Chendamangalam

Chendamangalam
—  town  —
Chendamangalam Location of Chendamangalam in Kerala and India
Coordinates	10°10′47″N 76°12′35″E
Country	India
State	Kerala
District(s)	Ernakulam
Population	28,133 (2001)
Time zone	IST (UTC+05:30)
Codes • Pincode • 683512 • Telephone • +0484 • Vehicle • KL-42

Chendamangalam (or Chennamangalam) is a small town and a panchayat in Paravur Taluk, Ernakulam district in the state of Kerala, India. It is about 35 km from Ernakulam. It has three rivers, seven inlets, hillocks and large expanses of green plain. Chendamangalam is a part of Greater Cochin.

The Paliam Palace, residence of the Paliath Achans, hereditary Prime Ministers to the former Maharajas of Kochi, is one of the architectural splendours of Kerala. The Palace is over 450 years old and houses a collection of historic documents and relics.

The hillocks at Kottayil Kovilakom are unique as the site of a Hindu temple, a Christian church, a mosque and the remains of a Jewish synagogue, all within 1 km of each other. The synagogue was built in 1614 AD and is in a peaceful wooded area. In the courtyard behind the synagogue, it is possible to find old Jewish graves, including one of a Jewish woman, dated 1264 AD.

The Jews arrived in Chendamangalam after the destruction of the second temple and the final desolation of Jerusalem in (AD 69) and founded a colony. They moved to Fort Kochi in 1341 AD after the Great flood. All the synagogues in Kerala - Chendamangalam, Mala, and Kochi - have similar traditional architectural features: a central bimah of brass or silver metal on a concrete or stone base, an ark on the western wall, a balcony above the eastern entry to the sanctuary that is used by the reader on certain holidays. Behind the balcony is the women's gallery, with a stairway leading up to it, usually from outside the building. The synagogue has been restored and has an exhibit which is open to visitors from 9:30 to 5:00 during the week. Ask for the brochure or upload it on www.chensyn.com.

Also here are remains of the Vypeenakotta Seminary built in the 16th century by the Portuguese. Adjacent to the seminary is an old Syrian Catholic Church built in 1201. It is also the site of the first printing press in India. The church was later rebuilt in Portuguese style.

Places of Worship

• Jayanthathrikkov Temple - One of the old temples at Chendamangalam, the name Chendamangalam came from the word Jayantha Mangalam which is related with this temple.
• Puthiyathrikkov Temple - Siva Temple
• Sree Venugopla KrishnaSwami Dewasthan

Sree Venugopala Krishna Swami Dewasthan was established in 1900 AD at Chennamangalam (earlier known as Jayantha mangalam), the main deity is Venugopalakrishna Swamy. The main idol is Shila Vigrah of Venugopalakrishna Swamy. There is also an Utsav idol of the Lord and the idols of Garuda and Hanuman at His feet. The temple celebrates six day long annual festival in the month of Vaisakh.

Charitable Institute

Abhayalayam Home for Mentally Retarded

• Near Arankavu Temple.

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Demographics

As of 2001 India census, Chendamangalam had a population of 28,133. Males constitute 48% of the population and females 52%. Chendamangalam has an average literacy rate of 86%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 87% and female literacy of 85%. 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

See also

• North Paravur
• Kochi Metropolitan Area