Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Located in the ancient neighborhood of Mylapore in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, the Kapaleeshwarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Mylapore itself has a long history, mentioned by the Greek geographer Ptolemy (2nd C CE as 'Maliarpha') and celebrated in the 7th-century CE Tevaram hymns of the Nayanar saint Sambandar. Sambandar's hymns praise Shiva at Mylapore ('Mayilai'), indicating a significant temple existed then, likely located closer to the seashore. According to historical accounts and local tradition, this original seaside temple was destroyed by the Portuguese when they established control over the area around Santhome in the 16th century (circa 1566 CE). The present Kapaleeshwarar Temple complex was subsequently rebuilt inland, likely during the Vijayanagara period in the 16th or early 17th century. Architecturally, it is a fine example of the Dravidian style, featuring a large temple tank (Kapaleeshwarar Teppakulam), spacious courtyards (prakarams), pillared halls (mandapams), and impressive gateway towers (gopurams). The main eastern Rajagopuram, rising to about 37 meters, was added much later, completed in 1906. The temple's primary legend explains its name and location: Lord Shiva, in anger, plucked off one of Brahma's heads ('Kapala'). To expiate a related curse, Goddess Parvati worshipped Shiva here in the form of a peacock ('Mayil' in Tamil), giving Mylapore its name ('Town of Peacocks'). This scene is depicted in a shrine within the temple. Kapaleeshwarar remains a vibrant center of Shaiva worship in Chennai, renowned for its annual festivals, particularly the Arubathimoovar festival celebrating the 63 Nayanar saints, which draws vast crowds and showcases the temple's deep roots in Tamil Bhakti tradition.