Divya Kshetra · Chennai · Tamil Nadu

kapaleeshwarar temple

The Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva. It is located in Mylapore, Chennai in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

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About kapaleeshwarar temple

kapaleeshwarar temple

The Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva. It is located in Mylapore, Chennai in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The temple was built around the 7th century A.D. and is an example of South Indian Architecture.

According to the Puranas, Parvati worshipped her husband Shiva in the form of a peahen (mayil in Tamil), giving the vernacular name Mylai (Mayilāi) to the area that developed around the temple. Shiva is worshiped as Kapaleeshwarar, and is represented by the lingam.

Parvati is worshipped as Karpagambal (goddess of the wish-yielding tree). The presiding deity is revered in the 7th-century Tamil Shaiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanars and classified as one of the Paadal Petra Sthalam.

The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Kapaleeshwarar and Karpagambal being the most prominent. The temple complex houses many halls. The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and four yearly festivals on its calendar. The Aṟupatimūvar festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Panguni as part of the brahmotsava is the most prominent festival in the temple.

The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Location

Chennai

Deity

Sivan

State

Tamil Nadu

District

Chennai

Dress Code

Visitors are expected to wear modest and traditional attire while visiting the temple.

Men
  • Dhoti (Veshti) with or without a shirt.
  • Full-length pants with a shirt or kurta.
  • Pyjama with a shirt or kurta.
Women
  • Saree
  • Salwar Kameez / Churidar with dupatta.
  • Pavadai–Davani (Half Saree).
Not Permitted
  • Shorts or Bermudas.
  • Sleeveless or revealing dresses.
  • Tight leggings worn as the only lower garment.
  • Torn or inappropriate clothing.
Devotee Guidelines:
  • Wear clean, decent, and respectful clothing suitable for a place of worship.
  • Traditional Indian attire is encouraged, especially during festivals and special poojas.
  • Remove footwear before entering the temple premises.


Do's:
  • Dress modestly in traditional or decent attire.
  • Remove your footwear before entering the temple premises.
  • Maintain silence and respect the sanctity of the temple.
  • Follow the instructions of temple authorities and security personnel.
  • Stand patiently in the darshan queue.
  • Deposit mobile phones, cameras, and prohibited items in the designated counters if required.
  • Keep the temple premises clean by using dustbins.
  • Stay hydrated, especially if you climb the 693 steps to the hilltop shrine.

Don'ts:

  • Do not wear revealing, torn, or inappropriate clothing.
  • Do not consume alcohol, tobacco, or intoxicating substances before or inside the temple.
  • Do not carry plastic bags or litter the temple premises.
  • Do not take photographs or videos in prohibited areas, especially inside the sanctum (Garbhagriha).
  • Do not jump queues or push other devotees.
  • Do not touch the idols, temple structures, or decorations unless permitted.
  • Do not bring pets into the temple premises.
  • Do not engage in loud conversations or play music inside the temple.
  • Do not accept prasadam or services from unauthorized persons.

Temple Gallery

Temple Information

Temple Timings

5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Contact Number

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Temple Location

kapaleeshwarar temple

Chennai, Chennai
Tamil Nadu