Kapaleeshwarar Temple

📍Chennai, Tamil Nadu

The great Shiva temple of Mylapore in Chennai, crowned by a vividly sculpted gopuram, dedicated to Shiva as Kapaleeshwarar and Parvati as Karpagambal.

Primary Deity

Shiva

Location

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Best Time to Visit

October to March for pleasant weather; the Panguni festival (March–April) with the Arupathimoovar procession is spectacular.

Significance

Kapaleeshwarar is one of the most important Shaivite temples of Tamil Nadu, hymned by the Nayanar saints in the Tevaram. Its central legend of Parvati worshipping Shiva as a peahen ties it to the very identity of Mylapore. The Panguni Arupathimoovar and Brahmotsavam festivals are among the grandest temple celebrations in Chennai.

About

The Kapaleeshwarar temple is the spiritual heart of Mylapore, one of Chennai's oldest neighbourhoods. Its towering 37-metre eastern gopuram, encrusted with brightly painted figures of gods and saints, is a defining image of the city. The present temple dates largely to the Vijayanagara period, rebuilt after the original coastal shrine was lost. Its name derives from a legend in which Parvati, in the form of a peahen (mayil, giving Mylapore its name), worshipped Shiva here. The temple tank and the surrounding streets come alive during the Arupathimoovar festival, when the bronze images of the sixty-three Nayanar saints are taken in grand procession.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which deity is worshipped at Kapaleeshwarar Temple?

Kapaleeshwarar Temple is primarily dedicated to Shiva.

Where is Kapaleeshwarar Temple located?

Kapaleeshwarar Temple is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

What is the best time to visit Kapaleeshwarar Temple?

October to March for pleasant weather; the Panguni festival (March–April) with the Arupathimoovar procession is spectacular.

Why is Kapaleeshwarar Temple significant?

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