Kapaleeswarar Temple, Chennai

Deities

Kapaleeswarar (Shiva) and Karpagambal

Timings

About 5 am to 12.30 pm, 4 pm to 9.30 pm

Main festival

Panguni Brahmotsavam (March to April)

Distance from Chennai Central

About 7 km

Distance from airport

About 18 km

Legends

Mylapore takes its name from mayil, the Tamil word for peacock. In one legend, Parvati was born as a peahen and worshipped Shiva here until she regained her true form. Brahma is also said to have installed a lingam here to seek Shiva's forgiveness, and Rama and the sage Shukracharya are among others believed to have prayed at this spot.

History

The temple is praised in the Thevaram hymns of the 7th century, including those of Thirugnana Sambandar, and its origins are linked to the Pallava period. Historians record that the original shrine stood by the shore near today's Santhome Church and was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1566. The present temple was rebuilt later, in the Vijayanagara period.

What to see

The east gopuram, about 40 metres high, is the main entrance. The smaller west gate opens onto the Chitrakulam tank. Inside are shrines to Karpagambal, Ganesha and Murugan, and a hall with bronze figures of the 63 Nayanmars. On Friday evenings the goddess wears the kasu malai, a garland of 108 gold coins.

Festivals

Navaratri, Aadi Pooram and Vasanthotsavam are celebrated, but the ten-day Panguni Brahmotsavam, around March to April, is the highlight. Deities ride different vahanas around the tank each night. On the eighth day comes the Arupathimoovar procession of the 63 saints, when huge crowds fill Mylapore and residents hand out food and water to pilgrims. The festival ends with the celestial wedding.

Timings and how to reach

The temple is open daily from about 5 am until 12.30 pm, reopening at 4 pm until 9.30 pm. Dress modestly. It is around 7 km from Chennai Central and Egmore stations and about 18 km from the airport, and the Mylapore MRTS station is close by. We can include it in a Chennai temple and heritage day.

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