Mylapore Kapaleeswarar Temple
Subshrines Name – ARULMIGU KAPALEESWARAR
Vimana Type – Anandha Vimanam
Sanctorum Shape – Circle Shape
Speciality – Historical
Subshrines Details – The main deity Arulmigu Kapaleeswarar is facing West in the form of Shiva Linga. Punnai Vanathu Eesan, Veda Nagarinan, Sukhra puriyan, Kapaleeswaraththinan, are the names to identify this deity. This main idol has been Utshava idol is also inside the Sanctum Sanctorium. Shiva facing the west is known as Sathyo Jatham. Thirugnanasambandhar has praised Kapaleeswarar in his Thevaram. Godess Parvathi was given salvation in this temple by Lord Kapaleeswarar. This deity has been worshiped by Brahma and Rama. There are several verses in praise of Lord Kapaleeswarar. Special Abishegam in Pradosham, Sivarathiri, Full moon day, Amavasai and Tamil new year.
The sacred shrine of Kapaleeswarar is situated in an area that is 8 meters in length and 6.5 meter wide. The sanctum sanctorium contains the Lingam. At the entrance are the Dwarapalakas or gate keepers who keep vigil. Traditional oil lamps like the decorative Surya and Chandraprabhai adorn the idol giving a glow and positive energy. The Lingam here is a symbol of the form and formless aspects of the divine. The Lingam is adorned with flowers and bhilva leaves, rudraksha garland and vibhuthi (sacred ash). On special occasions, the peeta (base) will be covered with silver plate and over the Lingam will be the silver hooded snake.
Kapalaeeswarar sannidhi has many idols of consecrated deities and saivite saints surrounding it. On the South wall, the deftly sculptured Selva Vinayakar is there, ready to give boons. On the right side , a 6 sq. meter shrine for Arumugaswami is located. On the north, a 9 sq. meter shrine for dancing Nataraja exists. Opposite to the Nataraja shrine, Durgai Amman idol is installed. The 63 Nayanmars are located, as also Bitchadanar, Chandrasekar. On the west side Singaravelar utsava vigraham is instllaed. Only here the spouse of Gnanasambandar, Sosthirapurani is installed. Virabadarar, Bairavar, Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswathi are also seen here. 63 nayanmars in sculpture is seen here. Purachnada guru Meikanda devar, arul nandi sivam, maraignana sambandaar, umapathy sivam, Kapaleeswarar sametha karpagambal as utsava moorthy,( Somaskandar) are all kept here. A memorial shrine in his name was built in an area of 15.5 sq meters. His shrine is on the west side of Palani Andavar. The saint gets special attention on his star (Revathi) birthday. In the month of Markzhi (December) , Vayilar is given a special puja and taken around in a highly decorated flower palanquin around the streets (Mada streets) of the temple. Daily routin puja is performed.
Subshrines Name – ARULMIGU KARPAGAMBAL
Vimana Type – Anandha Vimanam
Sanctorum Shape – Circle Shape
Speciality – Historical
Subshrines Details – Karpagambal sannidhi is situated to the north of Kapaleeswarar shrine. The Amman sannidhi occupies 65 sq. meter area. The deity faces South direction. In front of the goddess, facing her is a stone sculpture of a Lion, the mount of the Goddess. The walls in this Sanndhi are inscribed with Abhirami Andathi, Lalitha Sahasra Naamam, Lalitha Trisadhi. Navarathri festival is held for Karpagambal. Six pujas are performed everyday. In the month of Puratasi (October) i, the Navarathri celebration are conducted in magnificent manner. During Adi puram, Vaikasi pournami occasion the Santhana kappu is performed . The sandalwood paste is applied on the deity. On the auspicious Adi Friday , and Thai Friday , the Amman is given special abhishkam. Durng the month of Thai , yegadina latcharchani is done. On every Friday, Karapagambal is adorned with 1008 sahasaranama garland.. On every Tuesday, Ambal gets archana with 108 silver lotus. On Wednesdays , Karpagambal wears a silver skirt. Ambal is taken around the temple in the golden chariot.