If you are planning to visit the temples in and around Chennai, the most prominent temples that would top your list will be –
Mylapore Kapaleeswarar Temple
Mangadu Sri Kamatchi Amman Temple
Thiruvanmiyur Sri Ashtalakshmi Temple
Vadapalani Murugan Temple
Of course there are so many other popular temples, but lets travel there later. We start with Mylapore Kapaleeswarar Temple seeking the blessings of Lord Shiv and Goddess Karpagambal.
Kapaleeswarar:
Lord Shiva in this temple is called Kapaleeswara because – Once Brahma did not pay respects to Shiva and Parvathi when he met them at Mount Kailash. Shiva got angry with the irrational behavior of Brahma and plucked off one of Brahma’s head to teach him a lesson. Brahma got frightened and repented for his act. He at once came to Mylapore installed a Siva lingam and started doing tapas propitiating lord Shiva.
As Shiva took away one of Brahma’s head- kapalam and Brahma installed a Siva lingam to atone for his sin. The Siva lingam here came to be called Kapaleeswarar.
Mylapore:
Once Parvathi was distracted on seeing a peacock dancing when she was with her consort Shiva. He got angry with her callousness and cursed her to become a pea hen. Parvathi came to Mylapore called Kapali Nagar then and did penance as advised by Shiva. After several years of tapas Parvathi was redeemed of her curse and rejoined Shiva. Since Parvathi came as a Mayil (pea hen) this place came to be called Mylapore.
Goddess Karpagambal:
The name Karpagambal gives the meaning that she is the “Goddess of Wish yielding Tree” .
Vedhapuri:
This sacred spot is also called Vedapuri. A demon Somuka wanted to learn Vedas and harassed the celestial beings. He snatched the Vedas and disappeared in the sea. Shiva directed Mahavishnu to restore the Vedas. Accordingly Mahavishnu killed the demon and restored the Vedas which was taken to Kapaleeswarar temple. Since the Vedas were brought to this place it is called Vedapuri.
Mylapore Kapaleeswarar Temple Miracles:
The life history of Poompavai is a great miracle. She was the daughter of a merchant called Sivanesan Chettiar. When she was gathering flowers in the garden, she was stung by a snake and she died. Sivanesan Chettiar kept her ashes in a pot with strong faith that Thirugnana Sambandar, a famous saint would resurrect her. Sambandar Came to Thiruvottiyur on his pilgrimage. He was invited to Mylapore temple with a spectacular welcome.
Sivanesan brought the urn containing the ashes of Poompavai and placed it before God at the outside. Hearing the pathetic story of Poompavai, Sambandar sang a hymn (a pathigam) in praise of Lord Kapaleeswar. When the tenth verse was sung, Poompavai emerged fully from the pot as witness to the glory of Lord Kapaleeswara.
The saint did not cast even a glance at the beautiful damsel he brought to life. He was so humble to realise that the miracle was not his power, but only the grace of God only. Sivanesam requested the saint to take his daughter in marriage but Sambandar gently declined and went away.
Mylapore Kapaleeswarar Temple Miracles:
Morning 6.00 am. to 1.00 p.m. Evening 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m
Mylapore Kapaleeswarar Temple Route Map – How to reach
The best optimal way to reach the Kapaleeswarar temple is to use the Chennai MRTS public transport. It not saves time but lets you GO GREEN. Board the nearest MRTS from your place to the Thirumayilai MRTS. The temple is just a 5 minutes walk from there. Incase if you opt for Auto, pay not more than Rs. 30 (RS 30 is the unofficially accepted minimum charge by my fellow Chennai folks)
The Mylapore MRTS station
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