Kapaleeswarar
Arulmigu Kapaleeswarar Temple
Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a historic Shiva temple located in Mylapore, Chennai. Believed to have originated during the Pallava period around the 7th century CE, the temple is an important example of traditional South Indian Dravidian architecture and is one of the revered Paadal Petra Sthalams praised in the Tamil Shaiva hymns of the Tevaram.
Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Kapaleeshwarar in the form of a lingam, while Goddess Parvati is worshipped as Karpagambal, the goddess associated with the wish-fulfilling celestial tree. According to temple legend, Parvati was transformed into a peahen and worshipped Shiva at this sacred place to regain her original form. This legend is also connected with the name Mylapore, derived from the Tamil word “mayil,” meaning peacock.
Several other sacred legends are associated with the temple. Brahma is believed to have installed and worshipped a Shiva lingam here as penance after losing one of his five heads. Shukra is said to have regained his lost eyesight through worship at this temple, while the saint Thirugnana Sambandar is believed to have miraculously restored Poompavai to life. The temple is also associated with the Nayanar saint Vayilar.
The temple complex contains numerous shrines and halls, with the principal shrines dedicated to Kapaleeshwarar and Karpagambal. Its prominent eastern gopuram rises to approximately 120 feet and is decorated with colourful stucco sculptures. Although the present structure has undergone later reconstruction and expansion, inscriptions within the temple date back to at least the 12th century.
Six daily rituals are performed between early morning and night. The temple celebrates several annual festivals, of which the Panguni Brahmotsavam and the Arupathimoovar festival, honouring the 63 Nayanar saints, are the most significant. The temple is presently maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Kapaleeshwarar in the form of a lingam, while Goddess Parvati is worshipped as Karpagambal, the goddess associated with the wish-fulfilling celestial tree. According to temple legend, Parvati was transformed into a peahen and worshipped Shiva at this sacred place to regain her original form. This legend is also connected with the name Mylapore, derived from the Tamil word “mayil,” meaning peacock.
Several other sacred legends are associated with the temple. Brahma is believed to have installed and worshipped a Shiva lingam here as penance after losing one of his five heads. Shukra is said to have regained his lost eyesight through worship at this temple, while the saint Thirugnana Sambandar is believed to have miraculously restored Poompavai to life. The temple is also associated with the Nayanar saint Vayilar.
The temple complex contains numerous shrines and halls, with the principal shrines dedicated to Kapaleeshwarar and Karpagambal. Its prominent eastern gopuram rises to approximately 120 feet and is decorated with colourful stucco sculptures. Although the present structure has undergone later reconstruction and expansion, inscriptions within the temple date back to at least the 12th century.
Six daily rituals are performed between early morning and night. The temple celebrates several annual festivals, of which the Panguni Brahmotsavam and the Arupathimoovar festival, honouring the 63 Nayanar saints, are the most significant. The temple is presently maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.