Kapaleeswarar Koil

Kapaleeswarar Koil is situated in Mylapore, Chennai very close to Sea. Temple one of the oldest. First built many centuries before the Christ. It was first built on the sea shore, Portuguese when captured Mylapore in 1566 AD demolished the temple Great people like Tiruvalluvar and Peyalwar lived Mylapore. Mylapore was a seaport and a trade centre is supposedly more than 200 years old. Centuries later the temple was built in the present place in Vijaya Nagar tradition indicates the present structure could have been built by king of Vijaya nagram. The temple is famous for its sculptures. As per Hindu mythology, Parvathi the consort of Shiva performance penance and worshipped Kapaleeswarar in the form of Peacock[ Myil in Tamil – and hence the name of the place Mylapore. Kapaleeswarer is the presiding deity. The name is because it is said Shiva with the bowl of skull [Kapalam] during the time of creation of present ‘Yuga’ Hence the name Kapaleeswarar. The Amman here is Karpagambal, the name synonymous with the name of the holy tree ‘KARPAGAM’ in heaven as the deity is believed to bless people with whatever they for.

There is a large tank on the western side of the temple. Bramhamotsvam or ‘Arupathumoovar’ Festival during April May and , Theppa Thiruviza Float Festival in January, Navaratri Festival in September /October and Vasanta Utsavam in May/June are major attractions.
For more information on Darshans and Poojas.
Contact Executive Officer :
Arulmigu Kapaleeswarar Temple,
No 12, North Mada Street,Mylapore, Chennai.
Tamil Nadu, India.
Time : Morning 6.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Evening 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Location: Mylapore, Chennai - 4.