Mylapore Kapaleeswarar Temple
Subshrines Name – ARULMIGU SUNDARESWARAR SANNATHI
Vimana Type – Anandha Vimanam
Sanctorum Shape – Circle Shape
Speciality – Prayer
Subshrines Details – On the eastern side of the inner temple area, Sundareswarar sannidhi is situated, in an area of 40 sq meters. One can see Lord Sundareswarar in the form of a Lingam near the divine Mahizam tree. The interesting aspect of this shrine is the two stone sculptured nagas (cobra) on bothsides. The small sacrificing is also placed in front of the idol. The routine puja is done in the morning and evening.
Subshrines Name – ARULMIGU JAGATHEESWARAR SANNATHI
Vimana Type – Anandha Vimanam
Sanctorum Shape – Circle Shape
Speciality – Prayer
Subshrines Details – Jagadeswarar sannadhi is situated in a 30 sq. meter space on the south side of Navagraha shrine. A small turret over the sanctum adds to the elegance of the temple. Here Jagadeewarar gives darshan to the devotees in the Lingam form. Apart from the daily puja, a speical puja is performed on the Ratha Sapthami day.
Subshrines Name – ARULMIGU ANNAMALAIYAR SANNATHI
Vimana Type – Anandha Vimanam
Sanctorum Shape – Circle Shape
Speciality – Prayer
Subshrines Details – Annamaliyar shrine is situated on the south side of Vinayagar temple. It is located in 23 sq meter area. Inside the shrine, is a tiny temple, dexterously managed in 3 sq meter for Unnamalai ammaiyar. Thirugnana Sambandar, a 7th century Tamil Saivite poet venerated Annamaliayar and Unnamalai Amman in ten verses in Thevaram. His Thevaram compilations are known as the first Thirumurai. Appar, another Saivite saint also venerated Annamalaiyar in 10 verses of Thevaram compiled as fifth Thirumurai. Manikavasagar, a 9th century Saivite and poet revered Annamalaiyar in his writing describing the deity as Annamalai. Puja is performed every morning here.
Subshrines Name – NANDHI DEVAR
Vimana Type – Anandha Vimanam
Sanctorum Shape – Circle Shape
Speciality – Others
Subshrines Details – Nandi facing the main deity, Kapaleeswarar is on the western side of the temple. Nandi is known for taking different roles. He is the sacred steed of Siva. Nandi is to Siva as Garuda is to Vishnu, the main form of transportation and an ardent devotee. Nandi is in charge of leading all followers of Siva. He is the gatekeeper and protector of Siva and Parvathi. It is said that one must first gain the approval of Nandhi before being allowed worship of Lord Siva. On the day of Mattu Pongal, special decoration and garland of flowers and fruits, sweets and savoury are part of algangaram ritual for Nandi from morning to evening. It is also observed that if we do abhishegam to this nandhi, rain fall occurs. Pradosha vrata (fasting) which is also known as Pradosham is observed to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. The vrata is observed on Trayodashi tithi of both Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha. If the pradosha falls on a Saturday, it is known as Sani Pradosham, and draws a larger crowd than usual. Similarly Somavaara Pradosham (Mondays) is also special.
Indira the King of Devas, while riding on the elephant Airavata, once came across Sage Durvasa who offered him a special garland given to him by Siva. Indira placed it in the trunk of the elephant. The elephant, aware that Indira had no control over his ego, threw the garland to the ground and trampled by its feet. This enraged the sage as the garland was the dwelling of Sri (fortune) and to be treated with due respect. Durvasa uttered a curse that Indira and all devas would be deprived of their strength, energy, and fortune.