogue is the one and only Synagogue in India where Ladies allowed to enter and prayer during the time.

Worth visiting! There's enough exhibits to admire for enough time, provides good insights about the erstwhile Jewish community lives in Cochin, situated close to North paravur Town, reasonable entry fee, mesmerising vibe, and architecture, well trained guides, and curators, also an excellent place for photography.