Kodungallur.

Kodungallur- Thrissur, Kerala, India

The name Kodungallur is derived from Kodi-linga-puram ("the land of 10 million Sivalingas") according to common belief. Kodungallur was perhaps the revenue collection center of Kuda-kons (the Chera rulers) for the goods coming to the nearby port, hence the name Kudakonallur, which later shortened to Kodungallur.The earlier name of Kodungallor was “Muziris” and was the biggest seaport of the ancient eastern world. It was the huge flood & earthquake in 1341 that took away the importance of this port to Cochin.

Traditional belief of Saint Thomas Christians of Kerala is that Thomas, the Apostle landed in or around Kodungallur in the middle of the 1st century AD.St. Thomas Church at Kodungalloor

The tradition holds that Cheraman Juma Masjid in Kodungallur, built in 629 AD by Mālik bin Dīnār, is the oldest mosque in India and the second oldest mosque in the world to offer Jumu'ah prayers. Constructed during the lifetime of Muhammad, the bodies of some of his original followers are said to be buried here. Unlike other mosques in the region that face westwards this mosque faces east.Cheraman Juma Masjid at Kodungallur

Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple: It is believed to have been constructed during the reign of Chera King, Cheran Senkuttuvan. It is famous for its Bharani and Thalappoli festival.

 Bagavathy Temple at Kodungallur                         Scene from Bharani Festival