Chidambaram Kapaleeswarar Temple is situated in Mylapore, Chennai in Tamil Nadu. The temple is devoted to Lord Natarajah (the dancing form of Lord Shiva).

Chidambaram depicts the seat of Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, along with the Ananda Tandava pose that signifies the cosmic dance of bliss. It is one of the images that connote the five elements of water, fire, wind, earth and space.

Legend

The name ‘Chidambaram Kapaleeswarar’ of the temple is derived from two words: “Kapalam,” which means “head” and “Eeshwarar” which means “Lord Shiva”.

According to the legend, when Brahma and Lord Shiva met at the peak of Mount Kailash, Brahma did not show due respect to the Lord. As a result, Lord Shiva severed one of the heads of Brahma (kapalams).

During penance, Brahma descended to the site of Mylapore and erected a Lingam in a bid to please Lord Shiva. This place is called by several names like Veda Puri, Sukra Puri and more. It is also called “Mayilaye Kayilai” and “Kailaye Mayilai”. This means the place is equivalent to Kailash.

According to another legend, once Goddess Karpagambal playfully closed the eyes of Lord Shiva. This made the world plunge into darkness. Due to this, Lord Shiva cursed the Goddess and made her a pea-hen. She penance at this place to get rid of the curse.

Lord Muruga obtained Sakthi Vel, the spear, for Soora Samharam from Goddess Parvathi at this place. Brahma worshipped at this temple to get rid of his ego and restored his power to create.

The four Vedas worshipped here. Sukracharya worshipped at this temple and restored his lost eye.

Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here to win the battle against Ravana. Sivanesa Chettiar Angam Poompavai’s daughter got back her lost life at this spot thanks to the powers of Thirugnana Sambandar.

The Saiva Saint, Vaayilar Nayanar, obtained salvation at this temple. Thiruvalluvar, the one who wrote Thirukkural, was born in Mylapore.

History

The original Chidambaram Kapaleeswarar Temple was constructed on the sea shore, but the Portuguese destroyed it. The present temple was constructed about 1.5 km away from its original spot during the Vijayanagara Empire of the Tuluva Dynasty (1491-1570 CE).

The Hindu Religious and Endowment Board, Government of Tamil Nadu, maintains and administers the present Chidambaram Kapaleeswarar Temple.

Architecture

Chidambaram Kapaleeswarar Temple dates back to the 8th century Pallava architecture. The stucco Goddesses, Gods, and Saints in this temple denote crucial Puranic legends. Courtyard of the temple exhibits The Punnai Tree, which is one of Chennai city’s oldest trees.

The temple beautifully expresses archetypal Dravidian architecture. It features a big and flamboyantly carved Gopuram that soars to the sky. This old Shiva temple introduces people to the Dravidian era through its mind blowing architecture.

This temple pays a tribute to the Vishwakarmas Sthapathis. The temple has two entrances, with each one featuring a Gopuram on both sides. Each Gopuram is around 40 meter high. The western style and smaller Gopuram faces the temple’s sacred tank.

The temple has various Sannidhis that are devoted to various Gods. The Sannidhi of Lord Ganesha greets tourists just at the entrance of the temple. Devotees here worship Lord Ganesha as Nardhana Ganapathi, which is Ganesha in a dance pose. Just right to Lord Ganesha is the Annamalayar Sannidhi.

Temple Festivals

The Tamil month of Panguni (from Mid-March to mid-April) sees the traditional Brahmotsavam Festival. During this time, there is fanfare in the whole neighborhood.

There is a 9-day long Spring Festival called Panguni Peruvizha. It commences with flag hoisting ceremony called Dwajarohanam. It includes Therotsavam or Car Festival and Arupathimoovar Festival. It ends with Tirukkalyanam, which denotes marriage of Kapaleeswarar and Karpagambal.

During Brahmotsavam, idols of both Kapaleeswarar and Karpagambal are adorned with clothes and jewels. They are mounted on the chariot or car or vahana and taken around the temple and its sacred tank in a pradakshinam.

The pradakshinam is repeated with different chariots in the next nine days. The most important procession is the Arupathimoovar Festival, which happens on the 8th day. It is named after the 63 Nayanmars, who obtained salvation through their devotion and love to Lord Shiva.

Temple Timings

Temple rituals are conducted six times a day, every day: Ushathkalamritual at 6:00 am, Kalasanthiritual at 9:00 am, Uchikalam ritual at 1:00 pm, Sayarakshai ritual at 5:00 pm, Irandamkalam ritual at 7:00 pm and Ardha Jamam ritual at 9:00 pm.

Best Time to Visit

Winter is the best time to visit South India. Early mornings are the best time to visit temples in Tamil Nadu.

How to Reach

The nearest airports are in Tiruchirapalli at a distance of 195 km and in Chennai at a distance of 245 km.

Chidambaram is located on the main line of Madras-Tiruchirapalli of the Southern Railway. This place is well connected with Tiruchirapalli, Chennai, Bangalore, Madurai, Rameshwaram and Tirupati.

Tourists can avail themselves private buses and state transport buses that connect Chidambaram to various places in south India.