GABARITANGLES

Kalpathi is one of the most famous amongst the eighteen agraharams (Tamil Brahmin settlements) situated on the banks of Kalpathy river in Palakkad district, Kerala India. It is also believed the name Kalpathi – Kalpathy is derived from a old saying Kasiyil paguthi Kalpathy and this is because Kalpathi houses a famous Sri Visalakshi Sametha Viswanatha Temple which is constructed around 1425 AD and is believed  to have supreme powers equivalent to the Kasi Viswanatha Temple, Kasi (Varanasi). So Kalpathi is often referred as Dakshina Kasi (Varanasi of South).

The most popular Kalpathi Ratholsavam is the annual chariot festival of this Sri Visalakshi Sametha ViswanathaTemple celebrated in the month of November, every year. Disciples from all over the country comedown to Palakkad and Vedic recitals are done and cultural programmes are held during this festival at this temple.

The Kalpathi Ratholsavam begins with the “Dhwaja Arohanam “(flag hoisting at temple) and ends with “Ratha Sangamam”(Meeting of the Chariots). After “Dhwaja Arohanam” Vedic recitals takes place at the temple. The last three days are considered to be the most important days. On the first day all the three deities are taken on procession and later installed on the holy chariots. These three chariots are decorated beautifully before the installation of deities and glorify the Lord ships on them. The main deity is Sri Viswanatha Swamy and the Goddess Visalakshi together in main chariot, the second is for Lord Vigneswara and third is for Lord Subramanya.

Then these three chariots from their respective temple is drawn on a slow procession on the streets of Kalpathi in a grand way. On the final day the other two chariots join the main chariot of Lord Viswanatha and Visalakshi, which is called as the Ratha Sangamam. Thousands of devotees join hands to draw the chariots and this mark joyous celebration for the people for all through the three days.

After Ratha Sangamam, the chariots return back. Pooja and abishekams are performed to the deities and then are taken for a procession in poon pallaku (beautifully decorated floral palanquins). These palanquins return back to temple early morning which will be the first day of tamil month of Karthigai.

This temple festival is hosted during the Tamil month of Aipassi and the main day usually falls on 28^th day of Aipassi month (which falls on November month) and Kalpathi is just 3 Kms away from Palakkad town and well connected by road as well rail. Coimbatore airport is just 52 kms away and everyone including the children enjoys much during this temple festival. Both sides of the streets are covered with stalls of Bangles, artificial jewelry, toys, and other handicrafts and of course one has to bargain before buying all these.