Tali temple, Kozhikode, Kerala
WHY THE NAME TALI?
The Tali temple at Kozhikode (also known by Calicut) is one of the oldest
temples of Kerala. Like many Hindu temples, this one too has legends about
its origin and historical events associated with it. In Kerala *Thali
actually means abode of SHIVA God’**** and the kings used to run their
kingdom with justice and fairness in the name of God, a tradition followed
in neighbouring Tamil Nadu by the kings there. Tali may also refer to Lord
Shiva, the presiding deity *without his consort Parvath*i on the same
premises. (TANI) (Tanithritutal)
The other legend has it that when the Nambudiri Brahmins, in order to vent
out their frustration, resorted to ''fast unto death''(pattini) atop a
mound called 'surgam', the Zamorin became just mute spectators because the
honour and dignity of their Royal family was sullied and became a subject
of criticism and ridicule. Soon numerous Namboodris faced death slowly.
Consequently, a stigma was cast on the Zamarian for indirectly responsible
for the death of highly scholarly well-read people (Pundits), and thus they
acquired Brahma Hathi Thosam (killing of Brahmins) - possession of some
evil spirit. The astrologers warned that this would spell disaster in the
family and cause misery and pain and they had to absolve themselves of this
sin. On the advice of Kolkunnathu Sivankal, the Zamorin instituted the
annual Pattattanam in A.D.1309-1310 at the Tali temple to avoid Anishtam or
unpleasant event in the royal family in the future. This annual event
attracts scholars for discussion and exposition of their knowledge. The
composer of Narayaneeyam (in praise of Lord Vishnu) was one such
recipient. Today
Rig Veda laksharchana was also conducted to commemorate the historic Revati
Pattattanam.
The unfortunate invasion by Hyder Ali and his son Tipu of Mysore Kingdom
almost destroyed several temples in Kerala and the Tali temple was one
among them. In the 18th century, the Zamorin of the day renovated the
building. The present temple was built by Manavikraman the great.
Following a 'Devaprasnam' (astrological prediction), a common practice in
Kerala temples, renovation was done in 1967. The flag staffs for Lord Shiva
and Lord Krishna were installed as per temple rites.
*** திரிபுரத்தை எரிக்க சிவபெருமான் போரிட்டபோது, அவர் அமைத்த தேரிலும்
ஆயுதங்களிலும் பல்வேறு தேவர்களும் சிவபெருமானுக்குச் சேவை செய்ததாக சிவபுராணம்
கூறுகிறது. அதில் மேருமலை வில்லாக, மகாவிஷ்ணு அஸ்திரமானார். அதன் கூரான
முனையில் அக்னியும் மறு முனையில் யமனும் அமர்ந்திருந்தனர். திரிபுரம் எரித்து
அசுர சம்ஹாரம் நிகழ்ந்தது என்பது புராண வரலாறு. திருவோணமும் ஓர் அம்பு அல்லது
அஸ்திர வடிவில் அமைந்திருப்பது குறிப்பிடத்தக்கது.
The Shiva Purana says that when Lord Shiva fought to burn Tripura, various
devas served Lord Shiva in his chariot and weapons. In it Merumalai became
a bow and Mahavishnu became an astra. Agni was seated at its pointed end
and Yama at the other end. It is a mythological story that Asura Samharam
happened after burning Tripuram. It is noteworthy that Thiruvonam is in the
shape of an arrow or an astra.{ Hence shiva is known as
TIRUVONAKANATAN=POSSESSOR OF MAHAVISHNU AS AN ARROW IN THE TRIPURAM BURNT
WAR The mythology is a special vehicle for mystic thoughts. Tirumular’s
explanation, has become a classic and it is his poem that has once for all
settled the problem of mythology in Hindu Religion and Philosophy. The
direct meaning of these stories is for folks and chilaren who also in time
learn and realise the truth.
“Appani cencatai ati puratanan
Muppuram cerranan enparkal mutarkal
Muppuram avatu mummala kariyam
Appuram eitamai yar arivare!”
“Fools say, ‘The very old ancient Man of ruddy braided hair adorned with
water, destroyed the three castles!’ The three castles are the combined
effect of the three ‘malas’ (Egotism, Karma and Maya). Who knows the
destruction of these castles?.” Sundarar also feels that these stories have
an esoteric meaning. He asks, “What is this setting fire to the castles?”?
mm
In Kanchi we have a temple similar to called ONAKantaan tali;
there is another version as Onan nad kaanthan asuras who were sivabjaktas,
but were destroyed later hence ONAKANTAN TIRUVONA KANTAN TALI.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------K
Rajaram IRS 22 23 624
On Sun, 23 Jun 2024 at 02:27, 'gopala krishnan' via iyer123 <
[email protected]> wrote:
> *TALI SHIVA TEMPLE, KOZHIKKODE **(COMPILED)*
>
> Dear friends,
>
> I was posted to Kozhikode as Officiating Divisional Engineer in 1996 and
> in 1997 I was made permanent DE in Kozhikode. My job was installing new
> telephone exchanges, in place of old ones or expansion of existing
> telephone exchange in Calicut SSA.
>
> For about 2.5 years I was in Calicut, living in a daily rent lodge. Either
> I Used to come in month end to Trivandrum or my wife joined a few days with
> me at Calicut. Later as I desired I got transfer back to Trivandrum.
>
> If I was free, on Sundays I used to visit the Thali (Kozhikode) temple in
> the morning, about a KM from my lodging. Thali Brahmana samooham was on the
> way- a rich samooham with own building.
>
> Today I thought of writing about Thali Siva temple. Hope a divine reading.
>
> Gopalakrishnan 23-6-2024
>
> 1. Introduction
>
> One of the oldest temples in God’s Own Country, the Tali temple is
> situated in Kozhikode district in Kerala, and it dates back to the 14th
> century CE. The temple is noted for its annual festival namely, Revathi
> Pattathanam, a cultural and intellectual seven-day event celebrated in
> the Malayalam month of Thulam (mid-October – mid-November).
>
> The temple features majestic wood carvings, beautiful wall paintings, and
> roofs with intricate designs. The walls of the sanctum sanctorum
> (sreekovil) are built in the shape of a chariot that has brass designs
> and mural paintings.
>
> This temple situated heart of the city, easy to access all the roads. The
> temple and by the side is good looking.
>
> The Thali Shiva Temple is a remarkable example of the rich cultural and
> spiritual heritage of southern India. This historic temple is dedicated to
> Lord Shiva and has been an important centre of worship and pilgrimage for
> centuries.
>
> Historically, it was a prominent centre for Hindu Vedic learning and an
> important venue for holding Vedic rituals. The temple complex is serene,
> surrounded by lush greenery, and offers a spiritual atmosphere for devotees
> and tourists alike. It is also famed for its vibrant festivals,
> particularly the annual 'Revathi Pattathanam,' a week-long cultural and
> intellectual event that attracts participants from all over the state. The
> Thali temple's spiritual ambiance, combined with the folklore and legends
> associated with its deity, makes it a unique spot for both reverence and
> exploration.
>
> The temple is one km to the east of Kozhikode railway station. It is
> surrounded by the Palayam market. This was the family temple of the
> Zamorins who had ruled Kozhikode.
>
> 2 Legend
>
> It has a Jyothirlingam which is believed to have been consecrated by
> Parashuram himself in the Dwapara Yuga.
>
> 3 History
>
> It is a medieval Shiva temple from the time of the Zamorins. Built during
> the 14th century (last renovation 1964) this Hindu temple is dedicated to
> Shiva. It is located close to Mananchira square where the Zamorin palace
> was located (now a park). The palace did not survive the destruction after
> the Mysore rulers defeated the Zamorin dynasty, but the temple did.
>
> The traditional Kerala architectural style is similar to that of the
> former palace.
>
> Though the origin of the Thali Shiva Temple dates back to the 14th
> century, it is believed that the site was a place of worship even before
> the current structure was erected.
>
> The Zamorins, who were the ruling dynasty of Kozhikode, were great patrons
> of the temple and contributed significantly to its development and the
> prosperity of the festival known as the Revathi Pattathanam, an annual
> cultural and intellectual event.
>
> 4 Architectural Splendour
>
> One of the prominent aspects that attract tourists to the Thali Shiva
> Temple is its architectural brilliance. The temple exhibits the classic
> style of Kerala temple construction with its towering gopurams (gateway
> towers), expansive courtyards, and the main sanctum sanctorum housing the
> revered Shiva linga.
>
> The temple was almost damaged when Tipu Sultan invaded Kozhikode in the
> 18th century. Again the shrine was renovated in 1964.
>
> There is a big Aanakottil. The gopurams are large. These gateways are
> another treat to eyes with intricate carvings, while the Deepasthambhum
> is the beautiful lighting pillars.
>
> 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.
>
> 5 Sanctum and deities
>
> The two-storied sanctum-sanctorum is in the shape of a chariot. It is
> adorned with murals and granite sculptures of Shiva’s retinue.
>
> Inside Sree Kovil deities of Tali Ganapathy, Thevarathil Ganapathy and
> Thrumandhakunnu Bhagavathy are installed.
>
> Sree Krishna, Thevarathil Bhagavathy, Ayyappa, Sri Vishnu and Nagam are
> installed outside Shiva Temple.
>
> Sree Valayanad Bhagavati idol is installed inside Sree Krishna Temple.
>
> There is a small Narasimha Moorthy temple on the southern side of the Sri
> Vishnu Temple.
>
> 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.
>
> 5A Vishnu temple and Narasimhamoorthy
>
> 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.
>
> 6 Temple tank
>
> More recently the tank in front of the temple has been upgraded and bronze
> relief panels have been added, depicting the history of the Zamorin clan.
>
> 7 Pooja timings
>
> Temple opens, Abhishekam, Malar Nivedyam 04:30AM
>
> Dhara, Ushapuja 05:30AM
>
> Ganapathihomam 06:00AM
>
> Morning puja 06:30AM
>
> Sheeveli (Shiva kshetram) 07:00AM
>
> Afternoon Sheeveli (Shiva kshetram) 10:45AM
>
> (Nada adaykkal) 11:00AM
>
> 8 Festivals and Celebrations
>
> The temple is the epicentre of numerous festivities throughout the year.
> Of these, the most notable is the ˜Thali Mahotsavam, a festival occurring
> in the Malayalam month of Meenam, which celebrates the divine marriage of
> Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This week-long festivity is a spectacle
> to behold, replete with cultural performances, elaborate rituals, and a
> grand procession.
>
> Sivarathri is also celebrated with pomp.
>
> 9 Revathi Pattathanam
>
> Furthermore, the temple celebrates its most famous festival, the Revathi
> Pattathanam, in the month of October or November, which coincides with
> the Malayalam month of Thulam. This annual event is a significant draw for
> devotees and tourists alike, featuring vibrant rituals, traditional
> performances, and intellectual debates. To experience the temple in its
> full splendour, aligning your visit with this festival can offer a deeper
> insight into the region's cultural heritage
>
> 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.
>
> As per myth, the Zamorins started the festival as a penance of killing the
> Namboothiris.
>
> My note- There are lot of nampoothiri illams in Kozhikode, Near Mukkam. My
> GM there was Brahma Dattan nampoothiri, who later became Chief General
> Manager, Chennai telephones till retirement. He was a lecturer in NIT
> Kozhikkode, on getting UPSC selected ITS, resigned the post and joined
> Telecom department. He was very close to me.
>
> 10 Administration
>
> Although the temple is now under Malabar Devaswom, the Zamorin is the
> managing trustee.
>
> 11 Temple rules
>
> Bathe and wear clean clothes before entering the Temple. Dress code for
> men is Dhoti or Mundu without shirts
>
> For ladies, Indian traditional wear is allowed - chudidhar, saree
>
> Cameras, mobile phones, and any other type of electronic equipment are not
> permitted inside the Temple
>
> Photography is of course not allowed inside the temple.
>
> 12 Address of the temple
>
> Tali Maha Kshetram, Chalappuram( PO ) , Kozhikode Pin 673002 .Phone
> 04952703610
>
> 13 Temple priest
>
> Chenas Sankaranarayanan Namboodiripad
>
> Ph: 04952703610
>
> 14 Annadanam
>
> The offering of food to devotees after noon pooja is available in the
> temple.
>
> 15 Planning a visit
>
> When planning a visit to this sacred site, the best time to go is during
> the cooler and drier months from October to March. During this period, the
> weather in Kerala is more pleasant, with minimal rainfall, making it ideal
> for sightseeing and participating in outdoor religious activities. The
> temple is also beautifully adorned during festivals, providing a unique
> cultural experience.
>
> However, be aware that the temple can be more crowded during festivals, so
> plan accordingly if you seek a quieter visit.
>
> 16 How to reach Tali Maha Kshetram Map
>
> By Air: The Calicut International Airport is just 23 km from the Temple(
> kondotti). There are private vehicles available from the airport which
> can take you directly to the temple.
>
> By Rail: Kozhikode railway station is the nearest Railway station. There
> are regular trains from almost all major cities.Temple is just 1 KM from
> railway station.
>
> By Road: A large number of buses from Kerala and interstates are available
> to Kozhikkode.
>
>
>
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