Monday, September 11, 2017

Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore, Chennai

Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Mylapore, Chennai
Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Mylapore in Chennai in the Indian state of Tamilnadu. The temple has a majestic 7-tiered Gopuram of 37 meters in height with intricate patterns of sculpted figures in cool eye-pleasing colors is a treat to watch. The temple complex houses many halls and has a big tank in the west. There is one more courtyard that houses the shrines of 63 saints. There are inscriptions on the temple structure which dates to the 7th century. The temple faces towards East and the entrance is marked in Puranic inscriptions. The view of the temple from the outside is magnificent and awesome.





According to the PuranasShakti worshipped Shiva in the form of a peacock, giving the vernacular name Mylai (Mayilai) to the area that developed around the temple - mayil is Tamil for "peacock". Shiva is worshiped as Kapaleeshwarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Karpagambal. The temple was built on the seashore around the 7th century CE in Dravidian architecture; but was destroyed by the Portuguese when Mylapore fell into their hands in 1566 AD. The present masonry structure was built during the Vijayanagar rulers of the Tuluva Dynasty (1491–1570 CE).





This famous temple finds mention in the 7th century Tamil Shaiva canonical work, the Thevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The temple and the deity were immortalized in the works of Thevaram by poet-saint belonging to the 7th century; Thirugnana Sambandhar has composed the 6th Poompavai Pathigam in praise of the temple.




This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 24th Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. Arunagirinathar, the 15th century poet sang praises of the temple in Thirumayilai Thirupugazh. The 12th century poet Guna Veera Pandithar sings about Neminathar under Theerthangar Neminathar Pugazh. Thirumayilai Prabanthangal is a compilation of four works on the temple and the deity.





This temple is also one of the Saptha Sthana Shiva Sthalams in Mylapore, Chennai, like Thiruvaiyaru. The other six temples are Kaaraneecharam (Middle of Bazar Street), Theerthapaleeswarar temple (Middle of Dr Natesan Road), Velleecharam (South Mada street - Near Kapaleeshwarar Temple), Virupaksheewarar Temple (Bazar Road near Kaaraneeswarar temple), Vaaleeswarar Temple (In the opposite street of Kaaraneeswarar temple) and Malleeswarar Temple (Back side of Kaaraneeswarar temple - Next lane).





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 place witnesses a huge crowd during the Arupathu Moovar Vizha Festival. There are processions, sweet distribution ceremonies and classical dance performance in the nearby region. The ten days festival gives the temple and the area of Mylapore a new tint of excitement. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamilnadu.





Legends
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History
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The Temple
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Temple Opening Time
The temple is open from 5.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.
Pooja Timings
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Festivals
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Religious Practices
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Literary Mention
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Prayers
Devotees pray to Lord for mental peace and Mother Karpakambika for child, wedding and family welfare.  It is the staunch belief of devotees that their prayer brings them relief from any illness. Those suffering from any disease, carry sugar in a pot and distribute to devotees on the 8th day of Thaipoosam festival. They perform abishek and Aaradhanas to Lord Mother offering vastras.
Contact
Kapaleeshwarar Temple,
Mylapore, Vadakku Maada Veethi
Chennai – 600 004
Phone: +91 44 2464 1670 / 2461 1356
Connectivity
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