Pardesi Synagogue is one of the seven synagogues of Malabar Yehudan, also called as Yehudan Mappila people. In common language, they were also referred to as the Jewish Community of Cochin. Paradesi is known as the foreigners in Indian language Hindi & Sanskrit. The word ‘Pardesi’ has been rightly ascribed the Jewish synagogue was actually & technically built by the foreigners. The Spanish speaking Jewish or the Sephardic were the ones who built this synagogue. The Sephardims, actual ‘Pardesi’, were later using Kochi synagogue. Other popular names given to Perdesi Synagogue are Mattancherry Synagogue or Cochin Jewish Synagogue. The synagogue is located in old Kochi area, also referred to as ‘Jewish town’. There were seven synagogues in the area but particularly Pardesi Synagogue is the only one to be in use till date. Mattancherry Palace is adjacent to the synagogue. King Rama Verma was the one who gave land to the Jews for making a synagogue.
Interiors of the hall of Pardesi Synagogue create a total divine ambiance with antiques on display all over the walls. There are large windows inside with enough of lamps and chandeliers that are lighted. When the sun rays fall upon them, it creates a majestically pleasant view. These chandeliers were imported from Belgium in 19th century. The tiles inside the synagogue are hand painted blue willows. These were brought from Canton in China. The most amazing aspect is that each of these tiles is uniquely different, hence, something new to discover throughout. A mystical aura is felt inside which makes everything more pleasant & exotic. A pulpit with the brass rails can be found inside the central room. Talking about the antiques, there are two gold crowns, special gifts from the kings of Travancore and Kochi, four scrolls of Tarah and inscriptions.
Pardesi Synagogue had three classes of members. The first were the White Jews, also called Pardesi Jews, who were the full members. They were the most recent descendants of the Sephardim of Spain, Netherlands and Portugal. The next were Black Jews or Malabari Jews who were allowed inside the synagogue but were not given a full membership inside it. But, those were the original Jews of Cochin. The Meshuchrarim were the group who were descendants of the Sepharim or a group of freed slaves. They had no synagogues and communal rights. They were not allowed to sit inside on the seats. They were permitted to sit either on the floor or on the steps outside of the synagogue. One of the Meshuchrar, Abraham Barak Salem, campaigned against the discrimination they had to face. Presently, the synagogue has separate seats for the men and women. The synagogue is in full use and, hence, the people are asked to visit barefoot.
In 1968 AD, in presence of Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India, Pardesi Synagogue celebrated its 400th anniversary. This is one of the most iconic and old synagogue of India which is open for the tourists for free. On all the Jewish holidays and from Friday to Sunday, the synagogue remains closed for the tourists. Paradesi Synagogue is open for public from 10 AM to 12 PM and then from 3 PM to 5 PM. Though there are not very serious rules of the synagogue but the outfits for both men and women are strict. Men have to wear trousers and full shirts and women have to wear skirts below the knee length. Jewish Synagogue is a must-see tourist attraction while on Cochin tour.