Kapaleeshwarar Temple
A 7th-century Dravidian temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the heart of Mylapore.
History
The Kapaleeshwarar Temple is believed to have been originally built during the Pallava dynasty around the 7th century CE, though the current structure dates to the Vijayanagara period in the 16th century. The original temple, thought to have been closer to the coast, was likely destroyed during Portuguese colonial rule. References to the temple appear in the hymns of the Nayanar saints Thirugnanasambandar and Thirunavukkarasar, placing its spiritual significance well over a thousand years into the past.
Architecture
The temple is a classic example of Dravidian architecture, with a towering 37-metre gopuram (gateway tower) adorned with hundreds of painted stucco figures of deities, mythical beings, and saints. The temple complex includes a sacred tank called Sivaganga, a Nandi mandapam, and shrines to various deities. The pillared halls showcase intricate stone carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
Visiting Information
The temple is located in the heart of Mylapore and is easily accessible by bus, metro (Luz station), and auto-rickshaw. The annual Panguni Peruvizha festival (March–April) draws thousands of devotثees with its grand chariot procession through the streets of Mylapore.