Kapaleeshwar Temple in Mylapore, Chennai, is a magnificent Dravidian-style Shiva temple steeped in history and mythology. From its vibrant gopurams to its sacred rituals, this temple offers a spiritual and cultural experience.

Kapaleeshwar Temple Overview

Kapaleeshwar Temple is a prominent Hindu temple located in Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is a magnificent Dravidian-style Pallava temple dating back to the 7th century. It holds great significance as one of the Sapta Sthana Shiva temples in the region.

The temple is home to Lord Shiva, worshipped here in the form of a linga. His consort, Goddess Parvati, is revered as Karpagambal. It means “Goddess of the Wish-Giving Tree” in Tamil. Devotees believe that Goddess Karpagambal fulfills one’s wishes. Further, the temple complex is home to numerous shrines dedicated to various deities, showcasing intricate architecture and rich spiritual heritage.

Legends of the Kapaleeshwar Temple

Kapaleeshwar Temple is home to several fascinating legends that add to its charm.

• According to Hindu folklore, Goddess Parvati wished to learn the true meaning of the Panchakshara Mantra—”Na Ma Shi Va Ya”—from Lord Shiva. However, she became distracted by a dancing peacock, which angered Shiva. As a result, he cursed her to transform into a peahen. To regain her original form, Parvati worshipped here as Goddess Karpagambal and performed penance at this sacred site.
• Another legend states that when Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva met at the summit of Mount Kailash, Brahma failed to show Shiva due reverence. In response, Shiva severed Brahma’s fifth head. To atone for his mistake, Brahma installed a Shiva Linga at this site and performed penance. Because of this, the place is also called ‘Kailaye Mayilai’ or ‘Mayilaye Kayilai’. It signifies that it is as sacred as Mount Kailash.
• This temple also has a connection to Lord Murugan, as legend says he received his divine weapon from his mother, Parvati, here to defeat demons.
• Additionally, legend says that Lord Rama worshipped Shiva here before setting out for Lanka to rescue Sita from Ravana.

Structure of the Kapaleeshwar Temple

The Kapaleeshwar Temple features towering gopurams (ornate entrance towers) at its eastern and western entrances. The eastern gopuram, the tallest, stands at an impressive 40 meters, while the smaller western gopuram faces the sacred temple tank, or Kalyani. Both gopurams feature vivid carvings of Hindu gods, goddesses, and mythological beings.

A towering deepasthambh (lamp pillar) stands at the eastern entrance. Adjacent to it is a shrine of Lord Ganesha, worshipped here as Nartana Vinayaka, the dancing form of Ganesha. The entrance also houses an idol of Saint Sambandar, one of the revered 63 Nayanars.

As you walk further through the temple complex, you will find a spacious mantapa hall on your left, where you can listen or chant bhajans. During our visit, a priest was reciting bhajans, creating a serene and spiritual ambiance. Near the mantapa hall, there are shrines dedicated to Vayilar Nayanar and Palani Andavar. A separate shrine honors Vayilar Nayanar, as he was born here.

In front of the mantapa hall, adjacent to the main sanctum, stands a shrine dedicated to Lord Subramanya, worshipped here as Singaravelar. His consorts, Valli and Devasena, are depicted seated on separate elephants, while Subramanya himself is majestically perched on a peacock, with six heads and twelve hands, each holding a weapon.

Main Sanctum

The main sanctum is located directly in front of the western gopuram and the sacred Kalyani (temple tank). Devotees must follow the queue to enter. The first queue leads to the sanctum of Goddess Parvati (Karpagambal), where devotees seek her blessings before proceeding to the inner sanctum of Lord Kapaleeshwar. The Kapaleeshwar sanctum houses intricate stone and metal statues of Nataraja, and the 63 revered Nayanars. The sanctuary’s exterior walls adorn exquisite carvings of Durga Devi, Lord Brahma, Veerabhadra, Maanikkavachakar, Lingodbhava, Dakshinamurthy, and Selvaganapathy, positioned in all directions.

Other Shrines Within the Complex

As you circumambulate the temple complex, you will notice a Goshala (cow shelter) and a sacred tree near the sanctum. Devotees can offer prayers, feed the cows, and perform namaskar as an act of reverence. One of the most unique and spiritually significant traditions here involves tying cradles to the sacred tree. Couples seeking blessings for children pray at this spot, hoping their wishes will be fulfilled.

The temple complex also houses shrines dedicated to Navagraha, Shani Dev, Jagadeeshwara, Sundareshwara, Vinayaka, Anna Malaiyar, and Mukundavanar Nayanar. Additionally, it features the vahanas (divine vehicles) of various deities, including a bandicoot, peacock, Nandi (bull), lion, and a golden chariot, each holding deep mythological significance.

After offering prayers, you can receive and enjoy Puliyogare prasadam (tamarind rice) distributed outside the temple premises

Mylapore Tank

The Mylapore Tank, also known as the Kapaleeshwar Tank, is a historic and sacred water reservoir located on the western side of the temple. It is one of the oldest and best-maintained temple tanks in Chennai, with water available throughout the year. Spanning 190 meters in length and 143 meters in width, it features a 16-pillared granite-roofed mandapa at its center.

One of the most anticipated events at the temple is the annual three-day float festival. The temple priests parade the Kapaleeshwar Temple deities across the sacred waters, accompanied by Vedic chants and bhajans.

How To Reach Kapaleeshwar Temple

Getting There

• Kapaleeshwar Temple is conveniently located in Mylapore and is easily accessible via city buses and auto-rickshaws from Chennai central. If you are taking a bus, get off at the Mylapore Tank stop, which is just 500 meters from the temple.
• Be mindful when hiring an auto-rickshaw, as drivers may charge higher fares for non-locals. It’s a good idea to negotiate the fare upfront before starting your ride.

Travel Tips To Visit Kapaleeshwar Temple

• The Kapaleeshwar Temple is open daily from 5:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with no entry fee.
• If you wish to offer prayers, you can purchase coconuts, flowers, and garlands from vendors outside the temple. Additionally, grass is available for those who want to feed the cows at the Goshala inside the temple complex.
• A small parking area is available near the temple. Due to heavy crowds on weekends, festivals, and special occasions, it’s best to arrive early on those times. Also, keep in mind that the roads leading to the temple is little narrow.
• While the temple has no strict dress code, it is best to wear modest attire out of respect for the religious setting.
• Drinking water is available within the complex for visitors.
• For those looking to explore more spiritual sites nearby, Ramakrishna Math, Velleeshwar Temple, and other Mylapore temples are just a short walk away.

Whether you’re a devotee seeking blessings or a traveler exploring Chennai’s heritage, Kapaleeshwar Temple is a best place to visit. Kapaleeshwar Temple is a peaceful place for divinity while learning about the folklore and significance of the Mylapore temple grounds.