- The form of Shiva's wife Parvati worshipped at this temple is called Karpagambal (from Tamil, "Goddess of the Wish-Yielding Tree"). The temple was built around the 7th century CE and is a good example of Dravidian architecture.
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| Kapaleeshwarar Temple |
- According to the Puranas, Shakti worshipped Shiva in the form of a peacock, which is why the vernacular name Mylai (MayilÄi) was given to the area that developed around the temple - mayil is Tamil for "peacock".
The Temple
- The Kapaleeshwarar temple is of typical Dravidian architectural style, with the gopuram overpowering the street on which the temple sits.
- This temple is also a testimonial for the vishwakarmas sthapathis. There are two entrances to the temple marked by the gopuram on either side.
- The east gopuram is about 40 m high, while the smaller western gopuram faces the sacred tank.[citation needed]
- Goddess Karpagambal with Lord Kapaleeshwarar
- The vahanas (Sanskrit for "vehicles") at the temple include the bull, Adhikaranandi, elephant, bandicoot, peacock, goat and parrot, while a golden chariot is a recent addition.
- Statues of the god and the goddess are seated on a vahana, which is brought in a procession around the temple while the temple band plays music.
- Devotees gather around the vahanas and consider it a privilege to pull / lift the God and the Goddess on the vahana.