Kapaleeshwarar Temple — Gautam Raghu
Hinduism. A religion so old documented evidence of it dates back to over ten thousand years in the past. A religion so diversified it has over thirty-three million gods and four different sacred texts (Vedas). A religion so unique it never fails to teach and educate young and aspiring devotees. In search of the Almighty God, said devotees rigorously pray and attempt to invoke the blessings of the higher power. One such place to pray and seek such blessings is the temple. There are many famous Hindu temples distributed all throughout the world, but the most notable of these reside in India, the origin country of the religion Hinduism. One such place of worship, located in Chennai (South India), is known as the Kapaleeswarar Temple. Its astounding history, breathtaking architecture, and astounding gods are the components that make this temple an icon of Hinduism.
Being one of the oldest places of worship to exist, Kapaleeswarar Temple has a rich and unique history. Located in Mylapore of Chennai, it directly overlooks the Bay of Bengal. The temple was constructed in the early seventeenth century C.E by the Pallavas. According to renowned archaeologist and historian N.S Ramaswamy, the tank adjacent to the temple was built in the eighteenth century, with the help of the nawabs during the reign of Muhammad Ali (Source: Indiatoday). This water tank would be used by the Hindus and the Muslims that lived in the area. In the 1500s and 1600s, rapid expansions from European territories led to parts of India being occupied by the Portuguese. Despite the valiant efforts of the well-structured architecture, it was destroyed by said Portuguese in 1566 C.E. Nevertheless, a rebuild by the Vijayanagara kings of the Tuluva Dynasty ensured that the temple would remain intact (Source: ChennaiTourism). Since then, minor renovations have been the theme of change at Kapaleeswarar. However, quantity of visitors has never been an outstanding problem, and personal experiences can certainly vouch for this statement. It remains to this day one of the most famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. With a history this deep and rich like Kapaleeswarar Temple, it is clear to see why it is so famous and well-known.
The architecture of Kapaleeswarar Temple is one that is very fascinating and highly appealing. The temple is built with the Dravidian style of architecture in mind. This entails some key components, the first of them being a gopuram. This is a small entrance-type convention that the devotees must go through in order to worship the gods. The Kapaleeswarar Temple is home to one of the largest gopurams, being 37 metres high, with intricate design and artwork on it to make it look that much better. The second most telling feature of Dravidian-style architecture is the vimana. This feature is directed towards the main temple tower and signifies the gradual “step-pyramid” type of design that it inhibits. In the Kapaleeswarar Temple, the roof of the main tower is made up of multiple concentric rectangles that when put together, create a pyramid-like structure pleasing to the eye. The final and most telling feature of Dravidian-style architecture is the shikara, which is the topmost part of the temple. In the Kapaleeswarar Temple, the shikara is shaped to be like an octagonal cupola. Apart from these Dravidian-style elements found in the architecture of Kapaleeswarar Temple, the artwork around the top of the temple is done with precision and attention to detail. The intricate planning and designing of this temple paid off in dividends as it stands today in contention of one of the best to be created.
The final component of Kapaleeswarar Temple, and arguably most important, is the gods residing in the temple. Lord Shiva is the first of these dedications, and the reason behind this is an interesting story in itself. It is observed that once, Lord Brahma failed to pay respects to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati when he went to Mount Kailasa. Angered by this, Lord Shiva cut one of Lord Brahma’s heads off (specifically Kapalam) in hopes of teaching the other a lesson. Wanting to apologize, Lord Brahma went to Mylapore, where he performed poojas that satisfied Lord Shiva. It was in this exact location where the Shivalingam was created, and it was named “Kapaleeswarar” (subsequently the same name of the temple). The second and final deity worshipped at this famous temple is Goddess Karpagambal. She is revered as the consort of Lord Shiva, otherwise known as Goddess Parvati. The gods as well as the deep history behind the naming conventions and deities at Kapaleeswarar Temple are an important part of what makes it a grand tourist attraction in Mylapore.
Perceived from any perspective, Kapaleeswarar Temple is one of South India’s most revered and acclaimed temples. Whether it be the rich and intense history behind its creation, the architecture that sets it apart from the rest, or the presiding deities at the place of worship, Kapaleeswarar Temple never ceases to amaze. One of Chennai’s most alluring things to offer, it gives devotees an opportunity to pray, meditate, or perform pooja. With this in mind, all that is left to do is to experience the beauty, history, and architecture of this temple first-hand. As written by journalist Rajesh K, “Kapaleeswarar Temple — A quaint and peaceful destination in a chaotic city”.
Bio: Hello everyone! My name is Gautam Raghu and I am currently 14 years old. I live in Mississauga, Ontario with my parents Gayathri Venkatasubramanian and Raghu Raman. With this article, I wanted to provide readers with the magnificent history of Hinduism and connect it deeply to Kapaleeshwarar Temple. I hope you enjoyed it!
Dravidian Architecture In India [Art And Culture NCERT Notes For UPSC] (byjus.com)
Shikhara Wall Art | Fine Art America
The Endearing Landmark Of Mylapore: Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple — Nativeplanet