Kapaleeshwarar Temple Mylapore Chennai, Arulmigu Kapaleeswarar Temple Mylapore

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Arulmigu Kapaleeswarar Temple Chennai

About Kapaleeswarar Temple
Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a significant Hindu temple located in Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, in the form of Kapaleeshwarar (Lord of the Kapalam), and Goddess Parvati, in the form of Karpagambal. Kapaleeshwarar Temple has a rich history spanning over 1,400 years. Significance of Kapaleeswarar Temple - One of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams (Shiva Sthalams), a prominent pilgrimage site and mentioned in Tamil literature and hymns.

History of Kapaleeswarar Temple Chennai
Kapaleeshwarar Temple has a rich history spanning over 1,400 years. Here's a brief overview:

Early Origins (7th century):

The temple is believed to have been built by the Pallava King, Tondaiman Chakravarthy, in the 7th century.
Initially, the temple was a small shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Expansion and Renovation (16th century):

During the Vijayanagara Empire (14th-17th centuries), the temple underwent significant expansion and renovation.
The temple's current structure, including the gopurams (towers) and mandapams (halls), was built during this period.

Portuguese Invasion (16th century):

In 1566, the Portuguese demolished the temple and built a church in its place.
Local Hindus continued to worship in secret, preserving the temple's traditions.

Reconstruction (17th century):

In 1640, the temple was rebuilt by the Vijayanagara rulers.
The temple's main deity, Kapaleeshwarar, was reinstalled.

British Era (18th-19th centuries):

The British East India Company took control of Chennai in 1746.
The temple underwent restoration and renovation during this period.

Modern Era (20th century onwards):

In 1911, the temple underwent significant renovation.
In 1971, the temple was declared a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Ongoing restoration and maintenance efforts ensure the temple's preservation.

Interesting Facts:

The temple's original location was near Santhome Beach, but it was relocated to its current site due to coastal erosion.
The temple's name "Kapaleeshwarar" is derived from the Tamil word "Kapalam," meaning "skull," referencing Shiva's association with the kapalam (skull).
The temple's inscriptions provide valuable insights into the social, cultural, and economic history of the region.

Kapaleeswarar Temple Architecture
Kapaleeshwarar Temple showcases exemplary Dravidian architecture, blending spirituality, aesthetics, and symbolism. Here are key architectural features:

Main Temple Complex:

Gopurams (Towers): 5-tiered Rajagopuram (main tower) and smaller gopurams adorn the temple's entrances.
Mandapams (Halls): Several mandapams, including the Ardhamandapam, Mahamandapam, and Nandi Mandapam.
Vimana (Sanctum Tower): The sanctum sanctorum's tower, decorated with intricate carvings.
Pradakshinapatha (Circumambulatory Path): A path surrounding the sanctum for devotees to circumambulate.

Sanctum Sanctorum:

Kapaleeshwarar (Shiva Linga): The main deity, a majestic Shiva Linga.
Karpagambal (Parvati): Goddess Parvati's shrine, adjacent to Kapaleeshwarar.

Other Shrines:

Vinayaka (Ganesh) Shrine
Subramanya (Murugan) Shrine
Navagraha Shrine (Nine Planets)
Durga Shrine

Carvings and Sculptures:

Intricate carvings on pillars, walls, and ceilings
Sculptures of Nayanmars (63 Shaivite saints)
Depictions of mythological stories and divine beings

Water Bodies:

Kapaleeshwarar Temple Tank (Theertham): A sacred water body for ritual bathing
Well: An ancient well within the temple complex

Materials:

Granite: Primary material used for construction
Lime Mortar: Used for bonding
Wood: Used for doors, windows, and roofing

Inscriptions:

Tamil inscriptions from the Pallava, Vijayanagara, and Nayaka periods
Records of donations, grants, and temple administration

Architectural Style:

Dravidian architecture (Southern Indian style)
Influence of Vijayanagara and Pallava styles

Unique Features:

The temple's design ensures natural light illuminates the sanctum during sunrise and sunset
The Nandi (bull) statue faces the sanctum, symbolizing devotion

Conservation Efforts:

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protects and maintains the temple
Ongoing restoration and preservation work

Kapaleeswarar Temple Festivals
Kapaleeshwarar Temple celebrates various festivals throughout the year, showcasing its vibrant cultural heritage. Here are some significant festivals:

Major Festivals:

Arubathu Moovar Festival: Celebrates the 63 Nayanmars (Shaivite saints) in March-April
Panguni Peruvizha: 10-day festival in March-April, honoring Lord Kapaleeshwarar and Goddess Karpagambal
Vinayaka Chathurthi: Celebrates Lord Ganesh's birthday in August-September
Navarathri: 9-day festival honoring Goddess Durga and Goddess Karpagambal in September-October
Shivarathri: Celebrates Lord Shiva's night in February-March
Tamil New Year (Puthandu): Celebrated in mid-April

Other Festivals:

Pradosham: Monthly festival, honoring Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
Amavasai: New Moon day, considered auspicious for worship
Pournami: Full Moon day, celebrated with special pujas
Sankatahara Chathurthi: Monthly festival, dedicated to Lord Ganesh
Karthikai Deepam: Festival of lights in November-December

Processions and Events:

Rath Yatra: Chariot procession of Lord Kapaleeshwarar and Goddess Karpagambal
Vahana Processions: Processions on various vehicles (e.g., elephant, horse, and bull)
Theertham Festival: Ritual bathing in the temple tank
Music and Dance Performances: Cultural events, including Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam.

Festival Highlights:

Colorful processions and decorations
Traditional music and dance performances
Special poojas and homams (fire rituals)
Distribution of prasad (offering) to devotees
Vibrant atmosphere, attracting thousands of devotees

Best Time to Visit:

March-April (Panguni Peruvizha)
August-September (Vinayaka Chathurthi)
September-October (Navarathri)
February-March (Shivarathri)

How to Visit Kapaleeswarar Temple?
Visiting Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a spiritual experience:

Getting There:

By Air: Chennai International Airport (MAA) - 12 km from the temple
By Train: Chennai Central Railway Station - 10 km from the temple
By Bus: Mylapore Bus Depot - 1 km from the temple

Transportation Options:

Auto-rickshaws (3-wheelers)
Taxis (local and app-based)
Metro Rail (Mylapore station)
Buses (MTC and private)

Temple Timings:

Morning: 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Darshan Timings:

Morning: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Dress Code:

Traditional attire recommended (e.g., saree, dhoti)
Modest clothing (cover shoulders and knees)
Remove shoes before entering the temple

Entry Fees:

Free entry for darshan
Special darshan (Rs. 10-50)
Guided tours (Rs. 100-500)

Tips and Precautions:

Plan your visit during non-peak hours for a peaceful experience
Respect temple rules and traditions
Keep valuables secure
Avoid photography inside the temple
Follow dress code and remove shoes

Accommodation:

Budget-friendly options: Guesthouses, lodges
Mid-range options: Hotels, resorts
Luxury options: 5-star hotels

Nearby Attractions:

Santhome Basilica
Mylapore Beach
Fort St. George
National Art Gallery
Chennai Museum

Best Time to Visit:

Early morning or evening for peaceful darshan
Festivals (e.g., Panguni Peruvizha, Vinayaka Chathurthi) for vibrant atmosphere

Language:

Tamil (primary language)
English (widely spoken)
Hindi (understood by some)

Address:
Kapaleeshwarar Temple,
Vivekananda Road,
Mylapore,
Chennai,
Tamil Nadu 600004,
India
Google Map Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4rHyPr5Mv8a4vaU29

Note: Please note that festival dates may vary according to the Tamil calendar.

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