Kerala - Tali Temple Kozhikode

This temple features great woodworks combined with laterite to form amazing wall paintings and wooden roof carvings and is an outstanding example of the Kerala style of architecture.

Legends also say that Saint Parasurama who is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu used to worship Lord Shiva at this temple. The temple host the annual seven days long cultural and intellectual event known as Revathi Pattathanam every year in the months of October to November, during which the selected scholars are conferred with the title Bhatta along with a panakizhi (sachet of money).

History

The Tali Temple is believed to have been constructed at the end of Dwaparayuga and is the oldest temple in Kozhikode. It is believed that the Tali Temple is constructed by Saint Parasurama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Another popular myth about this temple is that the Tali Temple was originally a small temple that belonged to 50 Namboothiri families in the village of Tali and it gained importance 1500 years ago. Later the Zamorins of Kozhikode executed the Namboothiri families and took over the temple. They were also known as Sailabdheswara, meaning the lord of the mountain and the sea. Swamy Thirumulpad, a Zamorin of Kozhikode made the temple within his palace complex. Later, another Zamorin named, Manavikraman renovated the temple and gave it its present structure. But in the 18th century, during Tipu Sultan’s conquest of Malabar, this temple was almost damaged and again was renovated in 1964. The people of Kozhikode still believes that the temple has brought richness to Kozhikode.

Specialty

• The Tali Temple is a historically significant temple with numerous deities.
• The sanctum of the temple is two-storeyed and is in the form of a chariot which is decorated with mural paintings.
• The large walls of the temple are built in the form of an elephant belly.
• The temple complex is adorned with fine granite sculptures that portray different stories from the Puranas. Sculptures of birds and animals are also found here.
• The sanctum of the temple contains a Jyotirlinga. The inner walls of the Tali Temple in Kozhikode has Umamaheswara, Tali Ganapathy, Thevarathil Ganapathy and Tirumanthamkunnu Bhagavathy. While the outer walls of the temple have deities of Lord Ayyappa, Thevarathil Bhagavathy and Lord Naga.
• There is a separate temple for Lord Vishnu within the Tali Temple complex and it also has its own Dwajastambam.
• The Vishnu Temple in Tali Temple complex has the idol of Sree Valayanad Bhagavati.
• At the southern part of the Vishnu Temple, there is another small temple dedicated to Narasimha Moorthy. And the northern part of the temple has the Eranjipuram.
• The main temple has four main parts, namely the Dwajastambam - the flag poles, the Anakottil - the flagstaff platform, the gopurams, and the Deepasthambam - the lighting pillars.
• Sivakshetram, Nalambalam and Krishnakshetram are the various temples within the Tali Temple complex.

Festivals

• Revathi Pattathanam is the most prominent festival celebrated in Tali Temple. It is an annual seven days long congregation of scholars which is held under the supervision of Zamorins. This cultural event is held on the Revathy asterism in the Malayalam month of Thulam which falls between the months of October and November. This festival is believed to have been started by the Zamorin as a penance for killing the Namboothiris in Tali. The selected scholars are conferred with the title Bhatta along with a panakizhi (sachet of money).
• The Tali Temple in Kozhikode celebrates an annual eight-day festival in the Malayalam month of Medam (April) that starts with flag hoisting in the Shiva and Krishna temples and ends with an Arattu.
• The temple also celebrates the Prathishta festival in the Malayalam month of Mithunam that falls between the months of June and July.

Timings

Dress Code :

Devotees are requested to wear traditional wear while visiting the Tali Temple. Jeans and western dress are strictly prohibited inside the temple. Men are not allowed to wear shirts while entering the Tali Temple. But instead of a shirt, they can drape a Veshti.

Way To Reach

 By Air -  Calicut International Airport is the nearest airport to Tali Temple which is situated at a distance of 21 Km. On reaching the airport, one can hire a taxi, bus or autorickshaw to reach the temple.

 By Rail -  Calicut Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Tali Temple which is just 1 Km away.

 By Road -  Calicut Bus Station is the nearest bus station to Tali Temple which is just 2 Km away.

FAQs about Tali Temple Kozhikode

What is the historical significance of Tali Shiva Temple?

The Tali Shiva Temple is considered the oldest temple in Kozhikode, with a history dating back to the 14th century. It was originally associated with 50 Namboodiri families and later came under the control of the Zamorins of Kozhikode.

Who constructed the Tali Shiva Temple?

The temple is believed to have been constructed by Saint Parasurama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The Zamorin King Swamy Thirumulpad built the temple within his palace complex, and it was renovated by Zamorin Manavikraman. The temple was damaged during Tipu Sultan’s conquest and was renovated again in 1964.

What are the architectural features of the Tali Shiva Temple?

The Tali Shiva Temple is known for its Kerala-style architecture, featuring:
• A two-storeyed sanctum shaped like a chariot with mural paintings.
• Large walls are constructed in the form of an elephant belly.
• Fine granite sculptures depicting various stories from the Puranas and figures of birds and animals.

What is the significance of Revathi Pattathanam?

Revathi Pattathanam is a prominent festival at the Tali Temple, featuring a congregation of scholars and the conferring of the title Bhatta along with a panakizhi (sachet of money). It is celebrated under the supervision of the Zamorins and is held on the Revathy asterism in the Malayalam month of Thulam.

Can non-Hindus visit the Tali Shiva Temple?

Tali Shiva Temple primarily welcomes Hindu devotees. Non-Hindu visitors may not be permitted to enter the temple due to its adherence to traditional Hindu practices.