KODUNGALLUR (Crangannoor), the land of pilgrimage is an important and famous place in Thrissur district of Kerala. Kodungallur retains many important tourist attractions, historical monuments, religious uniqueness and cultural contributions. People all over India and many International tourists visit Kodungallur.

Behind The Name 'Kodungallur'

It was believed that a large number of 'Koodakallu' (remnants of ancient civilizations) were excavated from the place. So it was named as 'Koodakkallu oor' (Place where koodakallu are found). Transferring through generations, the name got some changes and finally became as Kodungallur.

Kodungallur in the History

Kodungalloor has its own significance even in ancient Indian History. Kodungalloor was a popular international harbour in India during 17th century for it had trade links with many regions of the world particularly with Syria and Asia Minor.

Famous geographer Ptolemy had recorded about Musiris among the ports and towns of his time. It is called as 'Murachipatanam' in Sanskrit and Muchiri in Tamil. Later it was also called as Makothai, Mahodayapuram, Mahodayapattanam. Musiris (Muchiri) was an important town in the pre-historic era, Kodungallur was a part of it and was the capital of the Cheraman Kings during 7th AD. It was an established trade link in the Indian sea trading. It had regular trade links with Syria, Asia Minor, Egypt and many other Middle East countries during the pre-historic periods. The city was known for exports of many spices, the prime item was pepper, known as yavana priya. Kodungallur was the cultural and religious gateways for Christianity, Islam and also for the foreign rulers. Musiris was cited in many epics and ancient literature like Ramayana, Mahabharatha, Chilappathikaram and Akananuru. This had got valuable mentioning in the travelogues of Ptolemy and Pliny the Elder. This had even recorded in the stone writings of Asoka.

Famous Personalities in Kodungallur

Kodungallur Kerala gave birth to a great number of people in the fields of art and literature. Kodungallur Kunjikkuttan Thampuran is a famous Writer who gave contributions in many languages. Famous painter Mr. Madhavamenon who was fourth among Indian Painters was born to Kodungallur. Famous poem writer and lyrist P. Bhaskaran is also from Kodungallur Kerala.

Religious Importance of Kodungallur

Kodungalloor is proud of the historically important pilgrim centers like the first Mosque in India Cheraman-mosque, St. Thomas Church at Azhikode (Marthoma Centre), the Kaali Temple (Kodungallur Amma). These pilgrim centers in Kodungallur weighs the main attraction and the devotional places of the people who visits here.

Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple is the main attraction of the Kodungallur town. People all over South India visits here. The popular festivals of the Kodungallur temple are Kodungallur 'Bharani' and Kodungallur 'Thalapoli', which attracts many pilgrims and tourists.

The origin of Christian faith in Kerala can be traced back to the time when St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, set foot in India with his mission shortly after Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. According to traditional belief, Apostle Thomas landed at Azhikode, Kodungallur, formerly known as Musiris, in the year 52 AD and has established a church of apostle of holy houses. At that time Kodungallur was a busy commercial center and an important port. St. Thomas traveled about various parts of Kerala preaching the Gospel and forming Christian communities, which began to grow at several places.

It has another great credibility to be the first Mosque in India - Cheraman Juma Masjid, built in the year 629 AD, the mosque resembles a Hindu temple architectural design in appearance has a unique outlook in the world.

Monuments in Kodungallur

The remarkable Kotta made by Tippu Sulthan is at Kodungallur. A temple built during the period of Chenguthava Chera King is still found here at Thiruvanchikulam. Moreover it is a place of worship for people. Kovilams made using ancient house construction methods are still preserved here.The ruins of Kottappuram Fort existed here. It was built by Portuguese in AD 1523 is also known as Cranganore Fort. The Dutch took possession of it in 1661 and later it came under the control of Tipu Sultan. The Dutch wrested it back from Tipu Sultan, but the fort eventually came under the control of Tipu, who destroyed it in the following year. The remains of the fort show that the original fort wall was 18 feet in thickness. The ruin is also known as Tipu’s fort. The fort is about 2 km from the town of Kodungallur.