Keezhthali Siva Temple, Thrissur Dist, Kerala

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible” – Dalai Lama

Keezhthali Siva Temple

In ancient Kerala, the administrative tasks of its territories were carried out in few designated temples known as Thalis. KeezhThali, Arathali, MelThali, NediaThali, and ChingapurathuThali were the five Thali temples of Chera Kingdom. All those temples are considered very old and are part of the 108 Siva Temples of Pracheena Keralam. Out of these the MelThali  temple is not yet identified (Or is it the same Nediathali?). Arathali is believed to the Kottarathil Thevar near Thiruvanchikulam. The rest are still present though in various degree of dilapidation. 

A 10 min bicycle ride from Kodungallur town is what it takes to reach the Keezhthali Siva temple – one among the Thali  temples of Kodungallur. Along the Kodungallur-N.Parur NH-17, it is just a short walk from Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple.

According to Keralolpathi, this temple existed during the Perumal reign (BC 100-AD 300). It is said this temple once had a Koothu Parambu, a Kalari Parambu and a Kalapura Parambu.

A walled compound with a 40 feet high brick red structure in its centre is what greets us now. Surrounding this sanctum are few broken idols, old bricks and an old well at a corner. Unfortunately, this is all what we have as remains.

If stones could speak! Many times when we visit this temple, this is the feeling what we go through. 

No physical evidence remains there to tell exactly how old this temple is, nor do we know how big it was or who destroyed it. A series of assaults starting with the Zamorin of Calicut, The Dutch, The Portuguese and at last by Tipu Sultan has confined it into its current residual form.

Many of its surroundings are now occupied and people are staying there. At the entrance there is now a metal roofing with iron pipes. Whatever history is left with this temple is also getting destroyed. Although it is under Department Of Archaeology, like many, this temple too remains as an entry in its register book. The religious duties are carried out by a private trust.  

Irrespective of the names whom we can blame, here we stare at the truth of our past as well as of the present – from a barbaric era we have developed ourselves with a mindset of utter callousness towards our history and culture.

Yet, for us, those broken idols still guide us in our journey of life, teaching us the core quality in becoming a human being – which is to live with a compassionate heart towards all.