Tali temple is one of the oldest temples in Kozhikode. The temple was built by Swamy Thirumulapad. The founding and prosperity of Kozhikode city is closely linked with the sanctity of this ancient temple.
It is believed that the lingam in the sanctum of the Temple was installed towards the end of Dvapara Yuga by Sri. Parasurama. The posture in the sanctum is that of Umamaheswara.
Though this divine power existed from time immemorial, the attention of the citizens of Kozhikode was (bestowed on the temple) only by about 1500 years ago. Later on the temple reached its zenith during the rule of the Zamorin of Calicut,(also known as Samoothiri)who had the prestigious title Sailabdheswara.
The temple to its present state was built in the 14th century.The temple was almost damaged when Tipu Sultan invaded Kozhikode in the 18th century. Again the shrine was renovated in 1964.
Revathi Pattathanam function started at this temple. Eminent people and philosophers came to this function. Bharatha Meemamsa, Prabhakara Meemamsa, Vedanta Meemamsa and Vyakarana were discussed at the functions. During the 15th and 16th centuries, eighteen poets came to this function. This function also takes place at present. Some historians believe the temple was made even before the city was built.
The Tali Shiva Temple is historically important. It is a treasure house with numerous deities and beautiful built.This is a two storied sanctum. It is in the chariot form and is decorated with mural paintings.The temple is protected by large walls on all sides, which are in the form of an elephant belly.
Also, there are fine granite sculptures within the temple complex. These sculptures show Shiva. Also, birds and animal sculptures are present. These portray different stories from the Puranas.Moreover, there is a Jyotirlingam in the sanctum. 5 of the 12 Jyotirlingas are located in and around Pune in Maharashtra. Umamaheshwara, Tali Ganapathy, Thevarathil Ganapathy and Thrumandhakunnu Bhagavathy are also there within the inner walls.
The outer walls have deities of Ayyappa, Thevarathil Bhagavathy and Naga.There is a separate Vishnu temple within the complex. The temple also has its own Dwajastambam.The idol of Sreevalayanad Bhagavati is also present in the Vishnu temple.There is another small temple. The presiding deity is Narasimha Moorthy.
This temple is at the southern part of the Vishnu Temple.The northern part has the Eranjipuram. It is also beautiful with lights from all sides.The main temple has four main parts. The Dwajastambam refers to the flag poles. People also believe these are connections of heaven to earth. The Anakottil is the flag staff platform.
It was built for the elephants. The gopurams are large. These gateways are another treat to eyes with intricate carvings, while the Deepasthambhum is the beautiful lighting pillars.The various temples within the complex are Sivakshetram, Nalambalam and Krishnakshetram.