Temples of Bharath

History of the place

When Lord Shiva was teaching the Mother about "namashivaya" and the sacred ashes, she gets diverted towards the beauty of a peacock. The Lord cursed her to become a peacock and asked her to do penance to get relief from the curse. The Mother chose this place and worshiped the Shivalinga in the form of a peacock under a Punnai tree. The Lord, moved by Her devotion blessed her with the name "Karpagavalli". As the Mother worshipped in the form of a peacock ("Mayil" in Tamil language) this place is known as Mylapore.

Saints who worshiped

Thirugnana Sambandhar, Thirunavukkarasar, Sundarar and Arunagirinadhar. This is the 257th Devara sthalam.

Temple History, Speciality, Miracle and Greatness

The Lord Shiva here is a Swayambu Murthi.The Lord nipped one head of Brahma to cut down his pride, hence the name "Kapaleeswarar". As the Mother grants all wishes to her devotees like Karpaga Vriksham (the tree that grants all boons) She is named "Karpagambal". Lord Muruga got His Sakthivel from the Lord and Mother to figth against Surapadman. After his victory, Lord Muruga married Deivanai, Lord Indra's daughter. As the elephant "Iravadam" could not bear the separation of Deivanai, he also settled here. Hence, both Valli and Deivanai are sitting on an elephant which is a rare treat. This sacred land is the birth place of Thiruvalluvar (Tamil poet), Peyazhvaar (Vaishnavate saint), and Vaayilaar Naayanaar (one of the 63 shivaites) . Thiru Gnanasambandhar did a miracle and brought life to the ashes of Angampoompaavai, daughter of Sivanesar, as she was bitten by a snake.

Pariharam

People pray the Lord for mental peace and the Mother for child boon, wedding and family welfare and health. Special pujas are conducted to the Lord on every full moon days.

Pariharam Procedure

Abishekas, aaradhanas and Vastras are offered to the Lord and Mother. Once the devotees wishes are granted, many devotees distribute jaggery in mud pots during the 8th day of the Panguni Peruvizha (Brahmmotsavam)

Pooja Types

Kameekam

Festival Period

10 days Panguni Peruvizha with celebrations for 63 Saivite saints (Nayanmars) and other important Shiva festivals. Thai theppam (raft floating festival), Tamil and English New Year days. Almost every month many festivals are conducted here.

Dharshan Timings

IST 05:00 AM to 12.30 PM, 04:00 PM to 9.30 PM

How to reach

Mylapore is in the heart of Chennai city and is well connected with local trains and bus facilities.

Nearest Location

Railway Station : Chennai Central, Egmore. Airport : Chennai