The Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, is located in Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Built around the 7th century CE, the temple is a prominent example of South Indian architecture. The temple complex is renowned for its Dravidian-style architecture, characterized by intricate sculptures and towering gopurams (gateway towers). It has been a major center of worship for centuries, with rich cultural and religious significance, attracting numerous devotees and visitors alike.
Timings
The temple is open from 5.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.
Entry Fee
Free of cost
Origin/History :-
The Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is believed to have originally been located near the seashore. This is supported by references in the hymns of the Nayanar saints like Sambandar and Arunagirinathar, who describe the temple as being situated by the sea. However, the original structure is thought to have been destroyed during the 16th century, possibly during Portuguese colonization.
The present temple in Mylapore is believed to have been reconstructed during the Vijayanagara period. The temple’s architecture reflects the influence of the Pallavas, who are credited with its construction in the 7th century CE. This attribution is based on the Dravidian architectural style and its mention in early Tamil literature.
Inscriptions dating back to the 12th century, during the Chola period, are found within the temple. These inscriptions highlight royal endowments, temple activities, and its importance as a center of worship.
The gopuram (gateway tower), which stands at a height of 120 feet, was constructed in 1906. Adorned with intricate stucco figures depicting mythological scenes and deities, it is one of the most prominent features of the temple.
Today, the temple is maintained by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. It continues to be a vibrant center of worship and a significant cultural and historical landmark in Chennai.
Puranic Significance :-
Mother Uma, eager to understand the full significance of the five-lettered Mantra "Na Ma Shi Va Ya" and the glory of the sacred ash, humbly requested Lord Shiva to enlighten her on these profound topics. While Lord Shiva was imparting his teachings, Mother Uma's attention was momentarily drawn to a peacock dancing gracefully before her. Angered by her inattention, Lord Shiva cursed her to take the form of a peacock.
To be freed from this curse, Lord Shiva instructed her to descend to Earth and perform penance on him. Obeying his words, Mother Uma worshipped the Shivalinga under the sacred Punnai tree at this location. Deeply moved by her sincere penance, Lord Shiva appeared before her, released her from the curse, and blessed her with the name Karpagavalli.
At Mother Karpagavalli's request, Lord Shiva named the place Mayilai in her honor, which has since evolved into Mylapore.
The first literary work associated with this sacred land is the hymn composed by Saint Tirugnana Sambandar, beginning with the line "Mattitta Punnayam Kanal." This divine hymn is linked to the miraculous resurrection of Poompavai, the daughter of Sivanesar, who had died from a snake bite while plucking flowers for Shiva Pooja.
After cremating her, Sivanesar carefully preserved her bones and ashes in a pot. When Saint Sambandar visited the place, Sivanesar, as instructed by the saint, placed the pot containing the ashes and bones before him. In one of the hymns addressed to Poompavai, still in her ash form, Sambandar lamented her untimely death, saying it had deprived her of the chance to witness the Thai Poosam festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. As Sambandar sang, the miraculous power of his hymn brought Poompavai back to life.
When Sivanesar requested Sambandar to marry his daughter, the saint humbly declined, stating that having brought her back to life, he now considered himself her father. Poompavai, honoring her rebirth, devoted the rest of her life to serving Lord Shiva as a virgin and ultimately attained salvation.
Before waging war against the demon Surapadman, Lord Murugan performed penance at this temple. Pleased by his devotion, Lord Shiva and Mother Uma blessed him and bestowed upon him the powerful weapon, the Vel, to defeat the demon. Armed with the divine Vel, Murugan triumphed over Surapadman, who was ultimately transformed into a peacock and became Murugan's vahana (mount).
After his victory, Lord Murugan, revered as Singaravela, was gifted in marriage to Deivanai, the daughter of Lord Indra. However, Indra’s divine elephant, Iravadham, unable to bear the separation from Deivanai, chose to stay with her.
In a unique and rare darshan, both consorts of Lord Murugan, Valli and Deivanai, are seen seated together on Iravadham, granting blessings to devotees.
Do's and Don'ts
Pray to your Ishta Devata before embarking on a pilgrimage to the temple.
Contact the Temple Devasthanam Information Centre for inquiries, temple details, and Pooja information.
Reserve your travel and accommodation at the temple well in advance.
Take a bath and wear clean clothes before entering the temple.
Focus on God and Goddess while inside the temple.
Maintain silence and recite your Ishta Mantram quietly inside the temple.
Observe ancient customs and traditions while in the temple.
Respect the religious sentiments of others at the temple.
Deposit offerings in the Hundi only.
Do not come to the temple for purposes other than worshipping God and Goddess.
Do not smoke in the temple.
Do not consume alcohol in the temple.
Do not eat non-vegetarian food within the temple premises.
Do not approach mediators for quick Darshan, as it may inconvenience others.
Do not carry weapons inside the temple.
Do not wear head coverings like helmets, caps, turbans, or hats inside the temple.
Do not perform Sastanga Pranama inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
Do not take too long while performing Sparsa Darshan in the Garbhagriha.
Do not buy spurious prasadams from street vendors.
Do not encourage beggars at the temple.
Do not spit or create nuisance within the temple premises.
Dress Code
For Men: The preferred attire is a shirt and trouser, dhoti, or pyjamas with an upper cloth.
For Women: The recommended dress code includes a saree or half-saree with blouse, or a chudidhar with pyjama and upper cloth.
Not Allowed: Shorts, mini-skirts, middies, sleeveless tops, low-waist jeans, and short-length T-shirts are not permitted.
The ideal time to visit the temple is during the winter season, with the best months being September to February.
How to reach :-
By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport (approx. 15 km away). From the airport, you can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or use ride-sharing services to reach the temple.
By Train: The nearest railway stations are:
Chennai Egmore Railway Station (approx. 5 km)
Chennai Central Railway Station (approx. 7 km) From these stations, you can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or public transport to the temple.
By Bus: There are various city buses that operate to Mylapore. You can get down at the Mylapore bus terminus, which is close to the temple.
Nearby Cities and Rivers
The Kapaleeshwarar Temple is located in Mylapore, Chennai, which is in the Tamil Nadu state of India. Here are the rivers and cities near the temple:
Rivers Near the Temple:
Cooum River – The Cooum River flows through Chennai and is relatively close to the temple, running to the north of Mylapore.
Adyar River – The Adyar River, another significant water body in Chennai, lies to the south of Mylapore, providing proximity to the temple.
Cities Near the Temple:
Chennai – The temple is situated in the heart of Chennai, which is the capital city of Tamil Nadu and one of the major urban hubs in South India.
Kanchipuram – Located around 70 km to the southwest of Chennai, Kanchipuram is a historically significant city known for its temples and spiritual heritage.
Tiruvallur – Situated about 40 km to the west of Chennai, Tiruvallur is another town with cultural and religious significance.
