Kapaleeswarar Temple in Chennai is an ancient Shiva temple. It is a beautiful example of the Dravidian temple sculpture and architecture. The present structure of the temple is the renovated one which was rebuilt by the Vijayanagara kings in the 16th century.
About Kapaleeswarar Temple In Chennai :
The Kapleeswarar temple is situated in Kutchery Road, Mylapore. Mylapore is located in the city of Madras. So you can tour to this temple either by auto rickshaw or ‘call taxis’ or the deluxe cabs. If you are hiring auto rickshaw, which is the cheapest mode of transport, you need to negotiate the fare carefully. The standard charge for auto rickshaws is Rs.8 for every kilometer you travel. The call taxis charge higher but they are very prompt service and they will pick you up from your doorstep. You can also tour by deluxe cabs. If you prefer you can drive the deluxe cabs yourself.
Features of Kapaleeswarar Temple in Chennai :
- The majestic 37 meters rising tower at the entrance is extravagantly carved.
- The crowded cosmology of stucco gods, goddesses and saints depict episodes from Puranic legends.
- The Punnai tree in the temple courtyard is one of oldest trees in Chennai and shades a small shrine describing the legend from where Mylapore derived its name.
- Goddess Parvati, in the form of a peacock, is shown worshipping Shiva, represented by the traditional Lingam.
- Parvati is worshipped in this temple as Karpagambal.
- The Kapaleeswarar temple is famous for being the site of a miracle when the Saint Gnanasambandar is believed to sing to resurrect a dead girl.
- This miracle is sculpturally represented in the shrine of the saint in front of the temple flag mast.
- There are the bronze statues of 63 Shaivite saints, glorified for leading exemplary lives of devotion and penance.
- The idols of these 63 saints which decorate the outer yard of the temple, are carried in a colorful procession on the eighth day of the 10 day Arupathumoovar temple festival which is held in March-April every year.
Architecture Kapaleeswarar Temple :
The architecture of Kapaleeshwar temple is a supreme example ofancient Dravidian style. It has classic side entrances; the East gopuram (pillars) is about 40 m high, while the smaller Western gopuram faces the sacred tank. The temple also has courts and a tank built around the central shrine. The bronze statues of 63 Shaivite saints embellish the temple patio. The courtyard also has an ancient tree which has a small shrine that depicts the tale that gave Mylapore its name.
Mylapore Kapaleeswarar Temple Miracles :
The life history of Poompavai is a great miracle. She was the daughter of a merchant called Sivanesan Chettiar. When she was gathering flowers in the garden, she was stung by a snake and she died. Sivanesan Chettiar kept her ashes in a pot with strong faith that Thirugnana Sambandar, a famous saint would resurrect her. Sambandar Came to Thiruvottiyur on his pilgrimage. He was invited to Mylapore temple with a spectacular welcome.
Sivanesan brought the urn containing the ashes of Poompavai and placed it before God at the outside. Hearing the pathetic story of Poompavai, Sambandar sang a hymn (a pathigam) in praise of Lord Kapaleeswar. When the tenth verse was sung, Poompavai emerged fully from the pot as witness to the glory of Lord Kapaleeswara.
Festivals Kapaleeswarar Temple :
During the Theppam or float festival in January, the tank is full of water (which is otherwise dry) and lamps are lighted to set afloat on the waters. In the Aruvathumoovar festival, held in March-April, the bronze carvings of the 63-Shaivate saints are carried in procession. Another famous annual festival is Brahmotsavams (held in mid-March to mid-April). During this festival the idols of Kapaleeshwar and Karpagambal are decorated with beautiful clothes and jewels, are mounted on a vahana (vehicles) and then taken for procession. This is repeated with different vahanas over the 9 days.
Other Shrines in the Kapaleeswarar Temple :
1. Nardana Vinayakar ( dancing Ganesha)
2. Singara Velar (Muruga) with his 2 consorts Valli and Deivayani
3. Shrine with an image of a peahen, which is where Mylapore derives its name from
4. Navagraha shrine and special Sani Bhagavan shrine
History of Kapaleeswarar Temple :
The present temple is believed to have been built during the 16th century.Before that Kapaleeswarar temple was near the Santhome Beach and the old temple went under the sea during a deluge. Remains of such as pillars, inscriptions and sculptures were found during an archaeological excavation. The inscriptions including one by Emperor Raja Raja Chola I also reveal this fact.
The Kapaleeswarar temple follows the general plan of a Shiva temple. The main entrance or Rajagopuram,faces east with attractive intricate designs .It is the 125-ft tall.The temple tank with a `Neerazhi Mandapam’ in the middle is on the western side, which is believed to have been built by Mayilai Muthaiappa Mudaliar in the 16th century.
Darshan Timings in Kapaleeswarar Temple :
Morning: 6.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.
Evening: 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
How to Reach Kapaleeswarar Temple in Chennai :
By Air : The Kamaraj Domestic Airport and the Anna International Airport are located at Tirusulam at a distance of 20 km from the city.
By Rail : Chennai is also well connected to all the major cities in India through a wide network of railways. The rail service connects to all the main cities of the neighboring state and the country.
By Road : The excellent road network of Chennai makes it easily accessible from other important cities of Tamil Nadu and the neighboring states.
