The Kapaleeswarar temple is an symbol of Dravidian style and architecture. The thirty seven meter tall gopuram is the notable feature of this structure. This gopuram is peculiar to Dravidian architecture. At the entrance of the temple you can view a sculpture, which has a interesting story behind it. It is believed that a dead girl came back alive by listening to a song sung by a saint known as Gnanasambandar.
In Mylapore, there is an 8th Century Pallava Temple. The temple ‘Gopuram’ or tower is made in the characteristic Dravidian style of architecture. Dedicated of Lord Shiva, this temple has some beautiful sculptures, among which the bronze idols of 63 Saivaite Saints or the Nayanmars. They adorn the outer courtyard. Also in the courtyard under the old Punnai tree is a small shrine depicting Goddess Parvathi in the form of a peacock, worshipping Lord Shiva. It is from this legend that Mylapore derives its name Mayil meaning peacock in Tamil and Oor meaning town. Mylapore is the hub of the Arubathumoovar festival dedicated to the 63 Nayanmars held in March-April every year.
According to hindu belief, the goddess Parvati is believed to be the wife of Lord Shiva. At this temple you can view goddess Parvati been depicted as peacock and she is worshipping the lidol of Lord Shiva. During the Aruvathumoovar festival, you can see the bronze carvings of the sixty three Shaivate saints, which are carried in procession. This festivals are held in the month of April to May. There is a old tree in the courtyard of the temple known as Punnai tree, which is believed to be one of the oldest trees of Chennai city. There is small shrine under this tree which is dedicatged to Goddess Parvati.
Kapaleeswarar temple is also a tourist attraction for it’s ancient, beautiful sculptures and architecture.Kapaleashwarar Temple is an abode of Shiva சிவா Tamil, located in Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The Pallava Nayanamars built this temple around 7CE. Nayanmars sing hymns in this temple. According to the Puranas, Shakthi worshipped Shiva, in the form of the peacock, which is why the name Mylai was given to the area that developed around the temple, as 'Mayil' means Peacock in Tamil.
The presiding God of this temple is a form of Shiva called Kapaleashwarar. The form of Shiva's wife Parvati at this temple is called Karpagambal from the Tamil for "goddess of the wish-yielding tree".
Puranas have it that Lord Shiva was once telling Lord Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, about the creation of the three lokas but Lord Brahma did not agree with what Shiva said. Shiva got angry and plucked out one of Brahma's four heads. Brahma begged for forgiveness and was asked to perform penance at Mayilai Mylapore and then he asked Lord Shiva to take the name of Kapaleashwarar as Lord Shiva eswarar was wearing a necklace of skulls kapala.
DIVINESS OF THE TEMPLE
Where the ancient coexists with the modern' would be the best phrase to describe the manner in which the Kapaleeswarar Temple (Tirumayilai Shivastalam) fits into the life of Chennai, the sprawling meteropolis. The recently built Rapid Transport System, proudly bears the name Tirumayilai, on its station at Mylapore. A well known landmark in the heart of Mylapore, Chennai.
AUSPICIOUS TIMES>
This temple is visited by thousands, especially during the famed 'Arupattu Moovar' festival in the month of Pisces. The Teppam or float festival in the large temple tank, and the biweekly Pradosham festival also draw huge crowds here.
POOJA TYPES AND TARIFF
Poojas listed here are applicable for this temple only.The tariff shown are not actual cost payable to the temple. It includes our service charge, cost of pooja items and Delivery charges.
The ancient Kapaleeswarar Temple of Chennai is a beautiful sample of classic Dravidian temple sculpture and architecture. Fragmentary inscriptions date back to 1250 AD, but the current structure is a renovated one which was rebuilt by the rulers of Vijayanagara the 16th century. The 37 meters tall and grand gopuram is intricately carved.
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