The Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a temple of Hindu God Shiva located in Mylapore, Chennai.
The temple was built around the 7th century CE by the great Pallava kings and is a very good example of Dravidian architecture.
History:
According to the Puranas, during the meeting of Lord Brahma ( Hindu Creator of the universe) and Lord Shiva on The Mount Kailash, Lord Brahma failed to show due respect to Lord Shiva. Due to this, Lord Shiva plucked one of Brahma’s four heads (Kapalams).As an act of penance, Brahma came down to the site of Mylapore and installed a Lingam to please Lord Shiva.
Hence, the temple’s name is derived from the words Kapalam (head) and Eeshwara, another name for Shiva.
This place is known as
- Sukra puri
- Veda puri
- so many other names including “Kailaye Mayilai ( meaning equal to the sacred Kailash ).
The Name MYLAPORE:
According to the puranas, Goddess Karpagambal(Devi Parvathi) due to a curse became a peacock and did penance here to get back her original personality.Since she ( Parvathi ) worshipped Lord Shiva in the form of a peacock ( Mayil in Tamil ), the area around this temple is known as Mylapore.
Dravidian construction:
The Kapaleeshwarar temple is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture ,with the Gopuram ( gateway tower ) overpowering the street on which the temple stands. There are two entrances to the temple marked by the Gopuram on either side.
- The east Gopuram is about 40 m high
- the smaller Western Gopuram faces the sacred tank
Festive:
During the Tamil month of Panguni, the traditional Brahmotsavam (annual festival) takes place when the entire neighborhood comes alive with a carnival like atmosphere .
