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Tamil Nadu, a land of religious diversity and rich culture, is also home to some astonishing temples. Amongst it, there is Kapaleeshwarar Temple, a holy place situated in Mylapore. According to popular folklore, the temple traces its history back to the 7th and 16th century. This place is known for its history, architectural styles, and spirituality. The temple was built to worship Lord Shiva and other deities.
Kapaleeshwarar temple resonates the rich Tamil religious culture. Its premises consist of sculptures of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. Moreover, the temple is home to shrines of Tamil Shaivite saint poets Nayaars. The structure of these shrines is marked with towering domes or Gopurams. Every structure light up during major festivals.
From March to April, Kapaleeshwarar celebrates the religious sentiments during the Brahmotsavam festival. Devotees flock this temple and attend the grandeur of spirituality and Pooja services.
Kapaleeshwarar temple hosts five types of Pujas, Ko Puja, Vaikarai Puja, Kaala sandhi Puja, Uchi Kaala Puja, and Ardhajama Puja. Visitors often schedule and take part in the Puja services. With the help of local priests, you can indulge in buying temple offerings and completing rituals. Also, if you are fond of artistic wonders, this place is going to win your heart.
How To Reach
By Air: Situated almost 17 km away, Chennai International Airport is the nearest airport from Mylapore and Kapaleeshwarar temple. From there, you can take a private cab or bus to reach the temple.
By Bus: Situated in Mylapore, there are several local buses for visiting Kapaleeshwarar temple. You can find them at Mylapore bus stand, AGS Royal Cinemas, ITC Grand Chola and other landmarks which will drop you at Mambalam Guindy.
By Road: There are plenty of options. You can book an online cab or take a taxi. Moreover, you can also rent cars or bikes to reach. Or, you can hail an auto-rickshaw for visiting the temple
Best Time To Visit
February to May: These months are hot but it is one of the best times to explore rituals and spirituality of Kapaleeswarar temple. From March to April, the temple hosts a nine-day celebration of Panguni Peruvizha. The spirituality of this place blooms up and you can witness its grandiose during this time.
June to September: These months constitute as the monsoon season in Mylapore. Due to proximity to the sea, rains are quite prominent. Even heavy rainfall can occur, plan your trip accordingly.
October to January: This time is considered as the best months to visit Kapaleeshwarar temple. The weather is pleasant and comfortable to explore the city.
Other Essential Information
Location: Situated in Mylapore, Kapaleeshwarar temple is situated in North Matam St near the Mylapore Tank.
Timings: You can visit this place during day times. Although, if you want to take part in Puja service, you might have to check the timings, it occurs according to morning, mid-day, evening, and late-night schedules.
Entry fee: There is no entry fee required.
History of Kapaleeswarar Temple
According to the popular beliefs, it is said that Kapaleeshwarar temple was constructed by the Pallava dynasty and reconstructed in the 16th century. It is believed that between these two time periods, Portuguese explorers visited Chennai and demolished the temple. Later on, the Vijayanagar kings and Tuluva Dynasty played a major role in rebuilding the Kapaleeshwarar temple.Earlier, the temple was built in Dravidian style, but after demolishing, the Vijayanagara style was combined during reconstruction. Inside the temple, 12th-century inscriptions are preserved which served as a proof for its historical identity. Moreover, you will come across several shrines, colossal gates, and pet peacock peahen.
Places to Eat near Kapaleeswarar Temple
Do not worry about munching on lip-smacking delicacies from the southern kitchens as the temple has a lot of eateries in its vicinity:
1. Dhabba Express: Looking for authentic Punjabi food? Dhabba Express is your saviour. From properly cooked naan to sweet cold lassi, this place offers a variety of north Indian food. Moreover, the restaurant has got a Dhaba touch to its ambience and architecture. Located near the Kapaleeshwarar temple, you can also book a table beforehand.
2. Peshawari: One of the classiest dining spaces in Chennai, Peshawari has got a plethora of food varieties. The restaurant consists of an open kitchen theme and aesthetic bronze plated cutlery. From vegetarian to non-vegetarian, this food joint excels in every taste and ensures a lavish evening. Peshawari is perfect for dining out with your family.
3. Anjappar Chettinad: Anjappar Chettinad serves many cuisines like Chettinad, North Indian, Chinese. The restaurant follows the concept of serving the food on banana leaves and known for the amazing ambience. Usually, this place is filled with Biryani and Chicken lovers.
4. Ente Keralam: If you want to taste the mouth-watering varieties of South Indian food, then you gotta visit Ente Keralam for that. From Rasam to exotic kinds of seafood, this place offers almost everything. Based on the theme of Kerala’s everyday life, the restaurant consists of warm lights, boat-shaped cutlery, and aromatic spices.
Travellers' Tip before Visiting Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Make sure to keep the following points in mind during your visit to the temple:
1. Kapaleeshwarar temple is a religious place, but like most of the temple, you might have to follow the policy of ‘No Photography’. Ask the priests around the temple.
2. You might have to cover your head while being on the premises of the temple and dress conservatively.
3. Avoid wearing leather, Hindu references adheres to this rule while visiting temples.
4. The weather might heat up, wear comfortable clothes and carry extra water bottles.
5. You can opt to buy temple offerings to take part in the Puja services. It is not mandatory but people do it out of spirituality.
6. Stay back for meditating in the Kapaleeswarar temples.
Tourism Board Alliances
Kapaleeswarar Temple FAQs
What is Kapaleeshwarar Temple famous for?
How can I get to Kapaleeshwarar Temple?
There are plenty of ways to reach Kapaleeswarar temple.
By Air: Situated almost 17 km away, Chennai International Airport is the nearest airport from Mylapore and Kapaleeshwarar temple. From there, you can take a private cab or bus to reach the temple.
By Rail: The nearest railway station would be the Chennai Central Train Station. It is situated 5 km away and you can easily find an auto-rickshaw or online cab from here.
By Road: You can book an online cab or take a taxi. Or, you can hail an auto-rickshaw for visiting the temple. Also, there are several local buses for visiting Kapaleeshwarar temple. You can find them at Mylapore bus stand
Is Kapaleeshwarar Temple worth visiting?
Is Kapaleeshwarar Temple crowded at weekends?
Being a weekend, you are surely going to face the crowd at Kapaleeswarar temple. In Tamilian culture, people come to the temple for morning and evening Pooja regularly. But since weekends take over, the visitors’ rate rises. People prefer to attend mid-day Pooja too for taking part in the eternal rituals and worshipping. Apart from the locals, tourists also prefer to visit during weekends.
