The Kapaleeswarar temple located at Mylapore is the defining landmark of Chennai’s religious landscape. It is an amazing symbol of how Hindu spiritual traditions have coexisted with modernity and fast lifestyles that one otherwise sees in Chennai. This temple is visited by thousands, especially during Shivaratri and the famed 'Arupattu Moovar' festival. The Teppam or float festival in the large temple tank, and the biweekly Pradosham festival also draw huge crowds here. Parvati (Karpagambal) is said to have worshipped Shiva here in the form of a peacock (mayil in Tamil), hence the name Mylapore. Thiru Jnaana Sambandar (prominent among the 63 Shaivite saints) is said to have brought back to life here, the daughter of a devotee called Sivanesa Chettiar. This temple is said to have been demolished by Christians and the Santhome Church is believed to have been built on the ruins of the old Kapaleeswarar temple. The current temple is a modern structure, built based on the descriptions in the Puranams and the Tevaram. Offer worship at this sacred shrine of Lord Shiva and receive his divine grace in abundance.

Go on a virtual tour of the Kapaleeswarar Temple: