Kalpathy Viswanatha Swamy Temple: Kerala’s Southern Varanasi
Nestled on the serene banks of the Kalpathy River in Palakkad, Kerala, the Kalpathy Viswanatha Swamy Temple stands as a beacon of spiritual devotion and cultural richness. Dating back to the 15th century, this temple is often hailed as “Dakshina Kashi” (Varanasi of the South) due to its resemblance to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi and its location by a sacred river. Both temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and are situated along sacred rivers—the Kalpathy River in Kerala and the Ganges in Varanasi. Surrounded by traditional Tamil Brahmin agraharams, the temple not only serves as a place of worship but also as a vibrant center for cultural traditions, notably the annual Kalpathy Ratholsavam chariot festival.
History
Dating back to 1425 AD, the temple was established by Kombi Achan, the Raja of Palakkad. Legend narrates that a Brahmin widow named Lakshmi Ammal brought a sacred Shiva Lingam from Varanasi and, with the king’s support, consecrated it at this very site. On reaching Kalpathy, she along with her husband and with the help of the then King of Palakkad Installed the Siva Lingam in Kalpathy and the idol is very powerful in blessing all, by showering all prosperities especially to Business community. This act bestowed upon the temple its revered status and the affectionate title of Kundukovil among locals.
Kalpathy Ratholsavam
The Kalpathy Ratholsavam is a ten-day annual celebration held every November in Kalpathy, Palakkad, Kerala. Centered around the Sri Visalakshi Sametha Sri Viswanatha Swamy Temple, this festival honors Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The event is deeply rooted in Tamil Brahmin Vedic traditions and is renowned for its grand procession of six elaborately decorated temple chariots from four participating temples. The main Viswanatha Swamy Temple, Sri Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple, Manthakkara Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple, and Chathapuram Sri Prasanna Maha Ganapathy Temple. The festival culminates in the Devarathasangamam where all chariots assemble in front of the main temple, creating a spectacular and spiritually uplifting sight.
In 2025, the Kalpathy Ratholsavam is anticipated to take place from November 6 to November 16, with the main chariot processions occurring on the last three days:
Munnam Theru (Third Chariot Day): November 16
Onnam Theru (First Chariot Day): November 14
Randam Theru (Second Chariot Day): November 15
Citation:
1.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viswanatha_Swamy_Temple%2C_Palakkad
