Kerala is distinguished by its historically pluralistic and harmonious religious landscape, shaped by millennia of oceanic trade.
* **Hinduism:** The majority religion, featuring major pilgrimage sites like the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple and the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. * **Islam:** Muslims form a significant portion of the population, particularly in the Malabar region. Kerala is home to the Cheraman Juma Mosque, believed to be the oldest mosque in the Indian subcontinent. * **Christianity:** Syrian Christians trace their origins to the arrival of St. Thomas the Apostle in 52 AD. The state boasts beautiful, historic basilicas and churches, such as the Malayattoor Church. * **Judaism:** Though the population is now very small, the historic Jewish community of Kochi has left a lasting legacy, notably the Paradesi Synagogue built in 1568.