- Location: Near Palakkad, Kerala
- Main Deity: Lord Shiva
- Major Attraction: Oldest temple of Lord Shiva, annual festival of Chariot
- Built in: 1425 AD
- Timings: 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
Kalpathy Temple or the shrine of Viswanatha Swamy is located at a distance of about 3 kilometers from Palakkad. Highly revered by the devotees, this temple is the oldest temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built by Kombi Achan, this sacred shrine will attract you by its magnificent festivities and the Chariot festival which takes place annually.
The idol of the deity is placed facing east. As you enter the premises, you will come across a stone inscription which has been placed at the gate. It has records of the endowments as were witnessed by Itti Kombi Achan. In order to access the north tower, you will have to go through a series of 18 steps.
Chariot Festival
You, as a visitor, will get to know about a special festival that takes place here annually. Known by the name Chariot Festival, the event marks the sacred celebrations that are carried over for a week. Celebrated in the month of November, the festival is attended by thousands of worshippers who consider it sacred to carry huge chariots; these are hauled by then through streets. It is accompanied by the chanting of Vedic hymns by the scholars. Commonly called Ratholsavam, the event is marked by drawing of chariots on last three days. There are three major chariots that are of prime importance to the devotees. These vehicles are decorated extensively with flags and flowers. As they steer through the crowd, people try to reach near them so that they get the opportunity to pull them.
Another procession which involves taking the sacred deities of Kalpathy Temple is carried on the special day of Mamankam. This procession is carried out once in twelve years.
Legend
According to a belief, Lakshmiammal, a Brahmin lady brought the lingam of Lord Shiva from Varanasi; the lingam was installed by her on the site of the temple near Neela Bhagirathi River by the management of the presiding king. It is said that the lady gave a set of 1320 coins of gold for the installation of the idol. The uncanny resemblance of the temple to the temples of Varanasi or Banaras has earned it the name Kasiyil Pakuthi Kalpathy which means half Banaras.
Accommodation Facilities
Being the visitor of Kalpathy Temple, you must be looking for comfortable staying options. There are myriad of budget hotels that area available at economical prices. They are equipped with all the basic facilities and offer good hospitability.
Weather
Summer in Kalpathy Temple, which lasts from March to May, can be quite hot and humid with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). It’s not the most comfortable time to visit due to the high heat and humidity.
The monsoon season, from June to September, brings heavy rainfall to the region. While the lush greenery during this time can be visually appealing, the downpours can disrupt travel plans, making it less ideal for a temple visit.
The best time to visit Kalpathy Temple, weather-wise, is during the winter season, which lasts from November to February. During this period, the weather is pleasantly cool, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), making it a comfortable and enjoyable time for sightseeing.
Best Time to Visit:
Considering the weather conditions, the best time to visit Kalpathy Temple is during the winter season, between November and February. The comfortable climate during this period allows for a more enjoyable and relaxed temple visit.
How to Reach
Kalpathy Temple is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. If you’re traveling by air, the nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport, which is approximately 65 kilometers (40 miles) away from Palakkad. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.