Information of Kapaleeswarar Temple, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

This temple is located at Mylapore in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati in the form of Karpagambal is also worshipped here. The temple is a very old one and dates back to the 7th century CE. This temple is known to be one of the most revered temples in the state and is a highly visited temple by the Hindus. This temple was rebuilt after the original temple was destroyed by the Portuguese. The original temple was built on the shores of the Bay of Bengal which is located at a distance of 1.5 kilometres from the present temple. The present temple was built by the Tulva dynasty of the Vijaynagara Empire. The temple complex is a large one with halls, shrines and water bodies. The principal or the presiding diety of the temple is a form of Lord Shiva who is known as Kapaleeswarar which is represented by the lingam.

Kapaleeswarar Temple Religious Significance

The temple is a highly revered one among the Shiva temples in Chennai. The temple is also regarded to be a pilgrimage site and is visited regularly by Hindus especially the Shivaites. The temple puja and rituals are held six times a day and two other pujas which has a separate calendar. There are weekly, fortnightly and monthly festivals which are celebrated in the temple. The Friday ritual or puja carried out in the temple is a special one wherein the presiding deity's consort Karpagambal is decorated with a garland of gold coins known as the "Kaasu Mala".

Kapaleeswarar Temple Mythology & History

According to the Puranas, the legend associated with this temple is that when Brahma the creator met Lord Shiva at Mount Kailas he failed to show respect to the lord. This angered lord Shiva and he plucked off one of Brahmas head. To perform an act of penance Brahma came to Mylapore and installed a Lingam (symbol of Shiva) which earned the place the name "Sukra Puri". This name means that the place is equal to Kailash in sanctity and purity.

Another legend has it that the Goddess Parvati closed the eyes of Lord Shiva playfully and got cursed to be a pea hen as the world was shrouded in darkness due to his eyes being closed.

It is also said that this temple was the place where Lord Rama had prayed before going on a war with Lanka to retrieve his wife Sita and defeat Ravana.

Another legend tells of Lord Brahma worshipped and prayed at this temple to get back his powers of creation which were taken away by Lord Muruga.

Kapaleeswarar Temple Architectural Significance

The temple has been built in the Dravidian form of architecture which illustrates sculptures, figurines and murals. The temple has two entrances in the form of Gopurams. The gopurams face towards the east and west directions and are decorated with mythological figures and sculptures. The eastern gopuram is 40 metres high and is a colourful one with illustrative figures depicting scenes from mythology.

There are various shrines dedicated to different gods within the temple such as Ganesha, Annamalayar Sannidhi, Parvati, Karthikeya along his two consorts Valli and Devyani.

The temple also has water tank, a 16 pillared hall and smaller temples within it. The hall's pillars are wonderfully carved and decorated with elephant motifs at its steps.