Kapaleeswarar Temple

Kapaleeswarar Temple From Mylapore

  • Temple History

The temple, over two thousand years old and built in the 7th Century CE by the Pallava Dynasty, was a cultural hub known as “Millarpha” and has been celebrated in the “Thevaaram” by saints like Gnanasambandhar and Arunagirinadhar, despite being demolished by the Portuguese in AD 1566 and rebuilt three hundred years ago by the Vijayanagara Dynasty.

  • Legend

Mylapore, named after the Tamil word “Mayil” for peacock and linked to the legend of Goddess Parvathi regaining her form through penance, is steeped in stories such as Lord Shiva plucking one of Brahma’s heads and is revered as equal to Mount Kailash, with historical accounts of the Four Vedas and figures like Lord Rama worshipping here.

  • Architecture

The temple’s grandeur is highlighted by its impressive gateway and dual entrances, showcasing the presiding deities Lord Kapaleeshwarar and Goddess Karpagambal, alongside sub-shrines for Lord Ganesha and Lord Muruga, with festival processions featuring a golden chariot, drawing hundreds of devotees to this revered “Sukra Puri” and “Vedha Puri,” where bronze figurines of the 63 Saivaite saints, known as Nayanmars, honor their unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva.

  • Travel
  • Chennai being the capital of the state, it is connected across the network of all places in the state as well as to the neighbouring southern states. From the Asia’s largest Bus Terminal Koyambedu, the temple can be reached in one hour even during heavy traffic flow, covering a distance of 17 kilometers.
  • The two huge railway stations Chennai Egmore and Chennai Central disgorge people from all parts of the country and well connected to even the smallest towns. From the railway station, the temple is at a distance of 7 kilometers which can be crossed easily by road.
  • The nearest airport is Chennai from where the cabs can take you to the temple which is only at 18kms distance. The place can be reached in one hour drive during regular traffic.