 |
| |
| |
There are mainly three religions in Kerala - Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. Kerala also has a tiny Jewish population, said to date from 578 BC when they fled the occupation of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar.
Kerala hailed, as God's own country, by many, deserves this accolade because of many features geographical and sociological. A long coastline in the west and mountains on the east forming clear natural boundaries. Religion has played a crucial role in Kerala's culture.
|
| |
Christianity |
| |
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 Christianssprang 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.
Now there are five different offshoots of Christianity in Kerala.
- 1. The Nestorian Church confined mainly to Thrissur and Ernakulam.
- 2. The Roman Catholic Church, embracing the whole of Kerala and following
threedifferent languages for their rites (Syriac, Latin and Malayalam).
- 3. The Jacobite Syrian Church, also known as Orthodox Syrian Church.
- 4. The Anglican Church, part of Church of South India.
- 5. Marthoma Syrian Church.
The contribution of Christian religion in the field of education and
care of the sick is innumerable. First Malayalam dictionary and
grammar by Arnos Pathiri, first printing press, study and
classification of Herbs, Hortus Malabaricus, etc. highlight the
eminent position of Christianity in Kerala. The Universal education
propagated in Kerala along with the churches provided the basic
education for the emancipation of the population from various social
and cultural evils. The school, colleges, hospitals and other numerous
socio-cultural institutions run by the Christians are role models.
Church Timings in Manchester
St Joseph’s RC Church, Longsight, Manchester
Saturday: 6.30 PM
Sunday: 11.00 AM
St Edwards RC Church, Rusholm, Manchester
Sunday: 10.00 AM
St Bernard's RC Church, Burnage Lane, Burnage
01614323628
Sunday: 10 AM, 6 PM
Pentecostal Church Manchester
Kings Burn Hall, Burnage Lane, Burnage.
Sunday 10 AM - 12 NOON
|
 |
|
| |
Islam |
| |
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. To this day Muslims are very proficient in trade and commerce. Muslims in Kerala, as anywhere else in the world, are close-knit unit clear-cut religious and political agenda.
Mosques in Manchester
Manchester Central Mosque
20 Upperpar Road
Victoria park
Manchester
M14 5RU
01612244119
|
 |
|
| |
Hinduism |
| |
HINDUISM, the 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. The Hindus worship the Supreme
Being under three forms, Brahma- the creator, Vishnu- the preservator
and Shiva - destroyer.
The Hindus worshipped the Supreme Being under three forms, Brahma,
Vishnu and Shiva representing the creative, preservative, and the
destructive forces.
Hindu Temples in Manchester
GITA BHAVAN MANDIR Jnc.Wilbraham/Withington Road
MANCHESTER
ISKCON MANCHESTER 20 Mayfield Road MANCHESTER M16 8FT
RADHA-KRISHNA MANDIR 4 Brunscwick Road MANCHESTER M20 4RS
|
 |
|
| |
Other Religions |
| |
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. Today, Jew town is one of popular tourist location in Kerala, where one can find many interesting antiquities of Kerala.
Nowhere in India, or may be in the entire world, you can witness such tolerance and co-operation and religious amity as seen in Kerala. Only in Kerala one can find person's of different community come together and celebrate each other's festival with pomp. Onam, the traditional festival of Hindus, Christmas and Ramzan - all these festivals are celebrated by all the community in Kerala.
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
