Kapaleeswarar Temple, Mylapore
Also known as: கபாலீஸ்வரர் கோயில் (மயிலாப்பூர்) · కపాలీశ్వర ఆలయం (మైలాపూర్) · कपालीश्वर मंदिर (मायलापुर)
Tamil Nadu Shiva
Chennai's best-known Shiva temple, with a large tank and a big annual Panguni festival.
- Deity
- Kapaleeswarar (Shiva), Karpagambal (Parvati, 'of the wish-giving tree')
- Tradition
- Shiva
- Place
- Mylapore, Chennai
- State
- Tamil Nadu
- Sacred tank / theertham
- Kapaleeswarar Tank (Mylapore Tank)
- Era
- Mentioned in Nayanar hymns of about the 7th century. Inscriptions inside date to the 12th century onwards.
Sthala Puranam
According to the Puranas, Parvati worshipped Shiva here in the form of a peahen. The place is called Mylai (mayil means peacock), which gives Mylapore its name.
A local story says Parvati was cursed to become a peahen and did penance here to regain her form.
The temple is also linked to the saint Sambandar, who is said to have revived Poompavai, a girl who died of a snake bite. A shrine for Sambandar and Poompavai stands in the temple.
Speciality
- The temple tank (Kapaleeswarar tank) is about 190 m by 143 m and holds water through the year.
- Panguni Peruvizha (March–April) is the main festival. The Arupathumoovar procession, with the sixty-three Nayanmar saints, is the most important day.
- The Raja Gopuram is about 120 ft high and was built in 1906.
Festivals
- Panguni Peruvizha with the Arupathumoovar procession (March–April)
- Float festival at the tank
How to reach
Location is approximate.
Before you go
- Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
- Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
- Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
- Evenings and festival days are crowded. Parking in Mylapore is limited, so use a cab or public transport.
Prayers for this temple
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