Sree Keezh-Thali Siva Temple

The Sree-Keezh-Thali Siva Tempel is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Thrissur, Kerala, India. It is believed that before the temple was found here, this area was a dense forest and the famous Bharathapuzha was flowing adjacent to it. With time, the Bharathapuzha changed its course to the north and the south part of the river is presently called “Arangottukara”, which is just around 2 kilometres away from the temple site. It is believed that a hermit having some supernatural power lived in this forest from time immemorial. The Prathishta of present Sivalinga is believed to have been performed by this hermit in the place where he felt the presence of certain omnipotent power. The remnants of the fort of King Cheraman Perumal are adjacent to Naduthali temple in an hilly area called Thachakunnu with a beautiful scenery. Traditional belief gives information about the existence of a pond called ‘Arakulam’ spread over around 100 acre land in thali village on the bank of which the 108 Sivalayas thrived with glory once upon a time. With the passage of time, the ‘Arakulam’ has shrunk to a mere 10 to 15 acres width and the site is still worth seeing. It is believed that the hill at Pindali was formed when the soil from the digging of the above said pond called ‘Arakulam’ was deposited there. The village Thali is a panoramic place known for its rich tradition and great historical importance. This ancient temple is believed to have been destroyed as time passed byand remnants of this great temple, especially the gigantic Sivalingam with broken Peedom, was lying discarded atop a small hill having 24 feet height. This temple is believed to be an important Siva Temples among the 108 Siva Temples where erstwhile King Cheraman Perumal used to have darsan. The Sivalinga of this temple is 8 feet height and 7.5 feet radius and is one of the biggest Sivalingas in the world.