Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Chennai :

Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a temple of Lord Shiva situated in Mylapore, Chennai in the Indian province of Tamil Nadu. The form of Shiva’s consort Parvati revered at this sanctuary is called Karpagambal is from Tamil Nadu (“Goddess of the Karpaka Vruksha”). The sanctuary was built around the seventh century CE and is an illustration of Dravidian architecture.

As indicated by the Puranas, Shakti adored Shiva as a peacock, giving the vernacular name Mylai (Mayilāi) to the space that created around the sanctuary – mayil is Tamil for “peacock”. Shiva is worshipped as Kapaleeswarar and is addressed by the lingam. His consort Parvati is portrayed as Karpagambal. The presiding god is worshipped in the seventh century Tamil Saiva sanctioned work, the Tevaram, composed by Tamil holy person writers referred to as the Nayanars and named Paadal Petra Sthalam.

The temple has various hallowed places, with those of Kapaleeswarar and Karpagambal being the most conspicuous. The temple complex houses numerous corridors. The temple has six day by day customs at different occasions from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and four yearly celebrations on its schedule.

ABOUT THE DEVA:

The sanctuary’s name is derived from the words kapāla (head) and Īśvara an assumed name of ruler Shiva. As per the Puranas, during the gathering of Brahma and Shiva at top of Mount Kailash Brahma neglected to recognize Shiva. Because of this, Shiva culled of one of Brahma’s heads (kapalams). In a demonstration of compensation, Brahma boiled down to the site of Mylapore and introduced a Lingam to satisfy Shiva. This spot is known as Sukra Puri, Veda Puri, among numerous different names including “Kailaye Mayilai and Mayilaye Kayilai “which implies this spot is equivalent to kailash. Goddess Karpagambal, a type of Shiva’s consort Parvati, because of a curse turned into a pea-hen and did penance here to get back her unique character. Shiva’s child Murugan got the spear(Sakthi Vel) for the destruction of an evil spirit from Parvati here. Brahma had venerated here to dispose of his conscience and get back his ability to make. The four Vedas have adored here.

Sukracharya adored the Lord here and got back his lost eye. Rama has adored here and won the conflict against Ravana and brought back Sita from Lanka. The little girl of Sivanesa Chettiar Angam Poompavai got her lost life because of snake nibble was subsequently restored here by the forces of Thirugnana Sambandar. Vayilar Nayanar, a saiva holy person, achieved salvation here and Mylapore is additionally the origination of Thiruvalluvar who composed the Thirukkural. In Thevaram uncommon notice is made about the excellent Madaveedhi as “Malgun Mathri Thavazhum Maada Veedhi Mylappil Ullar”. Thiruganana Sambandar, Arunagirinathar have sung the greatness of Karpagambal, Singara Velar. The 10-day celebration during March/April is a treat to watch and Arubathu Moovar celebration is gone to by lakhs of enthusiasts consistently.

ABOUT THE TEMPLE :

The Kapaleeshwarar sanctuary is of common Dravidian structural style, with the gopuram overwhelming the road on which the sanctuary sits. This sanctuary is likewise a tribute for the vishwakarmas sthapathis. There are two passageways to the sanctuary set apart by the gopuram on one or the other side. The east gopuram is around 40 m high, while the more modest western gopuram faces the holy tank.

The vahanas (Sanskrit for “vehicles”) at the sanctuary incorporate the bull, Adhikaranandi, elephant, bandicoot, peacock, goat and parrot, while a brilliant chariot is a new expansion. Sculptures of the god and the goddess are situated on a vahana or chariot which is acquired a parade around the sanctuary while the sanctuary band plays music. Devotees gather around the vahanas and think of it as a chance to pull/lift the God and the Goddess on the vahana. There is likewise a peacock and a peahen confined inside the sanctuary, to represent the custom that Karpagambal had come as peahen to argue to Kapaleeshwarar.

FESTIVALS :

During the Tamil month of Panguni, the customary brahmotsavam (yearly celebration) happens when the whole area comes alive with a mela (amusement park)- like climate. Since this month compares to the mid-March to mid-April span, the Kapaleeshwarar sanctuary praises the multi day-long as Panguni Peruvizha (Spring festival). The celebration begins with Dwajarohanam (banner lifting), incorporates the therotsavam, ( ther, “vehicle/chariot”; utsavam; “celebration”), Arupathimoovar celebration and finishes up with the Tirukkalyanam (Marriage of Kapaleeswarar and Karpagambal). In Brahmotsavam, the icons of Kapaleeshwarar and Karpagambal are adorned with garments and gems, are mounted on a vahana, and afterward taken around the sanctuary and its water tank in a pradakshinam (a clockwise way when seen from a higher place). This is repeated with various vahanas over the course of the following nine days. The more significant of the individual pradakshinams are the Athigara Nandhi on the third day, the Rishaba Vahanam on 12 PM of the fifth day, the ther (around 13 meters in stature and pulled by individuals) on the seventh morning, and the Arupathimoovar celebration on the eighth day.

The Arupathimoovar celebration is the most significant procession. It is named after the 63 Nayanmars who have accomplished salvation by their affection and commitment to the all-sympathetic Lord Shiva. Each of the 63 Nayanmar symbols follow the Kapaleeshwarar icon on this parade. During the vehicle celebration, Kapaleeshwarar is portrayed holding a bow while situated on a lofty position, with his significant other Karpagambal alongside. Brahma is portrayed riding the ther. The chariot is enlivened with blossoms and sculptures, and there are enormous social occasions of fans to pull the ther.