Tali Maha Kshetram in the heart of Kozhikode

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Inside Thali Maha Kshetram; Tali Maha Kshetram; Kozhikode; uasatish; — Inside Tali Maha Kshetram

Tali Maha Kshetram is an ancient temple in the heart of Kozhikode town. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity. Lord Parasuraman installed the Jyothirlingam in the Sanctum Sanctorum. The temple is one kilometer to the east of Kozhikode railway station. The busy Palayam market surrounds it.

Tali Maha Kshetram; Kozhikode; Kerala; uasatish; — Tali Maha Kshetram

Deities in Tali Maha Kshetram

Inside the Sreekovil are also the deities of Tali Ganapathy, Thevarathil Ganapathy and Thrumandhakunnu Bhagavathy. See the lay-out of the temple shown below.

Temple Lay-Out; uasatish; — Temple Lay-Out

Outside the inner walls are the deities of Sreekrishna, Thevarathil Bhagavathy, Lord Ayyappa, Lord Vishnu and Nagam. Inside the four walls of the Sreekrishna Temple is present Sreevalayanad Bhagavati. Besides there is a small temple dedicated to Narasimha Moorthy in the southern side of the Vishnu Temple.

Outside Wall of Sreekovil; Tali Maha Kshetram; Kozhikode; uasatish; — Outside Wall of Sreekovil

Dress Code

Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. Devotees have to follow a strict dress code. Men have to wear a mundu. Mundus are available on rent for a fee of Rs. 10. New mundus cost Rs. 150. Women may wear saree or salwar kameez. Young girls have permission to use long skirts and blouses.

Wooden Wall Inside the Temple; Tali Maha Kshetram; uasatish; — Wooden Wall Inside the Temple

Architecture of Tali Maha Kshetram

This was the family temple of the Zamorins who had ruled Kozhikode. Although the temple is now under Malabar Devaswom, the Zamorin is the managing trustee.

Temple Architecture; Tali Maha Kshetram; uasatish; Kozhikode; — Temple Architecture

The temple makes extensive use of laterite stones and wood in its construction. The sanctum has two stories and is in the shape of a chariot. Murals decorate the walls. Besides there are magnificent granite sculptures within the temple complex. The sculptures depict Lord Shiva, birds and animals. Large walls cover the temple on all sides.

Chuttambalam with Oil Lamps; uasatish; Kozhikode; temple; — Chuttambalam with Oil Lamps

Vazhipadu and Offerings

The most important offering at the temple is Uma Maheswara Pooja. Other offerings include dhaara, pushpanjali and paayasam. Maha Mrutyunjaya Homam is a special pooja to avoid untimely death. Devotees can make online bookings of Vazhpadu. To visit the website for online vazhipadu, click here.