Tali Shiva Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the oldest temple in Kozhikode. It was constructed in the 14th century. A deity is a form of Goddess Uma and Lord Shiva, hence known as Uma Maheshwara. The 400-year-old temple is believed to be built at the end of Dwapara Yuga. It is mentioned in mythology that Saint Parasurama constructed this temple.
Another legend stated that Tali Temple was a small temple in a village. About 50 Namboothiri families looked after it. The temple became famous about 1500 years ago when it was under the Zamorins. The Zamorins took over the temples after executing the Namboothiri families. Swamy Thirumulpad built the temple within his palace. Later, another Zamorin, Manavikraman gave the temple its present form.
In the 18th century, the temple was damaged to a certain extent when Tipu Sultan invaded Kozhikode. The shrine was renovated in 1964.
Tali Shiva Temple has historical significance. It's a treasure house with various deities. There is a two-storied sanctum in the form of a chariot and is decorated with mural paintings. The unique part of the temple is its large walls in the way of an elephant belly. Granite sculptures showing Lord Shiva, birds and animal portraying different stories from the Puranas complete the temple.
Tali Shiva Temple is one of the most loved tourist destinations of Kerala as the 12th-century temple is the oldest temples here. The temple is an outstanding example of the Kerala style of architecture, and this makes it a popular tourist attraction of Kozhikode.
Utsavam celebrated at the Tali Temple is Revathi Pattathanam. Dedicated in October or November, it is a 7-day function. As per mythological tales, the Zamorins started the festival as a penance of killing the Namboothiri’s. Lord Shiva is worshipped during the festival.