Kalipatti Kandaswamy Temple

The Kandaswamy Temple, which is also known as Kalipatti, is a Murugan temple. It is one of the richest temples in the Salem district. The temple was built in the 18th century and is devoted to Lord Murugan. The Pazhani Kavundar founded the Kalipatti Kandaswamy Temple. It was built in the 18th century by Katteri Lakshmana Kavundar. ‘Karun Sambal’ is derived from a snake’s poison and is used as an antidote to treat the devotees that visit the temple. The Kandaswamy temple is decorated with chariots that are known as Chithra Ther and Vinayaka Ther. In the event of festivals, the chariots are pulled around the temple. During the Thaipusam Festival in January, a cattle fair is held at the temple. This is considered the most significant cattle fair in the country.

Timings
The Kalipatti Kandaswamy Temple is open to visitors on all days from 6 AM to 8 PM. Since it’s a holy place, the entry is free. Pets are strictly prohibited. Cameras are allowed.

How to reach
The Kalipatti Kandaswamy Temple is located in the village of Kalipatti and is about 20 km from Salem. It is situated on the Tiruchengode - Salem road.

Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Kalipatti Kandaswamy Temple is in January, during the Thaipusam festival. There are special pujas and events held at the temple during this time and you can witness it at the peak of its festivities. The biggest cattle fair in the country is also held here during the Thaipusam festival.
On regular days, it is recommended to visit the temple in the afternoon and spend about 3 hours exploring it. There is no restriction on the amount of time that one can spend on its premises.