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The Malabar region has some of the oldest Temples, Mosques, Churches, Jain Temples and Buddhist structures with many following customs and rituals that have remained unchanged through centuries. A unique aspect of almost all the Temples in Kerala is that, men must be dressed in the traditional attire of a Mundu (a white, cotton cloth) that covers the body from the waist to the feet and not cover the rest of their bodies, while women should wear a Mundu, but are allowed to cover their upper torsos. In most temples, non-Hindus are not permitted.

There are an abundance of Mosques in this region including the second oldest in the World at Kodungallur. It was established by the local Hindu King, after he embraced Islam under the guidance of Prophet Mohammed. 
The region has several Churches established at various periods by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British.

The Jain community have had a long presence in Malabar and some of the old Jain temples have been preserved by the Archaeological Society of India, as Heritage sites.

In Kozhikode (Calicut), one can also find Buddhist and Parsi temples that are over 200 years old.

  Temples

Sri Vadakkunnathan Shiva Temple

Sri Vadakkunnathan Shiva TempleLocated in Thrissur (Trichur), the Sri Vadakkunnathan Shiva Temple hosts the world famous Thrissur Pooram. The Pooram is an outstanding event, where teams from the Thiruvambady and Parmekkavu temples parade their impressively decorated elephants mounted with idols of their respective deities. Each team then exchanges brightly coloured umbrellas and the best team is judged based on the variety and skill with which the exchange takes place. All of this is of course accompanied by Panchavadyam (an orchestra of five traditional instruments) performed by the finest exponents of each instrument. The Thrissur Pooram is usually held in April/ May

The Sri Krishna temple in Guruvayur

The Sri Krishna temple in GuruvayurThe Sri Krishna temple in Guruvayur (Thrissur District) is one of the oldest in India and is sacred to all Malayalees. The temple owns several elephants and has a sanctuary that is home to over 70 elephants, with each being provided customised care and treatment. The Sanctuary is open to visitors.






Sri Muthappan Temple at Parassinikadavu 

Sri Muthappan Temple at Parassinikadavu Sri Muthappan Temple at Parassinikadavu is a unique temple by the Valappattanam River in Kannur District, an offering to the Hindu deity is non-vegetarian food and alcohol, which are absolutely taboo in other Temples in Kerala.

Alathiyoor Hanuman Temple

A temple dedicated to Hanuman (monkey God), who is responsible for the protection of the neighbouring areas, is located at Alathiyoor. The deity is believed by many to be powerful and has attracted visitors from abroad as well as other parts of India.








Mosques
The Pazhayyangadi Mosque
The Pazhayyangadi MosqueThe Pazhayyangadi Mosque in Kondotti (Malappuram District), is famous for its Valia Nercha (festival) that has continued for over 500 years, held during February/ March.

Mamburam Mosque
Mamburam MosqueAnother famous Mosque is the Mamburam, is a major Pilgrimage centre and has the mausoleum of famous Thangals (respected members of the Muslim community).


The Mosque at Ponnani
The Mosque at Ponnani (in Malappuram District) is visited by those who wish to be initiated into Islam. 


Kuttichira Mosque
Another famous Mosque in Kozhikode is the Kuttichira Mosque with its traditional Hindu architecture and the stone inscriptions found in the Mosque narrates the history of the Zamorins of Kozhikode and their embrace of Islam.
Cheraman Perumal Mosque

Cheraman Perumal MosqueBuilt in 629 AD, this is the first Mosque in India and the second in the world where Juma prayers were started. People from far and near irrespective of caste and creed visit this holy place and pay their homage. This Mosque is unique in that, while Mosques all over the world face towards Mecca, this one faces away from it towards the opposite direction. The Mosque was home to some of the leading Islamic scholars who influenced the religion and its uniqueness was demonstrated recently, when it welcomed the Hindu tradition of initiating children into the wonders of learning.

Churches
The Mother of God Church
The Mother of God Church in Kozhikode District was built in 1513AD and is built in the Roman architectural style and is the only one of its kind in Kerala. A portrait of Mother Mary which is over 200 years old makes it a famous centre of Pilgrimage.
St. Mary's Church
Another famous Church in Kozhikode is the St. Mary's Church founded in 1860 for members of the Collectorate. A tombstone in the adjacent cemetery is dated 1717


Jain Temples 
These temples can be found in Wayanad and one of them was used by Tippu Sultan, the King of Mysore, to store his battery of weapons and lent the name Sultan Battery to this place in Wayanad. Jain temples are present in Kozhikode and Kasargode.
                Site by Aufait

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