Religious History

Kasaragode is the land of Yakshagana and Theyyam. It is the youngest district of Kerala state. The district is situated in the Northernmost part of Kerala. The name Kasaragode is derived from the combination of words kaasara (means lake or pond) and kroda (place where wealth is deposited). Kaasarakroda was later altered as Kasaragode.

In the ancient days, the people followed an independent religious philosophy related with Dravidian practices. Around 3rd Century B.C., Jainism and Buddhism came into the district. It was the Jainism that set foot in the region and established places of worship known as Basadis. Two important Basadis are located at Manjeswaram, the Northern part of the district. Buddhism could not attract the people of Kasaragode as in the other parts of state.   Both Jainism and Buddhism declined consequent on the insurgence of Aryans and by the revival of Hinduism. Efforts of Sri Sankaracharya and Bhakthi movement contributed much for the promotion of Hinduism.  Though Christianity came to Kerala in 52 A.D., it did not make any impact on the religious thoughts of the people. The arrival of foreigners created a favourable atmosphere for Christianity, but situation did not improve till the influx of Christian immigrants from Travancore to the Eastern parts of Hosdurg Taluk during the first half of 20th Century. However, Islam religion spread widely in the district after 7th Century A.D. One of the earliest mosques established by Malik Ibn Dinar is in Kasaragode.  Communal harmony and religious tolerance are the remarkable characteristics of the people of Kasaragode.

According to 2011 census, the population of the district is 1302600. Majority of the population belong to the Hindu community divided into Brahmins, Kshathriyas, Ambalavasis, Nairs, Ezhavas, Billavas, Nadavars, Kammalars etc. To the Hindus, worship of God is imperative and hence temple formed an integral part of their daily life. As per the survey conducted by the Census Department, Kasaragode district has 572 temples.