Kadavumbagam Synagogue

Kadavumbhaagam Synagogue : Originally built in 12th century, rebuilt in 17th century, continue to stand as a symbol of a bygone era. Currently its managed by Sri. Elias Josephai, one among the 21 surviving member of this community in Kochi.
Jews had a history of trade with Malabar (then kerala) from almost 1000 BC , when spices, silk and diamonds find its.way to shores of Jerusalem. There are records of Elephants with mahouts shipped off possibly in helping to build the first temple of Solomon. We traded Peacocks to adorn their palaces and monkeys to entertain the folks in their garden so much so that their tamil names (our language then) find place in their lexicon.

The malabari jews started settling here in Muziris as early as 1st century AD , they continued in present kodungalloor and Chendhamangalam till 10th century , but had to migrate to kochi after a tussle with the then perumal of kodungalloor. They were welcomed in kochi by the King and provided necessary land the means to build a settlement here in kochi. The present ernakulam though a marshy inland had good inland water connectivity till Calicut in north Kollam in South and Muvattupuzha in the east, traders they were, it suited their needs. The current market was originally the Jew market later handed over to the ernakulam muncipality. Kadavumbhaagam Synagogue stands close to this market .

Time stops here
This synagogue is an integral part of the history of Indian Jews.
Mr 'Babu' has made the restoration and conservation of this beautiful place his life's mission.
He has a wealth of knowledge and is incredibly proud of what the Jewish community has achieved despite years of persecution.
His eyes well up as he speaks about the unimaginable horrors of the holocaust.
At the same time he believes strongly in the word of God and feels his 'Hashem' will ensure the safe keeping of the holy place after him.
A hidden gem in Kochi is a must visit for all those who wish to have an encounter with the history of a community who have turned the tides of fate in their favour time and time again.

It is like a private setup and the owner of the nursery which is the entrance to the synagogue is extremely rude. Tired buying stuff from there but the owner as well as the staff behaves very rudely. Don't know how his shop survives

History of a wonderful community.... At Kochin, Kerala

The Mattancherry Synagogue is among the most historically relevant locations in Fort Kochi. The oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth, it was built in 1568. Also known as the Paradesi Synagogue, it receives several thousand visitors every year. It has mid-18th century hand-painted and willow patterned floor tiles from China, a clock tower, Hebrew inscriptions on stone slabs, great scrolls of the Old Testament and ancient scripts on copper plates in which grants of privilege were made by the former Cochin rulers. The area around the synagogue is a centre of spice trade and curio shops.

Most arrogant person shouted on me, because I asked some information. I will this place anymore

Very small but we'll maintained.

A Synagogue that holds the longest Jewish history in India. This Synagogue is much older than the Paradesi Synagogue. Photos from Hanukah Celebration.