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 Viswanatha Temple 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.
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