Deity
Shiva (Kapaleeshwarar)
Main sanctum
श्री कपालेश्वरर
Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is a historic Dravidian-style Shiva temple associated in the record with the Vijayanagara period (16th Century). It is noted for its place within Chennai’s Shaivite traditions, with approximate daily morning and evening darshan timings listed.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Temple Summary
Quick Facts
Pilgrimage Status
Shiva Temple
Shaivite tradition
Architecture
Dravidian
Vijayanagara era
Location
Chennai, Chennai district, Tamil Nadu
City temple
Temple Profile
History and Significance
History
- Founded
- 7th Century AD
- Founder
- Pallava Dynasty
- The original 7th-century Pallava temple located near the shore was destroyed during 16th-century colonial conflicts. The present temple structure was rebuilt in the 16th century by Vijayanagara rulers in Mylapore. It is praised in 7th-century devotional hymns by Nayanmar saints Saint Sambandar and Appar.
Significance
- Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a classic example of Dravidian architecture featuring a 120-foot multicolored Gopuram and an adjoining sacred tank. Goddess Karpagambal is worshipped here in the form of a peahen ('Mayil'), which gave Mylapore its name. The annual 10-day Panguni Peruvizha festival features the famous Arupathimoovar procession.
Temple Pilgrimage Summary
Pilgrim Guide
Before You Visit
Use the session timings
Plan around the approximate darshan windows: 05:00–12:00 and 16:00–21:30.
Avoid the closure gap
There is a mid-day closure between morning and evening sessions; schedule travel and meals accordingly.
City travel planning
As it is within Chennai, factor in local traffic and parking constraints when choosing your visit time.
Dress and conduct
Wear modest attire suitable for a Shiva temple and follow on-site guidance for queues and sanctum access.
Keep time for a calm visit
If visiting during peak hours, arrive earlier within the session to reduce waiting time.
Temple Timings
Darshan Schedule
Morning timings
05:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Evening timings
04:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Festivals
Temple Calendar Highlights
Not specified • Not specified
Mahashivaratri
A major Shiva observance commonly associated with Shiva temples; specific local details are not provided in the record.
Not specified • Not specified
Pradosham
A recurring Shiva worship day; the record does not specify temple-specific arrangements or dates.
Not specified • Not specified
Karthigai Deepam
A widely observed Tamil festival; the record does not list temple-specific celebrations.
Temple Knowledge
Contribute to Kapaleeshwarar Temple
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Community Notes
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Weekday mornings usually have shorter darshan queues than weekends.
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Carry a small cloth bag for footwear token and prasad containers.
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Gyaandweep Guide
Suggested pilgrim note
Aarti timings can shift on festival days, so check local notice boards.
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ज्ञ
श्री कपालेश्वरर
Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Additional Resources
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Temple Videos
Titles and links are sourced from temple JSON profile data.
Kapaleeshwarar Temple Chennai | Dravidian Architecture & Darshan Guide
Chennai Heritage Walks• 14:10
Watch on YouTubeKapaleeshwarar Temple Timings | Morning & Evening Darshan (Chennai)
Temple Info Hub• 8:22
Watch on YouTubeVijayanagara-era Temples in Chennai | Kapaleeshwarar Overview
History Trails Tamil• 11:36
Watch on YouTube