About Kapaleeshwarar Temple
The Kapaleeshwarar Temple stands in Mylapore, one of the oldest neighbourhoods of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshipped here as Kapaleeshwarar, and his consort Parvati as Karpagambal, "the goddess of the wish-fulfilling tree". The temple is a Paadal Petra Sthalam, praised in the Tevaram hymns of the Nayanar saints, and is the spiritual centre of Mylapore, with its tank, busy streets and traditional shops around it.
According to tradition, Parvati was cursed to become a peahen (mayil in Tamil) and worshipped Shiva here in that form until she was restored; the name Mylapore, "town of peacocks", is linked to this legend. Another story tells how the child-saint Thirugnana Sambandar brought a girl named Poompavai back to life from her ashes by singing a hymn at this temple. The original shrine is believed to have stood closer to the seashore and to have been destroyed in the 16th century; the present temple was rebuilt further inland, most likely under Vijayanagara rule, and has been expanded since.
The temple is a fine example of Dravidian architecture. Its eastern gopurams, about 37 metres tall and covered with colourful stucco figures of gods and saints, face the large temple tank. Inside are shrines to Kapaleeshwarar, Karpagambal, Murugan and Ganesha, and images of the 63 Nayanar saints. A punnai tree in the courtyard is associated with Parvati's worship. The western gopuram faces the tank, which is the setting for the annual float festival. In the evenings the temple and its surrounding streets are busy with local families, flower sellers and devotees, giving visitors a feel of old Chennai.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from about 5:30 AM to 12:00 noon and 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning puja | Around 6:00 AM (approx.) |
| Uchikala (noon) puja | Around 11:30 AM (approx.) |
| Evening puja | Around 6:00 PM (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Kapaleeshwarar Temple
By air
Chennai International Airport is about 15 km away.
By train
Thirumayilai station on the MRTS line is about 1 km away; Chennai Central and Chennai Egmore are about 6 to 8 km away.
By road
Mylapore is well served by city buses, autos and cabs from all parts of Chennai. Parking around the temple is limited.
Festivals at Kapaleeshwarar Temple
- Panguni Peruvizha (Arubathimoovar procession)Mar/Apr
- Teppam (float festival)Jan/Feb
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- NavaratriSep/Oct
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Traditional and modest clothing is expected; avoid shorts and sleeveless tops.
- Entry
- Free general darshan; small fees may apply for special darshan.
- Use public transport or autos; parking near the temple is difficult, especially during festivals.
- Walk around the temple tank and the surrounding streets for traditional shops and food.
- The Panguni festival draws very large crowds; arrive early for processions.
- Photography is usually allowed in the outer courtyard but not inside the shrines.
Places to visit near Kapaleeshwarar Temple
- Ramakrishna Math, MylaporeSpiritual centre with the Universal Temple, about 1 km away
- Marina BeachChennai's long seafront, about 2 km away
- Parthasarathy Temple, TriplicaneAncient Vishnu temple and Divya Desam, about 3 km away
Frequently asked questions
What are the Kapaleeshwarar Temple timings?
The temple is usually open from about 5:30 AM to noon and 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Check locally before visiting.
Who is the goddess at Kapaleeshwarar Temple?
The goddess is Karpagambal, a form of Parvati, who has her own shrine within the temple.
How to reach Kapaleeshwarar Temple?
Thirumayilai MRTS station is about 1 km away, and city buses and autos reach Mylapore from all over Chennai.
Why is the area called Mylapore?
Tradition says Parvati worshipped Shiva here in the form of a peahen (mayil), and the name Mylapore means town of peacocks.
What is the aarti time at Kapaleeshwarar Temple?
Morning puja: Around 6:00 AM (approx.); Uchikala (noon) puja: Around 11:30 AM (approx.); Evening puja: Around 6:00 PM (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Kapaleeshwarar Temple?
Traditional and modest clothing is expected; avoid shorts and sleeveless tops.
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