Kapaleeshwarar Temple- A Heritage Shiv Temple in Tamil Nadu

There is always a way of expressing our emotions and dedication towards something. It is not always through words that we are able to convey what we truly feel. We take refuge in other ways of communicating our state of mind, which are sometimes more powerful than words. Following this notion, the people in ancient India constructed temples to showcase their dedication and faith in a supreme being. This notion led to the construction of Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Tamil Nadu, a 7th-century structure dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has now become a heritage site and a place where several devotees gather on regular days and during festivals as well.

History

The credit for constructing this temple is given to the rulers of the Pallava Dynasty. It is said that the temple was built in the 7th century, primarily due to mentions of the temple in ancient hymns and songs. However, the appearance of the temple raises doubts regarding the period of its construction. Its architecture looks no older than 400 years.

Historians opine that the original temple might have been demolished by the Portuguese, and the temple that we see today was built in the 16th century. Another argument is raised by the inscriptions found inside the temple, dated back to the 12th century. The only feature of the temple which is not disputed is the gateway tower, a 120-feet high structure added to the temple complex in 1906.

A legend goes that during a conversation between Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma, and Lord Vishnu atop Kailash Parbat (the abode of Shiva), Brahma said something that angered Shiva, who then cut off one of Brahma’s heads.

As a measure to please Shiva, Brahma came to the temple site where he installed a Shivlinga. The site is also known as Veda Puri and Sakra Puri, and it has been compared to the original abode of Shiva, Kailash Parbat.

Other legends associated with the temple site include blessings bestowed upon several devotees by Lord Shiva himself.

In the present-day temple, visitors can spot a male and a female peacock (peahen) inside a cage. The peacocks symbolize Shakti, who manifested as a peahen to worship Lord Shiva.

Structure

This ancient temple is built in the Dravidian architectural style, with two entrances. A tank can be spotted adjacent to the western entrance of the temple. Both entrances of the temple are through a Gopuram, with the eastern Gopuram standing at a height of approximately 40 meters.

There are statues of vehicles (vahanas) of the gods, including a Nandi, Adhikaranandi, bandicoot, goat, parrot, and elephant. The idols of gods are placed on their respective vehicles. A golden chariot has also been installed recently.

Festivals and Traditions

Like all other historical temples, the Kapaleeshwarar Temple witnesses large gatherings of devotees. Every Friday, devotees gather at the temple and decorate the idol of Karpagambal, an avatar of Parvati, with a gold coin-studded garland.

Before the worship, a musical procession is carried out with the idols of the temple’s God and Goddess seated on their vehicles. Pulling the vehicles is considered a privilege by the devotees.

Temple rituals include four pujas held in the morning, afternoon, evening, and night.

The annual Brahmotsavam festival is held between mid-March and mid-April, during which a carnival of devotees energizes the environment with religious fervor. The festival is marked by flag hoisting, followed by the decoration of idols with jewelry and clothes. The idols are placed on their vehicles and pulled by the devotees around the temple for the next few days. The festival concludes with the marriage of the idols.

An Aarti is performed during each stage of the festival, and devotees are offered sweets, buttermilk, juices, and savories.

• Also Read: Most Popular Shiva Temples in India

Eat, Drink, Collect

After visiting the historical Kapaleeshwarar Temple, visitors can head to the nearby area of Mylapore to have a meal, snacks, or fast food according to their choice. Famous outlets that serve food and snacks include Karpagambal Mess, Coastline, Anjappar, Karaikudi, Citrus, etc.

There are several mid-range hotels and lodges in the area which provide a comfortable stay and other standard services.

Visitors can purchase accessories, clothing, jewelry, and other goods from the shops and vendors near the temple itself. Other shops in the area sell local handicrafts and fashion accessories that are worth collecting.

As a prime commercial center of Chennai, the neighborhood of Mylapore boasts several outlets, exhibition halls, and a shopping mall which cater to the recreational needs of tourists.

Notable outlets in Mylapore include Alwar’s Roadside Bookshop, Ashvita Arts and Artifacts, Crafts and Weaves, Giri Stores, etc.

Travel Tips

• Always bargain for whatever you purchase from the vendors and local outlets. Tourists might be overcharged, especially when boarding auto-rickshaws.
• Always carry bottled water with you, as the water served in local eateries may not be suitable for consumption. Due to the hot and humid weather of Chennai, tourists must carry an umbrella and keep drinking small amounts of water to avoid dehydration.

Nearby Attractions

Apart from the historical temple, Mylapore is also known for several other destinations of tourist interest. Other tourist attractions with historical significance in the vicinity include the San Thome Basilica, Adikeshava Perumal Temple, Ramakrishna Math, Navashakti Vinayaka Temple, Madhava Perumal Temple, Malleshwarar Temple, etc.

How to Reach

The city of Chennai is served by an international airport and a busy railway station that connect the city with several parts of India and the world.

Once tourists reach Chennai, they can opt to travel via MTC buses to visit the historical temple or board a train from Velachery or Chennai Beach junctions to reach Mylapore.

• Must Read: Top 10 Things to Do in Chennai