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The city of Chennai, where there is a perfect blend of modernism and Indian cultural heritage, there are variety of places which rapturously attract millions of tourists, every year; especially for those who seek peace, divinity and serenity. One among such places in Chennai is the Kapaleswarar temple in Mylapore.
This is an imposing piece of architecture in built in the elegant Dravidian style dedicated to Lord Shiva of the Hindu mythology. This temple has some most beautiful sculptures; along with the bronze idols of 63 Shaivaite Saints (Nayanmars) which adorn the outer courtyard are rare specimens. Mylapore’s name is believed to have been derived from this legend- ''Myil" which means peacock and 'Oor' which means town. Mylapore becomes a busy hub and a center of attraction during the Arubathumoovar festival, in the months of March-April every year.
The center of attraction in the temple is two vast Gopurams (entrances) seemingly touching the sky. The east gopuram is about 40 meters in height, while the smaller western gopuram faces the sacred tank, where people take the holy dip to wash off their sins. The amazing walls of the temple depicting the tale of Lord Shiva turning his wife Parvati into a peahen, its openness and vastness, the excellently sculpted idols and the delicious ‘prashad’ given to all the pilgrims are other reasons to be quoted that draw crowds in extremely large number.
History of Kapaleswarar Temple
The temple is believed to have been a legacy of the Pallavan period, established during the 7th century. There are contrasting view on the actual location of the temple and who built them. But researches have found that it was actually erected on the sea shore, later destroyed by the waves according to some sources; while the others believe that it was destroyed by the Portuguese and rebuilt a few hundred years ago. True to its history, the beauty of the temple is unrivalled and unpredictable.
Best Time to Visit Kapaleswarar Temple
The region is most pleasant in the winter months from October to March.
Location
State: Tamil Nadu
District: Chennai
How to reach Kapaleswarar Temple
Nearest airport: Chennai has its own airport.
Nearest railway stations: Chennai is an important railhead well connected to other cities in the state and the country.
Directions by road from nearby cities: Chennai is well connected by road to other important cities of the state.
Tourism Department
Deputy Commissioner/Executive officer
Arulmigu Kapleeshwar temple
Mylapore, Chennai
Phone- 91-44-24641670
Email:
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Climatic Conditions
Located near the sea shore, Chennai experiences hot and humid summers, while winters are pleasant with occasional rainfall, from October to December. It is mostly moderate all through the year.
Clothing
Light clothing is recommended
Tourist attractions near Kapaleswarar Temple
- Marina beach- The world’s second largest sea shore is no doubt nature’s gift to Chennai. It is a place for all ages. Children who play games on the sand and build sand castles, youngsters who wish to while away their time with only the sky above and the sea in front, fisher folk whose livelihood is in the boisterous waters that rise and fall tirelessly, and elders who reminisce about old times find Marina a haven. There is an aquarium very close to the beach, a home to exotic collection of fishes-both sea water and marine water. The other attractions in the Marina include the Samadhi of Anna and M.G.Ramachandran, the two important names in the history of the state.
- Fort St. George- This building in red sandstone symbolizes the British rule in India. It is now an official building of the Govt. of Tamil Nadu. Surrounding the building you can see bazaars and markets which are always thronged by people.
- The Government Museum- This 16.25 acres of land, originally constructed during the British era, a home to rare collections of the past, dating back to the earthen wares of the Harappan civilization, to the medieval and modern Indian civilization. There are exotic collection of paintings, sculptures, scriptures and lot more.
- Valluvar Kottam- Its name speaks its origin and purpose. This, spacious auditorium was built in memory of the Greatest Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar. The land was previously a dungeon, thanks to the conscious Govt. of Tamil Nadu; the place was utilized to establish the vivacious hall of capacity of 4000 seats. The 101 feet high massive chariot in the place attracts attention of all visitors, with an imposing statue of the legend. The base of the chariot shows in bas-relief the 133 chapters of the Thirukkural. Over 3000 blocks of stone were used to create this memorial to Tamil culture.
• Snake Park- Located in Guindy, this is every child’s favorite picnic spot. Once here, you can find a numerous wild collection of over 40 species of snakes. The thrill here has no bounds as you come across a variety of fauna like crocodiles, tortoises, chameleons etc.
This article was contributed by Abhay Tandon
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