Tali Mahadeva Temple, Kozhikode

Shiva is the presiding deity. Wikipedia says the deity in the sanctum is worshipped in the Umamaheswara form, and Kerala Tourism records the legend that Parasurama worshipped Shiva here; tradition holds that the linga was installed by Parasurama. Wikipedia also describes the founding and prosperity of Kozhikode as closely bound up with this temple.

Inside the inner shrine are Tali Ganapathy, Thevarathil Ganapathy and Thrumandhakunnu Bhagavathy, according to Wikipedia. Krishna, Thevarathil Bhagavathy, Ayyappa, Vishnu and the Naga deities are housed outside the Shiva shrine; the image of Valayanad Bhagavathy is kept in the Krishna shrine, and a small Narasimha shrine stands south of the Vishnu shrine.

The Revathi Pattathanam gives the temple a special place in Kerala's intellectual history. Kerala Tourism describes it as a seven-day gathering at which scholars from across the state debate, with rewards on the final day, and says Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri, author of the Narayaneeyam, was honoured at the festival. Wikipedia explains that the name comes from 'Bhattadanam', the awarding of the title Bhatta with a purse of money (panakizhi), and that the assembly began on the Revathi star.

Wikipedia reports that the temple enforces a traditional dress code, with western clothing such as jeans not allowed and mundu available at the temple counter; this may change, so check before visiting. Confirm current darshan timings, dress rules and Revathi Pattathanam dates with the temple administration before travelling.

Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with Malabar Devaswom, with the Zamorin as managing trustee (per Wikipedia) before travelling. Last reviewed 1 November 2026.