Siva temple
About Siva temple
Located in the historic Mylapore district of Chennai, Kapaleeshwarar Temple stands as a magnificent example of Dravidian architecture and spiritual heritage. The temple's origins trace back over 1,300 years to the Pallava period, though the current structure dates to more than 300 years ago following reconstruction by Vijayanagara kings after destruction by foreign invaders. The temple features distinctive colorful gopurams (towers), with the eastern gopuram reaching 40 meters in height, adorned with intricate statues of deities and mythological figures. According to legend, Goddess Parvati performed penance here in the form of a peacock to worship Lord Shiva, which inspired the name Mylapore, derived from 'Mail' meaning peacock. The temple also holds significance as the place where Lord Muruga received the divine Shaktivel weapon from his mother before battling the demon Surapadman. The name Kapaleeshwarar itself commemorates Lord Shiva's teaching of humility to Brahma, referencing the Sanskrit word 'Kapalam' meaning skull.
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