Paradesi Synagogue in Kochi (Cochin) – A Divine and Peaceful Place
Introduction
This synagogue was constructed in the year 1568 by the people of Malabar Yehudan on the land gifted by the Raja of Cochin, Raja Varma. People also known as the Cochin Jewish community. This place is also referred as Jewish Synagogue as well as Mattancherry Synagogue. The meaning of Pardesi in Hindi language means ‘foreigners' this is the perfect name for the synagogue as ‘White Jews' used this synagogue, who were regarded as the high class merchants and professionals. This synagogue was also used by Jews from the place Cranganore, Middle East and the exiles from European countries.
The Paradesi or Jewish Synagogue is situated at the road ending the Jewish Cemetery in Jew Street. It also has Malayalam and Hebrew gravestones in the town, which is located in the Old Cochin in the state of Kerala. The temple walls of Mattancherry Palace and Paradesi Synagogue are the same as both the structure lies besides each other.
This Synagogue is rated as the ancient synagogue by all the 53 country's members of Common Wealth Nations. Therefore, people don't miss their chance to visit this place while visiting Kerala.
Tourist Attraction
The beautifully carved teak art is the most striking attraction of the Paradeshi Synagogue. The pillars of arched brass, crystal chandeliers from Belgium and the Torah gold crowns with sparkling gems are some of the attractions of the synagogue. The floor of Synagogue is hand painted with blue and white porcelain tile specially ordered from Canton and every one of them exhibit various unique pattern of design.
The Clock Tower' height is about 45 ft and shows only four dials with numbers in Hebrew, Malayalam, and Latin and Arabic language. The synagogue has separate seating arrangements like other synagogues for women and men.
There are some of the rules, which have to be followed by the visitors or devotees while visiting this Synagogue.
Bare foot - The visitors or devotees should enter the Paradesi Synagogue in bare foot. Keeping your footwears outside the Synagogue is important to maintain the discipline of the place.
Dress Code – There are certain compulsory dress codes, which have to be followed and this came into action on 27th of April. The dress code for men is to wear trousers and full sleeved shirts and women are expected to wear long skirt longer than the knees when coming inside the Synagogue.
Video Cameras - There is strict restriction to bring video cameras inside the Jewish Worship place.
Visiting Times - The Paradeshi Synagogue is open from morning 10 to noon 12 and in the evening from 3 pm to 5 pm. The Synagogue is shut on holidays of Jews as well as every Saturdays.
How to Reach Paradeshi Synagogue
You can easily hire a bus or cab from Cochin. You can also book tickets online till Cochin and get a taxi or auto rickshaw to reach here. Tourists can avail online bus booking facility too.
You can also reach Ernakulam by boat and reach here by bus, cab or taxi.
This synagogue was constructed in the year 1568 by the people of Malabar Yehudan on the land gifted by the Raja of Cochin, Raja Varma. People also known as the Cochin Jewish community. This place is also referred as Jewish Synagogue as well as Mattancherry Synagogue. The meaning of Pardesi in Hindi language means ‘foreigners' this is the perfect name for the synagogue as ‘White Jews' used this synagogue, who were regarded as the high class merchants and professionals. This synagogue was also used by Jews from the place Cranganore, Middle East and the exiles from European countries.
The Paradesi or Jewish Synagogue is situated at the road ending the Jewish Cemetery in Jew Street. It also has Malayalam and Hebrew gravestones in the town, which is located in the Old Cochin in the state of Kerala. The temple walls of Mattancherry Palace and Paradesi Synagogue are the same as both the structure lies besides each other.
This Synagogue is rated as the ancient synagogue by all the 53 country's members of Common Wealth Nations. Therefore, people don't miss their chance to visit this place while visiting Kerala.
Tourist Attraction
The beautifully carved teak art is the most striking attraction of the Paradeshi Synagogue. The pillars of arched brass, crystal chandeliers from Belgium and the Torah gold crowns with sparkling gems are some of the attractions of the synagogue. The floor of Synagogue is hand painted with blue and white porcelain tile specially ordered from Canton and every one of them exhibit various unique pattern of design.
The Clock Tower' height is about 45 ft and shows only four dials with numbers in Hebrew, Malayalam, and Latin and Arabic language. The synagogue has separate seating arrangements like other synagogues for women and men.
There are some of the rules, which have to be followed by the visitors or devotees while visiting this Synagogue.
Bare foot - The visitors or devotees should enter the Paradesi Synagogue in bare foot. Keeping your footwears outside the Synagogue is important to maintain the discipline of the place.
Dress Code – There are certain compulsory dress codes, which have to be followed and this came into action on 27th of April. The dress code for men is to wear trousers and full sleeved shirts and women are expected to wear long skirt longer than the knees when coming inside the Synagogue.
Video Cameras - There is strict restriction to bring video cameras inside the Jewish Worship place.
Visiting Times - The Paradeshi Synagogue is open from morning 10 to noon 12 and in the evening from 3 pm to 5 pm. The Synagogue is shut on holidays of Jews as well as every Saturdays.
How to Reach Paradeshi Synagogue
You can easily hire a bus or cab from Cochin. You can also book tickets online till Cochin and get a taxi or auto rickshaw to reach here. Tourists can avail online bus booking facility too.
You can also reach Ernakulam by boat and reach here by bus, cab or taxi.