Mylapore Kapaleeswarar Temple
Subshrines Name – NARTHANA VINAYAGAR
Vimana Type – Anandha Vimanam
Sanctorum Shape – Circle Shape
Speciality – Historical
Subshrines Details – The dancing Pillaiyar shrine is accommodated in a 54 sq meter area just opposite to the main Rajagopuram entrance facing east. The Vinayagar (Lord) is devotedly addressed as Narthana Vinayagar, Nritha Vinayagar, and Natana Vinayagar. The deity is self manifested (Swayambu). The dancing posture of the pillaiyar is sculpted skilfully and beautifully in Karungal stone. The templersquos ancient guide highlights how the elder son of Shiva engages in joyous and enthralling dance with ease firmly planting his right leg on the floor to obey his fatherrsquos command. It is also said that only the Koothadum pillayar shrine existed in the earlier era in the Kapali temple. The glory of Koothadum Pillaiyar has been sung in the history (sthala puranam) of the temple. Mahakavi Meenakshi Sundaram has given a detailed explanation of why the Lord opted to indulge in happy dancing mode in this vicinity. It is also considered a great boon to break coconut right in front of the Pillayar idol.Here, Vinayakar represents the Omkara vadivum (origin, structure). Before commencing any task, we need to get His blessings and if we do so, any obstacles in the way will get cleared. He accepts all kind of flowers and arukampul (a type of grass). He is the first son of Lord Siva and Goddess Parvathi. The temple offers five times puja everyday. The first day of Vasantha (chithrai) is a special occasion when festival for Narthana Vinayagar takes place. On Vinayaka Chaurthi Day, in Avani special puja is offered . On all chaturti days, special puja is performed. Notable is the waning moon (theipirai) day before Vinayaka Chaturthi. A unique ldquo latcha archanai (100000 times) is done. Narthana Vinayakar festival is the first festival in the Panguni Peruvizha.