The Kapaleeshwarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Built around the 7th century CE, it is a fine example of South Indian architecture. The temple is named after "Kapala" (head) and "Ishvara" (Shiva). The legend states that Parvati, as a peahen, worshipped Shiva here, giving Mylapore its name. Shiva is worshipped as Kapaleeshwarar, and Parvati as Karpagambal, the goddess of the wish-fulfilling tree.
The temple is revered in the 7th-century Tamil Shaiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by the Nayanar saints and classified as one of the Paadal Petra Sthalam. It houses several shrines, with Kapaleeshwarar and Karpagambal being the most prominent deities. The temple complex contains many halls and hosts six daily rituals and four major yearly festivals. The most prominent festival is the Arupathimoovar, celebrated in the Tamil month of Panguni.
According to legend, Shiva plucked off one of Brahma's heads as punishment for his disrespect. Brahma then performed penance at this temple to regain his powers. Several divine beings, including the Vedas, Shukra, and Vayilar, are said to have worshipped here. Parvati, who was cursed to become a peahen, also performed penance here to regain her original form. The temple has inscriptions dating back to the 12th century.
Though believed to have been built in the 7th century by the Pallavas, historical references suggest the temple was once situated by the seashore, as mentioned by the saints Sambandar and Arunagirinathar. The current 120-foot gopuram, built in 1906, is adorned with stucco figures. The temple is maintained by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Tamil Nadu government.