The temple follows the Dravidian architectural style, characterized by its towering, pyramid-shaped gopuram.
Legend holds that the original temple was built by the Pallavas, but the current structure dates primarily to the 16th-century Vijayanagara period.
The temple is explicitly mentioned in the Tevaram, a collection of Tamil hymns from the 7th century.
The annual Panguni Peruvizha festival culminates in a chariot procession where the deity is paraded through the streets of Mylapore.
The sacred tank, or theppakulam, is integral to the temple's water-based rituals and is used for the Theppam (float) festival.
There are several smaller shrines within the complex dedicated to deities such as Lord Ganesha, Murugan, and the sixty-three Nayanmars.
The temple walls contain inscriptions dating back several centuries, providing evidence of historical royal patronage.
A sacred Punnai tree, considered the Sthala Vriksham (temple tree), is located within the complex and is associated with the myth of Goddess Parvati worshipping Shiva in the form of a peacock.
The name 'Mylapore' is derived from the Tamil word 'mayil', meaning peacock, reflecting the temple's mythological foundation.
Unlike many other historic temples, the current site in Mylapore is a reconstruction from the 16th century, replacing the original coastal shrine.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a seventh-century Dravidian-style Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the historic neighborhood of Mylapore, Chennai. The current structure features a 37-meter-tall gopuram (gateway tower) rebuilt in the 1960s, covered in intricate stucco figures depicting mythological narratives. The temple complex houses two main shrines, one for Kapaleeshwarar (Shiva) and one for Karpagambal (Parvati). It is a significant center for the Panguni Peruvizha festival, an annual ten-day event held in spring. The temple site includes a large sacred water tank, known as a 'theppakulam', located on the western side. Architectural elements include a 16-pillared mandapam and extensive granite carvings. The temple is managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
The main entrance gopuram from the street level or the steps overlooking the temple tank.
Remove footwear at the designated counter outside before entering the main premises.
Walk around the temple tank to witness the local community life and architecture from a different perspective.
Carry a light scarf or shawl if you prefer additional modest coverage.
Avoid taking photographs of the inner sanctum where deities are placed, as this is strictly prohibited. Avoid visiting during extreme midday heat.
The temple remains open daily throughout the year; no specific seasonal closures apply.
Conservative dress is required; shoulders and knees should be covered. Avoid photography inside the inner sanctum.
