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Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore
Lord Shiva • Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
॥ ॐ नमः शिवाय ॥
The Kapaleeshwarar temple is the great Shiva temple of Mylapore in Chennai, where Shiva is Kapaleeshwarar and the goddess is Karpagambal. A fine example of Dravidian architecture, it is crowned by a tall, sculpture-covered eastern gopuram. Its grandest event is the Panguni Arupathimoovar festival honouring the 63 Nayanmar saints.
Shiva of Mylapore
In the heart of old Mylapore, one of Chennai’s most ancient quarters, Shiva is enshrined as Kapaleeshwarar, with his consort worshipped as Karpagambal, ‘goddess of the wish-yielding tree’. The temple is the spiritual centre of the neighbourhood, ringed by markets, music and a constant flow of devotees.
It belongs to the long Tamil Shaiva tradition celebrated in the hymns of the Nayanmar saints, and remains one of the most visited Shiva temples in the city.
The legend of the peahen
Tradition tells that Parvati once worshipped Shiva here in the form of a peahen — mayil in Tamil — and from this the place takes its name, Mylapore, ‘the town of the peacock’. The story binds the goddess closely to the site’s identity.
This legend is woven into the temple’s imagery and into the everyday name of the locality, keeping the tale alive for each generation of devotees.
Dravidian architecture
The temple is built in the South Indian Dravidian style, its most striking feature the tall eastern gopuram covered with brightly painted sculptures of gods and figures from sacred story. A second tower rises on the western side.
A large temple tank fronts the shrine, its still water mirroring the towers and providing a focal point for festivals. Pillared halls and shrines fill the spacious complex around the main sanctum.
The Panguni Arupathimoovar festival
The temple’s grandest event is the Panguni Arupathimoovar festival, which honours the Arupathimoovar — the 63 Nayanmar saints of Tamil Shaivism. Their images are carried in a great procession through the streets of Mylapore.
The festival fills the neighbourhood with crowds, music and decorated vahanas, and is among the most colourful temple celebrations in Chennai. Reach the temple easily within the city and remove footwear before entering.
- Deity: Shiva as Kapaleeshwarar; goddess Karpagambal
- Style: Dravidian, with a tall eastern gopuram
- Feature: large temple tank in front
- Grand festival: Panguni Arupathimoovar (63 Nayanmars)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Kapaleeshwarar temple?
The Kapaleeshwarar temple is in Mylapore, a historic quarter of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the most visited Shiva temples in the city and easily reached within Chennai.
Which deities are worshipped here?
Shiva is worshipped as Kapaleeshwarar and the goddess as Karpagambal. They are the presiding deities of this great Mylapore Shiva temple.
How did Mylapore get its name?
Tradition says Parvati worshipped Shiva here in the form of a peahen, mayil in Tamil, giving the place the name Mylapore, ‘the town of the peacock’. The legend is central to the temple’s identity.
What architectural style is the temple?
It is built in the South Indian Dravidian style, with a tall, sculpture-covered eastern gopuram and a large temple tank in front. Pillared halls and shrines surround the main sanctum.
What is the main festival at Kapaleeshwarar temple?
The grandest event is the Panguni Arupathimoovar festival, honouring the 63 Nayanmar saints of Tamil Shaivism. Their images are carried in a large procession through Mylapore.
Who are the Arupathimoovar?
The Arupathimoovar are the 63 Nayanmar saints, the great devotees of Shiva in Tamil tradition. The temple’s biggest festival is held in their honour during the month of Panguni.
॥ हर हर महादेव ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Primary Deity | Shiva (Kapaleeshwarar) |
| Goddess | Karpagambal |
| Location | Mylapore, Chennai |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Architecture | Dravidian; tall eastern gopuram |
| Feature | Large temple tank |
| Grand Festival | Panguni Arupathimoovar |
| Honours | 63 Nayanmar saints |