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Perched on the lush green banks of Kalpathy river is a pilgrim centre steeped in antiquity.The Kalpathy temple dates back to 1425 A.D. and is as revered in South India as Benares in the North India. Located near Palakkad, this ancient temple is believed to be over 700 years old. The festival is dominated by three magnificent chariots, bedecked with flowers and flags, each sanctified by the presence of the lord. Teeming crowds of people and millions of hands try to reach out to be one of the privileged to have the honour of pulling the chariots, as they proceed in stately grandeur.

Kalpathy Ratholsavam is a major seven day chariot festival held annually in November at Sree Viswanathaswamy Temple, Kalpathy, 3 km from Palakkad town. Kalpathy, an early Tamil Brahmin settlement is also known as Dakshina Kasi (the Varanasi of the south) The deity of the temple is Lord Shiva. The temple is over 700 years old. The festival highlights are the Vedic recitals and the spectacular procession of intricately carved and beautifully decorated temple chariots drawn through the streets by thousands of devotees & the cultural programmes.

Vedic recitals are held in the temple throughout the festival. Throbbing with the Vedic chants sonorously recited by the Vedic scholars escorting the god, Kalpathy comes alive with the spirit of true devotion and joyous celebration.

To reach Kalpathy, the nearest railway station is Palakkad Junction Railway Station, about 3 km away.The nearest airport is Coimbatore (Tamilnadu), about 55 km away.

To know more about the land of palmyrah trees, log on to palghat.net

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