Intro
The Kapaleeswar Temple is one of the most visited temples in the
state of Tamil Nadu. The temple, located in the region of Mylapore
in Chennai suburbs, is a fine example of the Dravidian culture. The
temple structure, as it exists, is about 300 years old. However, the
deities have been regularly told of in the words of popular
personalities.
Features
Kapaleeswar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple houses
the shrines of Kapaleeswar (Shiva) and Karpagambal (Parvati). The
temple architecture reveals the Dravidian traits, with its carved
gopuram measuring about 37 metres in height. The temple is also
provided with elaborate mandapams and a storage tank. The
inscriptions on the temple structure are some seven and a half
centuries old. The structure was renovated by the Vijayanagar kings
in the 16th century A.D. The facade of the structure lies towards
the east and the entrance is marked with Puranic inscriptions. The
temple flag mast has the shrine of Saint Gnanasambandar, who is
believed to have resurrected a girl. This shrine is one of the
reasons for the popularity of the temple. The Punnai tree in the
courtyard reveals the tale that eventually gave the place (Mylapore)
its name. This tree is the oldest of its kind in the city of
Chennai.
Kapaleeswaram is provided with a Shiv Lingam, which is believed as
having been installed by the Brahma, to do penance. The lingam is
known Kapaleeswarar. A small shrine of Parvati in the form of
peacock is contained within the courtyard. There is one more
courtyard that houses the shrines of 63 saints.
The place witnesses a huge crowd during the Arupathu Moovar Vizha
Festival. The temple is beautifully adorned with the streets
complimenting the stated phenomenon. There are processions, sweet
distribution ceremonies and classical dance performance in the
nearby region. The ten days festival gives the temple and the area
of Mylapore a new tint of excitement.
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