Kapaleeshwarar Temple

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Kapaleeshwarar Temple Located in the heart of Mylapore, Chennai, the Kapaleeshwarar Temple is one of the most iconic and ancient temples in Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Kapaleeshwarar, and his consort Goddess Karpagambal, this temple is a fine example of classic Dravidian architecture, believed to have been built during the 7th century CE by the Pallavas and later reconstructed by the Vijayanagara rulers. The temple’s striking gopuram (tower), adorned with intricate sculptures, rises to a height of about 120 feet and greets devotees and tourists alike. The sacred tank, inner mandapams, and the bronze idols used during processions all reflect the temple's deep cultural and spiritual roots. The temple is not just a religious site but also a vibrant cultural hub, especially during festivals like Panguni Peruvizha and Arupathimoovar, which attract thousands of devotees. Steeped in legend, it is believed that while Lord Shiva was imparting divine knowledge to Parvati, she became distracted by a dancing peacock. Enraged by her inattention, Shiva cursed her to be born as a peahen. Parvati, in the form of a peahen, came to Mylapore and performed penance under the sacred Punnai tree, which still stands in the temple today. Her deep devotion pleased Shiva, who restored her form and accepted her back as his consort. It is also believed that Lord Brahma worshipped Shiva here by installing a lingam to seek his blessings. Due to this, Shiva came to be known as Kapaleeshwarar, combining "Kapalam" (skull) and "Eeshwarar" (Shiva), linked to the legend involving Brahma. Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a must-visit for those seeking spiritual solace, mythology, and architectural grandeur in Chennai. The presence of the sacred Punnai tree is especially revered, believed to fulfill wishes for sincere devotees.