The Tali Shiva Temple, located in the heart of Kozhikode, Kerala, is one of the oldest and most revered temples in the region. This ancient temple, believed to have origins in the Dwapara Yuga, is steeped in history, spirituality, and tradition. Dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva, the temple is also home to other deities, including Lord Vishnu, Narasimhamoorthy, and Bhagavathy, making it a center of devotion for many.

The temple is said to have been established by Saint Parasurama, the mythical creator of Kerala. It gained prominence about 1500 years ago and reached its peak during the reign of the Zamorins of Calicut, who were known as Sailabdheswara, or "Lords of the Mountain and Sea." The present structure, built in the 14th century, showcases the Kerala style of temple architecture, with its two-story sanctum shaped like a chariot and adorned with exquisite mural paintings and granite sculptures depicting stories from the Puranas.

Surrounded by walls designed in the shape of an elephant's belly, the temple complex features multiple shrines, including those dedicated to Tali Ganapathy, Thevarathil Ganapathy, Tirumanthamkunnu Bhagavathy, and Lord Ayyappa. A separate Vishnu Temple within the complex houses the idol of Sree Valayanad Bhagavati. The southern part of the Vishnu Temple is home to a small shrine for Narasimha Moorthy, while the northern side features the Eranjipuram.

The Tali Temple is also celebrated for its significant festivals. The Revathi Pattathanam, an annual seven-day cultural and intellectual event held in October or November, is the most prominent. Started by the Zamorins as a penance, this festival honors scholars with the title Bhatta and monetary rewards. The temple also hosts an eight-day festival in April, which begins with flag hoisting and culminates in an Arattu (holy bath). Another notable celebration is the Prathishta festival in June-July, commemorating the consecration of the temple.

Despite enduring damage during Tipu Sultan's invasion in the 18th century, the temple has been meticulously renovated, including a major restoration in 1964, preserving its architectural and spiritual essence. The temple's sanctum houses a Jyotirlingam, believed to have been installed by Parasurama, and the idol of Shiva is depicted as Umamaheswara, a form symbolizing the divine union of Shiva and Parvati.

The temple complex also includes elements like the Dwajastambam (flagpole), Anakottil (elephant platform), and Deepasthambam (lighting pillar), each adding to its grandeur. Visitors are required to adhere to a traditional dress code, with men wearing a veshti and refraining from shirts inside the premises.

The Tali Shiva Temple remains not only a place of worship but also a symbol of Kozhikode's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Its timeless beauty, profound history, and vibrant traditions make it a must-visit destination for devotees and history enthusiasts alike.