Introduction

Located in Mylapore, Kapaleeshwar is a centuries-old temple renowned for its 8th century Pallavan architecture. According to legend, the temple is located on the spot where Brahma, one of the Hindu trinities, installed a Shiva lingam. Kapaleeshwar is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and also has the shrines of Goddess Parvathi, his consort, and the bronze idols of 63 Saivaite Saints or Nayanmars, devotees of Shiva who composed many poems in praise of the Lord.

Folklore has it that Lord Brahma, the creator or the Hindu Trinity originally had five heads, one of which Lord Shiva cut off to arrest his pride. Following which Lord Brahma installed a Shiva lingam to do penance and that is where the temple stands today. This Shiva lingam is known as Kapaleeshwar and is the main nucleus of the temple.

In the courtyard, Goddess Parvathi is depicted in the form of a peacock worshipping Lord Shiva and is known as Karpagambal in this temple. Lord Ganesha, Muruga, Shani and the vahanas of the gods have also been depicted here. In the temple’s outer courtyard, you will come across bronze statuettes of the 63 Saivaite Saints or Nayanmars.

Every year, during the Arupathu Moovar Vilzha Festival celebrated in March-April, these bronze statuettes are taken out in a procession around the temple. This 10-day-long event held in honor of the poet saints draws a large gathering of devotees and visitors from within Chennai and outside. The occasion is marked by traditional dances, musical performances and puppet shows.

Another major event in this temple is the Therotsavam, a nine-day festival, during which the idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi are bedecked with jewels and taken out in a procession around the temple complex.

A striking feature of this ancient temple is its towering gopurams (towers) - typical of South Indian temples – visible from a distance. The gopurams are richly-carved pyramid-like rectangular structures that serve as a gateway to temples in South India. Within the temple complex, you will also see a tank (another prominent feature of a South Indian temple complex) and inscriptions from the puranas dating back to the 13th century.

Outside the temple, the street is lined with shops selling fresh flowers, incense and sweets to offer to the deity.

Special Attributes

Oldest temple in Chennai. Believed to be located on the spot where Lord Brahma installed a Shiva lingam.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress appropriately, wear fully-covered clothes as it is a religious site.

Connectivity

Cars, buses, auto-rickshaws

Enjoyed by

Families, Backpackers, Senior Citizens

Exposure

A visit to the temple includes walking barefeet on the pathway which heats up at noon.

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

Footwear, cigarettes

Tip

Plan your visit early in the morning or evening to avoid the harsh sunshine.

Type of site

Place of worship/temple