Thali Temple

Thali Temple, located downtown is an important temple of the erstwhile Zamorin Kingdom of Kozhikode. The temple is famous for the 'Revathi Pattathanam', an annual competition of pedagogic skills. The term Thali refers to a Shiva temple; however, the temple complex also houses a shrine to Krishna. Legend has it that Parasurama, associated with several temples in Kerala, worshipped Shiva here. Several legends associated with feudal rivalry, curses and relief from curses are associated with this temple. A square sanctorum with a 'Mukhamandapam', very high laterite walls and an expansive temple pond are some of the specialities of this Siva temple. The annual festival falls in April/ May. The eight-day festival concludes with 'Arattu' or the holy bath ritual. This temple suffered destruction at the hands of Tippu Sultan and Hyder Ali and was renovated in the 18th century. The current structure dates back to the period of the ruler Manavikraman. The two storeyed sanctum has works of art in terms of stone sculptures and wood work with scenes from the puranas. In front of the sanctum is a chamber with intricate woodwork. There are also shrines to Ganapati, Narasimha and Saasta. In the north east segment of the temple complex is the Krishna shrine with its own set of mandapams and a flagstaff.

Air: Karipur International Airport is the close airport, about 23 km from Kozhikode town.

Rail: adjacent railway station is at Kozhikode.

Road: Kozhikode is well connected to other states in Kerala by a wide network of roads.