Arulmigu Kapaleeswarar Temple
North Mada Street, Mylapore, Chennai · Lord Kapaleeswarar (Shiva, as a lingam) with Goddess Karpagambal
Chennai's best-loved Shiva temple, where Parvati worshipped as a peahen and the 63 Nayanmars ride out every Panguni.
The Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore is the oldest and busiest Shiva temple in the heart of Chennai and the first temple (TM000001) on the HR&CE register. Shiva is worshipped as Kapaleeswarar and Parvati as Karpagambal, the goddess of the wish-yielding tree. The Tevaram hymns of Sambandar and Appar sang of the shrine, so it is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams. Mylapore takes its name from the legend that Parvati worshipped Shiva here in the form of a peahen (mayil). The present temple, with its tall east gopuram and large tank, dates mainly from the 16th–17th centuries, after the original shore temple was lost.
Timings
- Morning: 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM (official HR&CE page)
- Evening: 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM; nadai closing 9:15 – 9:30 PM
- Maha Shivaratri: Open 24 hours (5:00 AM to 5:00 AM next day)
- Festival days: Timings change during the Panguni Brahmotsavam and other festivals
Darshan types and costs
- General (free) darshan – Free
- Special entry darshan – Check online / at the counter
Sevas and costs
- Kapaleeswarar Abhishekam – ₹900 (During the pooja times, as allotted by the office)
- Karpagambal Abhishekam – ₹900 (As allotted)
- Rudrabhishekam (11 kalasam) – ₹2,700 (1 kalasam: ₹550) (As allotted)
- Saneeswarar Abhishekam – ₹700 (Popular on Saturdays)
- 108 Silver Lotus Archanai – ₹300 (During darshan hours)
- Thanga Pavadai (golden skirt) offering – ₹750 (As allotted)
- Golden Chariot (Thanga Ther) procession – ₹1,501 (Evenings, on dates available for booking)
- Archanai – approx. small ticket (check at counter) (During darshan hours)
- Annadhanam sponsorship – ₹5,250 (150 people) / ₹7,000 (200 people); ₹1,00,000 permanent deposit (Any chosen day)
- Panguni Brahmotsavam processions – Free (Panguni (Mar–Apr), about 10 days. 2026: 23 Mar – 1 Apr)
How to book darshan
Archanai, special entry, abhishekam, temple pooja and golden chariot bookings are listed on the HR&CE online services page for the temple; everything can also be booked at the temple office on North Mada Street.
HR&CE online services – Kapaleeswarar
Dress code
Traditional, modest dress: veshti/dhoti or trousers with shirt for men; saree, half-saree or churidar with dupatta for women. Shorts and sleeveless tops are not appropriate.
Best time to visit
November to February for cooler weather; early morning (5:30–8 AM) for shorter queues. Panguni (March–April) for the Brahmotsavam, with very large crowds on the ther and Arupathumoovar days.
How to reach
- air: Chennai International Airport is about 11 km away (HR&CE page).
- rail: Chennai Central is about 6 km away; the nearest suburban MRTS station is Thirumayilai (Mylapore).
- road: In central Mylapore on North Mada Street. City buses and autos from all parts of Chennai; parking on the mada streets is very limited.
Festivals
- Panguni Brahmotsavam (Panguni Peruvizha) – Panguni (Mar–Apr). 2026: 23 Mar – 1 Apr; ther 29 Mar; Arupathumoovar 30 Mar
- Theppam (float festival) – Annual, three days (check with temple)
- Maha Shivaratri – Feb–Mar
- Navaratri – Sep–Oct
- Pradosham and Fridays – Twice a month / weekly