Sri Viswanatha Swamy Temple is commonly known as the Kalpathy Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, it is one of the most revered holy shrines in Palakkad. Amongst the locals, Sri Viswanatha Temple is known as Dakshina Kashi and Kundu Kovil.
Lord Shiva is invocated in the form of Lord Viswanatha Swamy, and the Goddess is worshipped as Vishalakshi.
A famous mythological tale states that a lady named Lakshmi Ammal resided alone in Kalpathy. She wanted to build a shrine for Lord Shiva, and hence visited Kashi and brought a Bana linga. She installed it in Kalpathy. Later, a temple was constructed there by a local ruler.
Devotees firmly believe that the deities worshipped in this temple are very powerful.The temple has 18 steps down from the ground to the East and South. It also has steps to reach the river. It is known as Half-Kashi as the rituals for the deceased performed done here. The Golden Hall (Kanaka Sabha) is the peculiarity of the temple. Here Lord Nataraja is worshipped. The Navagrahas, along with their consorts, are also prayed in the temple premises.
One of the most famous festivals of the temple is Kalpathy Ratholsavam or the chariot festival. It is a 10-day festival observed during October-November and is celebrated like the festival in Mayurathan Swamy Temple in Mayiladuthurai.