History, Importance, Architecture, Timings, Festival, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Arulmigu Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Kapaleeshwarar Temple is ancient historical temple solely dedicated to Lord Shiva and his Consort Parvati located in Mylapore – the centre of cultural and tradition since centuries, close to Chennai, Tamil Nadu. This temple is believed to be equal importance same like the mount Kailash and also important Sivasthalam or Padal petra sthalam. The Shiva is called as ARULMILGU KAPALEESHWARAR and goddess Parvati as ARULMILGU KARPAGAMBAL. According to Puranas, Shakti worshipped Shiva in the form of the Peacock. The original temple was built in 7th centuries in Dravidian style architecture on the seashore but then destroys by the Portuguese. The present masonry was built during Vijayanagar rulers of the Tuluva Dynasty during 1491 – 1570 CE. The temple was glorified by great saint, poet and philosopher known as Nayanmars of 7th century.
The present structure has two entrances in east and west side with colourful Gopurams - temple tower in rainbow colors with painting which enhance the beauty of the entire temple. Huge water tank in front of the western entrance in temple campus which is another major attraction of the temple. The self-manifested – Shivlinga here in temple worshipped which is one of the 64 Swayambhu Lingams in the world. Apart from the main shrine and deity, there are various shrines of Natana Vinayakar, Palani Andavar, Vaayilar Nayanar, Singara Velar, Dakshinamurthy, Somaskandar and Durgai located in temple campus. Also small shrine outside located in courtyard of the temple and under the old Punnai tree depicting Goddess Uma in the form of a peahen worshipping Lord Shiva, which remind us the legend of how this place got its name “Mylapore”.
According to Legend, it is said that during the meeting of Lord Shiva and Brahma on Mount Kailash. The Brahma failed to show the respect to Lord Shiva so the Lord cut off his one of the head. So, Brahma came down to the site of Mylapore and built a Lingam of Lord Shiva to please him. This place is equal to Kailash. The Parvati is also worshipped here as it is said that when she was cursed to be a peahen due to lost of concentration during sacred teachings, she did her penance in this place to regain her original form.
As per the other legend, Lord Shiva’s son Murugan received the spear (Sakthi Vel) for the destruction of the Demon from here. Lord Muruga, visited this temple and worshipped Lord Shiva and Goddess Uma before heading to a war with an Asura named Surapadman.
It is one of the beautiful temple in Tamil Nadu to visit. It has many other shrines like Ganesha and the Brahma. The 10 days festival during March – April is a treat to watch and Arupathu Moovar festival is attended by lakhs of devotees every year. Maha Shiv Ratri, the day when Lord Shiva was married to Goddess Parvathy is also celebrated with great zeal here in temple. Apart from this lots of devotee visits here on the new moon days, full moon days and during the Pradosha Days.
How to reach Arulmigu Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
There are number of buses going every day to Mylapore. You can also hire cab/taxi or even private vehicle to reach the temple. The nearest Railway Station is Chennai Railway Station at a distance of 5.5kms. The nearest Airport is Chennai International Airport at a distance of 11.2kms. Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu and gateway of India very well connected with all major cities of Idnia via road, rail and air network. Chennai has both domestic and international airports from where you can get flight to almost all Indian cities and also to all the countries of world as well at very high frequency. From the airport you can easily get the autos, cab, buses, etc. to reach city. Chennai Central, Egmore and Tambaram are the three railway stations of Chennai from where you can get train to all major cities of India easily. And by road, Chennai is well connected to all the major cities as well as states via highways. Chennai has one of the largest bus stations from where you can get interstate and intra state buses.
