Kodungallur

Kodungallur (Malayalam: [koɖuŋːɐlːuːr]; formerly also known as Cranganore (anglicised name), Cranganor (Portuguese), Mahodayapuram, Shingly, Vanchi and Muziris/Muchiri/Muyirikkode) is a historically significant town located on the banks of the river Periyar on the Malabar Coast in Thrissur district of Kerala, India. It is 36 kilometres (22 mi) north of Kochi (Cochin) by National Highway 66 and 38 km (24 mi) from Thrissur. Kodungallur, being a port city at the northern end of the Kerala lagoons, was a strategic entry point for the naval fleets to the extensive Kerala backwaters. Kodungallur is recognised as one of the world’s notable early interfaith centres, linked to the arrival of Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities in India and to early Buddhist presence in South India, in addition to its longstanding Shaiva, Vaishnava and Shakta traditions. As of the 2011 India Census, Kodungallur Municipality had a population of 33,935. It had an average literacy rate of 95.10%. Around 64% of the population follows Hinduism, 32% Islam and 4% Christianity. Scheduled Caste (SC) constitutes 7.8% while Scheduled Tribe (ST) were 0.1% of total population in Kodungallur. Kodungallur is the headquarters of the Kodungallur sub-district (tehsil) in Thrissur district. Kodungallur Kerala Legislative Assembly constituency is a part of Chalakudy Lok Sabha Constituency. Kodungallur is well connected to other towns in Kerala through the road network. Aluva Railway Station in Ernakulam district (28 km [17 mi]) is the major railway station near Kodungallur. Fort Cranganore (Fortaleza São Tomé), known locally as Kottappuram Fort, was constructed in Kodungallur by the Portuguese in 1523. The fort was enlarged in 1565, and passed into the hands of the Dutch in 1663. Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple, dedicated to the god Shiva, is one of the major Shiva temples in South India. Siva in the Thiruvanchikulam Temple was the patron deity of the Chera Perumals...