Tali Maha Kshetram is an ancient temple in the heart of Kozhikode town. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity. It is believed that Sri Parasuraman installed the Jyothirlingam in the sanctum of the temple towards the end of Dwaparayuga. 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.
Architecture of Tali Kshetram
Located in a serene environment, this temple makes generous use of laterite stones and wood. The architects have used brass adornments in some places. 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 entrances have big towers with sculptures and carvings. 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. A majestic dwajasthambam catches the eye inside.There are also the deepasthambams where traditional oil lamps are lit up at night. The various shrines inside form the Sivakshetram, Nalambalam and Krishnakshetram.
The temple structure houses the main sanctum in the middle. It is in the form of a two-storied chariot. Murals depicting the Mahabharata cover the walls. The inner circumambulatory passage contains the images of Uma Maheshwara, Tali Ganapathi, Thevarathil Ganapathy and Thrumandhakunnu Bhagavathy. The outer passage houses the deities of Lord Ayyappa , Thevarathil Bhagavathy and Lord Naga. Lord Vishnu is in a separate shrine which has its own flag staff. This shrine also contains the idol of Sreevalayanad Bhagavati. The small temple of Narasimha Moorthy is to the south 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.
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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