Tali Siva Temple or Tali Mahakshetram Kozhicode
I am a frequent traveller to Kerala and I am always impressed with uniqueness of Kerala temples . Notably extensive use of oil lamps and absence of large gopurams or stone work as seen in most of South Indian temples . Generally in many parts of India, oil lamps have given way to electric lamps and lights . But in Kerala temples one will feel , well lit oil lamps radiating positive energy as one stand before the Sanctum Sanctorum.
Tali temple in Calicut now known as Kozhikode , the Capital of Malabar during the Zamorin rule 500 years ago and the city where Vasco da Gama had set his foot on the remote beach of Kozhicode in 1498 and ‘Discovered India’ is no exception . Tali temple in the heart of the city is one of the oldest temples in Kozhikode. There is a belief that the temple has brought richness to Kozhikode.
Some historians believe the temple was made even before the city was built . It is believed that the lingam in the sanctum of the Temple was installed towards the end of Dwaparayuga by Sri. Parasurama.
As per another myth, the Tali Temple was a small temple in a village. 50 Namboothiri families looked after the temple. The Zamorins executed the Namboothiri families and took over the temple. Swamy Thirumulpad made the temple within his palace complex. After some time, another Zamorin, Manavikraman gave the temple its present shape. The temple was almost damaged when Tipu Sultan invaded Kozhikode in the 18th century. Again the shrine was renovated in 1964.
The temple is a veritable architectural marvel , a perfect example of the harmony achieved between wood and laterite , perfect example of Kerala architecture. The intricate brass-relief on the walls of the sanctum sanctorum and elaborate brass carvings on the wooden roof of the temple are indeed marvellous. The temple is protected by large walls on all sides, which are in the form of an elephant belly. There are fine granite sculptures within the temple complex. These sculptures show Lord Shiva. Also, birds and animal sculptures are present. These portray different stories from the Puranas.
The main deity is Lord Siva considered here as one of the Jyotirlingas . But has an interesting ‘pratishtha’ of Narasimha moorhy outside. Something unusual in Shiva Temples. There is another separate temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu within the complex. The ‘pradakshina vazhi’ has another interesting miniature shrine dedicated to Bhagavathi.
The temple is renowned for its cultural and intellectual event . Revathi Pattathanam is an annual assembly of scholars held at the Tali temple .The word Pattathanam itself means bhatt sthanam or position of Bhatt, the title that was conferred on the winners. The event originally lasted seven days starting on the day of the star Revathi in the month of Thulam (October-November). The event dates back to almost the 14th century when the then Samoothiri or Zamorin (title of the ruler of Calicut) instituted an award to scholars who win in a competition in the four fields of knowledge – tarka, vyakarana, mimamsa and vedanta. In earlier times, the competitions would be held in different venues with the Samoothiri presiding. The judges were usually drawn from earlier awardees. The tradition has been continuing to this day though the focus is now on preserving Sanskrit scholarship, with other fields of knowledge having been added like poetry and contributions to temple art. A chosen Vedic scholar is awarded the title of Bhatt and a panakizhi (purse of money) of 101 panams. The event itself is now limited to a single day. As part of the celebration, various competitions related to Sanskrit are held for schools and colleges and the winners are felicitated on the occasion. Various cultural programmes are also held on the day and eminent speakers are invited to deliver speeches.
Tali Shiva Temple Timings and Poojas timings like any traditional Hindu temple. Temple opens at 4.30 am and is open till 11.00 am. The temple again opens at 5.00 pm and closes at 8.30 pm. Furthermore, there are five different religious programs that take place every day at this temple. As in any Kerala temple, devotees will have to come here only in traditional dress, while men are required not to wear anything in the upper portion of their body.
The temple can be easily accessed from Railway station and I am sure that readers visiting Calicut would surely visit the temple and get the blessings of Lord .
karaikudi express 