
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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