Kapaleeswarar Temple Mylapore, Chennai - Paadal Petra Sthalam

Though there are numerous temples in Chennai, the Kapaleeswarar temple stands foremost of all. It is not only because of its antiquity, but also the serenity we get amidst the busy town. With its present structure dating back to its construction around the 16th Century, the temple boasts a brilliant architecture. Legends say that lord Parvathi, the consort of lord Shiva, was listening to discourses from lord Shiva at Mount Kailash. At that time, she was distracted by a peacock moving around that place. The moment continued for a while and she fully turned her interest towards it. Lord Shiva was not happy with her behaviour. He cursed her to turn into a peacock. Parvathi was looking for a right place to come out of this penance and chose this Mylapore. She started prayers about Shiva under one ‘Punnai’ tree in this place in the form of a peacock.

Pleased with her penance, Lord Shiva appeared before her, relieved her from the curse and named her ‘Karpagambal’. The idol of lord Parvati in a peacock form can be seen in this shrine. In Tamil language, peacock is called ‘mayil’, which subsequently given to this place as Mylapore. Historically, the foundation of the temple was laid by the Pallava kings. But later, it was demolished numerous times due to different dynastic influences. Archaeological evidences are strong about its existence from old time with renovations happened later on by the Vijayanagar emperors. This east facing temple has a 7 tiered main tower and 2 corridors. The 3 tiered west facing tower is facing the sacred tank of the temple. Saint Thiruvalluvar, the celebrated author of Thirukkural, the world famous ethical treatise, was born and lived here nearly 2000 years ago. The temple is one among the paadal petra sthalams of tamil saivite hymns.