Kapaleeswarar Temple is a famous Hindu temple in the Mylapore neighbourhood of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Kapaleeswarar in the form of a lingam, and his consort Parvati, known as Karpagambal. The temple is believed to have been built in the 7th century AD by the Pallavas, but it has undergone several renovations and additions by different dynasties over the centuries.
The temple is an excellent example of the Dravidian style of architecture. It has a towering gopuram (gateway tower) at the entrance, adorned with intricate sculptures and carvings of various deities, mythological characters, and animals. The temple's inner sanctum houses the main god of Lord Kapaleeswarar in the form of a Shiva lingam and his consort Karpagambal in a separate shrine. The temple has smaller shrines dedicated to different deities like Ganesha, Murugan, and Navagrahas.
Kapaleeswarar Temple. One of the most popular is the San Thome Basilica, just a few minutes away. This Roman Catholic church was built over the tomb of Saint Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. The basilica has a beautiful neo-gothic style of architecture and houses several impressive stained glass windows and murals.
Another popular attraction near the temple is Marina Beach, one of the longest beaches in the world, stretching for over 6 km along the Bay of Bengal. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists and offers a range of activities such as swimming, surfing, and horse riding.
Kapaleeswarar Temple includes the Government Museum, which has an extensive collection of ancientartefactss and sculptures, and the Birla Planetarium, which has interactive exhibits and shows related to astronomy and space.
Located just a kilometer from the temple, San Thome Church is a beautiful Catholic church built over the tomb of St. Thomas, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ.
Marina Beach:
One of the longest urban beaches in the world, Marina Beach is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It is located about 4 kilometres away from the temple.
Government Museum:
Established in 1851, the Government Museum is one of the oldest museums in India. It houses a collection of rare artefacts, archaeological findings, and artworks. The museum is located about 6 kilometres away from the temple.
Built-in the 17th century by the British East India Company, Fort St. George is a historic fortress that now houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and the Secretariat. It is located about 7 kilometres away from the temple.
Located about 8kilometress from the temple, the Birla Planetarium is a popular destination for astronomy enthusiasts. It offers various shows and exhibits related to astronomy and space science.
Theosophical Society:
Founded in 1875, the Theosophical Society is a spiritual organization that promotes universal brotherhood and the study of comparative religion, philosophy, and science. Its headquarters in Chennai is located about 8 kilometres away from the temple.
Guindy National Park:
Located about 10 kilometres from the temple, Guindy National Park is a protected area that houses several species of animals and birds, including the blackbuck, spotted deer, and jackal.
Vandalur Zoo:
Also known as Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur Zoo is one of the largest zoos in South Asia. It is located about 20 kilometres away from the temple and houses various animals, including tigers, lions, elephants, and bears.