Mala Synagogue, Mala: Photos, Reviews & Location

At a glance

Rating breakdown

5 ★51%
4 ★25%
3 ★16%
2 ★5%
1 ★3%

67R7+44H, SH51, Mala, Kerala 680732, India

+91 480 289 1097

Quick facts

What is the rating of Mala Synagogue?: Mala Synagogue is rated 4.2 out of 5 based on 147 reviews.
Where is Mala Synagogue located?: 67R7+44H, SH51, Mala, Kerala 680732, India
How can I contact Mala Synagogue?: Phone: +91 480 289 1097

Reviews (8)

Bindu P B 2024 Jul 15

This is not as big as Synagogue at N.Paravur and not ornamental as Mattancherry Synagogue, but it has its glorious past and tales to tell

SOORAJ K 2024 Mar 23

The Mala synagogue is owned and managed by the Mala Panchayat now. During 1954–1955,[2] due to the Aliyah of the Malabar Jewish community from Kerala to Israel, the community had handed over both the Mala Synagogue and the associated Jewish Cemetery to the Mala Panchayat for safekeeping.

All the 8 synagogues in Kerala built during the recent centuries — located at Chendamangalam, Paravoor, Mala, Kochi and Ernakulam — 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.
*a women's gallery behind the balcony, with a stairway leading up to it, usually from outside the building.

Riyasudheen C.S 2024 Mar 02

Exploring the ancient Jew Synagogue in Mala was a journey through time and culture. This historic site, though now devoid of Jewish residents who have migrated to Israel, stands as a testament to the vibrant Jewish community that once thrived in this region. Visiting on a Monday, the designated holiday for the synagogue, provided a serene atmosphere for reflection and appreciation of its significance. Despite the absence of current Jewish inhabitants, the synagogue resonates with echoes of the past, offering glimpses into centuries of tradition and faith. The architecture, adorned with intricate details, speaks volumes about the community's dedication to their beliefs and the artistry of the craftsmen who built it. While the synagogue may no longer serve its original purpose, it remains a poignant reminder of the diverse cultural tapestry that has shaped Mala's history. A visit to this ancient synagogue is a compelling experience that invites visitors to connect with the legacy of a bygone era.

akhil poltharan 2023 Nov 16

The Mala synagogue is situated at mala centre. owned and managed by the Mala panchayat. Jewish community migrated from Kerala to Israel in 1945-50. the community had handed over both the Mala Synagogue and the associated Jewish Cemetery to Government. the town's name Mala have originated from the hebrew word Mal aha means Center of Refugees. Easily accessible as it is located on the Kodungallur -Mala Main road. No parking space available here as it is situated on the Mala centre. Synagogue is well maintained. Neat and clean.

Vighnesh 2023 Oct 03

Oldest Jewish temple in India, currently under renovation. The building is remains, and there are no objects related to worship. The interiors are being renovated into a museum as a part of Muziris Project, which should be functional within few years.

Jinesh Chathakudam 2022 Sep 16

The Mala Synagogue (Malayalam: മാള ജൂതപ്പള്ളി) is one of the oldest extant synagogues in India and was built by the historic Malabar Jews of Kerala. It is located at Mala, a small town in Thrissur district of Kerala state in south India. The Mala synagogue is owned and managed by the Mala Panchayat now. During 1954–1955,due to the Aliyah of the Malabar Jewish community from Kerala to Israel, the community had handed over both the Mala Synagogue and the associated Jewish Cemetery to the Mala Panchayat for safekeeping. The Synagogue is currently defunct and does not have any religious material inside it.

Jerin Soman 2019 Jul 30

Mala Synagogue was the religious, social and educational center of a small, vibrant Jewish community.

There are differences of opinions as to when the Synagogue was built.
(1). It was built in CE 1000 with the help of king of Cranganoor
(Kodungalloor) according to a Jewish Malayalam folk song.
(2). It was destroyed by unknown reasons and was later rebuilt in CE
1400.
(3). It was renovated in CE 1792.
(4). Some contend that first Mala Synagogue dates to a later period, to
CE 1597.

Tipu Sultan heavily damaged this Synagogue during his war against the British in CE 1780s.

In Dec 1954, just before the Jewish community left for Israel, an agreement was signed by the Synagogue trustees to turn over ownership and use of the building to the panchayat for no remuneration. The decommissioned Synagogue was initially converted to government offices and it also served as a venue for civic and educational functions. The building including the gatehouse and its grounds were altered after its function changed.

Due to poor maintenance from the local authority, it is in ruins.
Still the synagogue building would give us a glimpse of a rich cultured Jewish community that thrived among the Kerala population as shop owners, agriculturalists and traders until they returned to their promised land, Israel around 1955.

There is no entry fee. You need to go to the Mala Grama Panchayat which is 350 meters from the synagogue (2 min drive) to get the key to enter inside the synagogue. A staff of mala Panchayat office will accompany you. We were told that some of the Jews come back every year to visit their synagogue. At that time, the building and the surrounding would get cleaned and maintained properly.

Pictures are from June 2019.