Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Kapaleeshwarar Temple: A Journey into Ancient Dravidian Architecture and Shiva Devotion

Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a vibrant and historically significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (Kapaleeshwarar) and his consort Parvati (Karpagambal). Located in Mylapore, Chennai, it showcases exquisite Dravidian architecture and is a center for religious and cultural activities.

Expectations for Pilgrims

Sacred Offerings: Blessings from Lord Kapaleeshwarar

Prasad at Kapaleeshwarar Temple is typically a collection of items considered blessed and auspicious, representing the divine grace of the deity.

Prasad / Prasadam :

Note : Prasad is usually distributed after the daily pujas and during festivals. It's available within the temple premises, often near the main shrines.

What to Offer: Expressing Devotion to the Divine Couple

Devotees can offer various items as tokens of their devotion and to seek blessings from Lord Kapaleeshwarar and Goddess Karpagambal.

Devotee's Offerings

Offerings can be purchased from shops near the temple entrance. Local priests can provide guidance on specific offerings and rituals.

Essential Experiences: Immerse Yourself in the Temple's Spirituality

Activities:

Sacred Rituals & Pujas: Connecting with the Divine

Kapaleeshwarar Temple hosts numerous pujas and rituals daily, as well as special ceremonies during festivals.

Attending Pujas:

Non Attending Pujas:

Pujas and rituals can be booked at the temple office. It's advisable to inquire in advance, especially during festivals, as slots fill up quickly.

Historical Roots & Profound Meaning: An Ancient Legacy

The Kapaleeshwarar Temple has a rich history, dating back to the 7th century CE, although the current structure is a reconstruction from the 16th century.

Significance: A Paramount Spiritual Beacon

Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a vital spiritual and cultural center, attracting devotees and tourists alike.

Key Aspects:

• Architectural Marvel The temple's intricate carvings, towering gopurams (gateway towers), and vibrant sculptures are a testament to the skill of Dravidian artisans.
• Religious Hub A place of worship where devotees seek blessings from Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, participate in rituals, and find solace in their faith.

Opening Hours

Sunday : 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:30 – 9:30 PM
Monday : 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:30 – 9:30 PM
Tuesday : 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:30 – 9:30 PM
Wednesday : 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:30 – 9:30 PM
Thursday : 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:30 – 9:30 PM
Friday : 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:30 – 9:30 PM
Saturday : 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:30 – 9:30 PM

User Review

Total Reviews : 10137

• Star Rating :
  Author Name : Nabanita Lahiri
  Review Time : a month ago
  Review : A magnificent temple dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva.. As a non Hindu, I found the guided tour of the temple and surrounding sites by our tour company Enchanting Travels to be well researched and informative and the huge temple grounds a must do when visiting Chennai. We are here during the annual event of 2025. It was an amazing experience.
  
  
• Star Rating :
  Author Name : Pankaj Sharma
  Review Time : 3 months ago
  Review : Typical South Indian Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Place is very calm and peaceful. One can feel the religious atmosphere the moment you enter the temple premises. Clicking pictures of the deities is not allowed. The temple has hundreds of idols of the Sadhus with their names as well. This was the first time I saw such a large number of idols in a temple. The temple is spread across a large campus. It was 4 main sections and all of them are easily accessible. I visited during the week days at 4 pm and had very few people with only 5 minutes wait time. Kindly avoid visiting during most religious days if you want to avoid crowds.
  
  
• Star Rating :
  Author Name : Abhija Jayan
  Review Time : a month ago
  Review : Temple with a great legacy situated at the heart of the city. Parking is available, but the streets to the temple are narrow , I took an uber auto to the temple from Nungambakkam. There is a counter to keep you footwear, free of cost by the temple. The premises are clean and well maintained. Don't miss to have filter coffee from any of the small shops around the temple
  
  
• Star Rating :
  Author Name : Isha Katey
  Review Time : 2 months ago
  Review : Nestled in the heart of Mylapore, Chennai, the Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a vibrant and sacred space dedicated to Lord Shiva. It stands as a beautiful representation of Dravidian architecture and South Indian temple culture. The towering gopuram (gateway tower) is adorned with colorful sculptures that instantly capture your attention. One of the most heartwarming aspects of this temple is how rituals are conducted with deep devotion. The priests perform poojas in a traditional manner, and you’ll notice that artificial lighting is kept to a minimum. Instead, the temple glows with the warmth of oil-lit diyas, creating a serene and spiritual ambiance. Unlike many crowded temples, Kapaleeshwarar Temple offers a calm and respectful environment. There’s no pushing or shoving — everyone is given time to offer their prayers and soak in the energy of the place. (Non-hindus are not allowed inside the temple) Nayanars and Kapaleeshwarar Temple The Nayanars were 63 poet-saints who lived between the 6th and 9th centuries CE and dedicated their lives to the worship of Lord Shiva. Their hymns, devotion, and stories form the spiritual foundation of Shaivism in Tamil Nadu. What Makes It Special Architecture: Classic South Indian temple structure with colorful stucco figures, pillars, and a sacred pond nearby. Culture: The temple reflects the deep-rooted traditions of Tamil Nadu — from the rituals to the attire of devotees. Atmosphere: Peaceful, respectful, and welcoming to both devotees and tourists. Temple Timings Morning: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM Evening: 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM Best to visit early morning or around sunset to catch the aarti and avoid the heat. Getting There By Metro: Idk much about this. By Bus/Auto: Easily accessible by city buses or autos from most parts of Chennai. By Car: Parking might be tricky near the temple due to narrow roads, but paid parking lots are available nearby. Shops & Food Around the temple, you’ll find small flower vendors, puja item sellers, and traditional snack shops. Put on gajra on hair.Don't miss out on trying some hot filter coffee or South Indian tiffin items from local eateries — they add charm to the entire experience.
  
  
• Star Rating :
  Author Name : lalit tandon
  Review Time : 2 months ago
  Review : No words to say what kind of positive energy you feel the moment you enter this place of worship.. the temple complex is very spacious and very well maintained. The roads leading to the temple are full of shops and like a market place so, it’s kinda narrow and parking also scarce. I would suggest to visit early morning hours on non festival days. If visiting on special / festival days, do consider taking a cab or use two wheeler.