Popular Temple
Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
A grand Dravidian-style Shiva temple woven into Chennai's earliest history
At a glance
- Location
- Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Presiding deity
- Lord Shiva (as Kapaleeshwarar) and Goddess Karpagambal (Parvati)
- Temple type
- Popular Temple
- Tradition
- Shaiva
- Nearest railway station
- Thirumayilai (Mylapore) MRTS station (nearby); Chennai Central/Egmore (~6-7 km, major junctions)
- Nearest airport
- Chennai International Airport (~17 km)
- Best time to visit
- November to February; the Arupathimoovar Festival (March-April) is especially worth witnessing.
History
The Kapaleeshwarar Temple stands in Mylapore, one of Chennai's oldest settled areas. The present structure dates to around the 16th century (the original temple was damaged during Portuguese incursions), and its roughly 40-metre gopuram is one of Chennai's most recognizable architectural landmarks.
Spiritual significance
The temple anchors Mylapore's cultural life, and its annual Arupathimoovar Festival (March-April) is celebrated with a grand chariot procession.
Plan your visit
Darshan timings
5:00 AM to around 9:30-10:00 PM (two shifts).
Timings change on festivals and special occasions. Confirm with the temple's official source before you travel.
Chennai's local MRTS/suburban rail network connects to Mylapore; the temple is within walking distance of the station.
Continue your Shiva bhakti
Devotional texts for this deity, already on the site.