Tali Siva temple

Tali Siva temple is one of the most important spiritual and cultural centres in Kozhikode and when you enter this 12th century dated structure you are transported to another era. The temple allows entry to only Hindus and women must wear traditional clothes. If you are wearing western clothes fret not—you can hire a dhoti from the adjoining store for INR 10 and wrap it on like a skirt! The temple is surrounded by huge walls and has a beautiful wooden architecture, a key feature of temples in Kerala. Photography is strictly prohibited here and the precincts of the temple still have the age old structure well maintained. The temple itself is situated in the heart of the town and can be accessed quite easily. The main deity here is a Shiva linga, which is believed to have been installed by an avatar of Vishnu Parasurama, the person believed to be the creator of Kerala. The deity can be seen clearly through the shine from the lamps lit on the four sides that looks divine. The temple also has deities of Tali Ganapathy, Thevarathil Ganapathy, Thrumandhakunnu Bhagavathy, Lord Ayyappa, Thevarathil Bhagavathy, Naga and Narasimha Swamy. This temple has a special connection with the cultural history of Kerala as it was the meeting place of poets and philosophers and the temple hosts an annual competition for scholars to date. A wood and laterite structure, the walls of this temple has a unique elephant belly design.