Tali Temple

Share:

Overview

The Tali Temple is located in the heart of Kozhikode.

About The Temple

The architecture of the temple is grand. The sanctorum is built in the shape of a chariot, with murals painted all over the walls. Built in the 14th century by Swamy Thirumulpad, the Zamorin, within his palace complex, this temple is the venue of Revathy Pattathanam, the annual cultural and intellectual event. The Tali Temple is a fine example of the total integration that can exist between wood and laterite, which is a remarkable feature of the Kerala style of architecture. The intricate brass-relief on the walls of the sanctum sanctorum and elaborate brass carvings on the wooden roof are quite fascinating. Tali temple, one of the popular pilgrim centers in Kozhikode, has a history that dates back to 14th century. It was, originally, a small temple in the village of Tali and belonged to 50 Namboothiri families.

Legend and Stories

The Namboothiris maintained good relations with the erstwhile ruler of the territory, the Polathiris. When the Zamorin invaded the territory, he took control of the temple. When he met with resistance from the Namboothiris, who were the temple trustees, he ordered them executed. A Zamorin who came to power some time later, Manavikraman, renovated the temple and gave it its current structure. During Tipu Sultan’s conquest of Malabar in the 18th century, it was damaged but was renovated in 1964. Legends say that Parasurama, one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu, worshipped Shiva at this temple. Several tales of feudal rivalry and curses are told in relation to the temple.

Festivals

Revathi Pattathanam, an annual cultural and intellectual seven-day event is the main festival of the temple. The festival date falls in the Malayalam month of Thulam (October/November). It is said that this festival was started by the Zamorin as a penance for killing the Namboothiris in Tali. The event celebrates learning and letters. Scholars are awarded prizes on the seventh day of the festival. Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri, the author of Narayaneeyam, had been one of the prize recipients.

Accessibility

Kozhikode is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular flights. The closest railway station is also in Kozhikode. There are regular buses from other major cities of the country to Kozhikode.

Temple Address