Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a living Hindu temple in Mylapore, Chennai, dedicated to Siva. Its Dravidian architecture, historic associations and courtyard sculptures make it a notable stop on a Chennai visit.
- Location: Mylapore, Chennai 600004, Chennai District
- Published opening hours: Open daily
- Entry: The Government Museum of Chennai directory gives the entrance fee as free
- Highlights: Dravidian architecture and bronze idols of 63 Saivite Saints
Where is Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and what can you see?
Kapaleeshwarar Temple stands in Mylapore, Chennai, and its temple complex includes notable sculptures and shrines. The Government Museum of Chennai directory describes it as a living Hindu temple dedicated to Siva, built in the Dravidian style.
The directory dates the temple to the 8th century AD and connects its history with the Pallavas and later the Cholas. It also highlights the bronze idols of 63 Saivite Saints in the outer courtyard, as well as a courtyard shrine depicting Parvathi as a peacock worshipping Siva beneath an old Punnai tree.
How do you get from Pallavaram to Mylapore?
Kapaleeshwarar Temple is in Mylapore, while Pallavaram and Chrompet are railway stations serving the Pallavaram area. The Pallavapuram municipal corporation identifies Tirusulam as the nearest metro station and says regular bus services operate in and around Chennai.
For a broader picture of local transport, getting around Pallavaram and Chennai covers the area’s stations and bus services.
What are the temple timings and entry details?
The temple administration publishes opening hours of 05:30 AM–12:30 PM and 04:00 PM–09:30 PM IST. The Government Museum of Chennai directory gives different hours, so use the temple administration’s published schedule as the reference and check the official site before you go.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 5:30–12:30 and 16:00–21:30
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
The temple’s schedule gives Ko Pooja from 05:30 AM to 06:00 AM, Vaikarai Pooja from 06:00 AM to 07:00 AM, Uchikkala Pooja from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, Sayaratchai Pooja from 04:00 PM to 06:30 PM, and Ardhajama Pooja from 09:00 PM to 09:30 PM IST. Its published Nadai closing period is 09:15 PM–09:30 PM IST.
The Government Museum of Chennai directory gives free entry. The temple’s service-fee list gives ₹900 for Kapaleeswarar Abhishekam, ₹900 for Karpagambal Abhishekam and ₹1,501 for the golden chariot service. On Maha Shivaratri, the temple administration says it remains open for 24 hours, from 05:00 AM that day until 05:00 AM the following day.
What can you pair with a Mylapore temple visit?
Kapaleeshwarar Temple’s location in Mylapore makes it a natural part of a Chennai city outing. If you are building a fuller day around the temple, a one-day Chennai itinerary from Pallavaram is relevant to planning the excursion.
Hotel Mars is in Pallavaram. Chennai’s beaches are another subject to consider when planning a city outing.
Marina, Elliot’s and Thiruvanmiyur are among Chennai’s beaches.
You can review rooms at Hotel Mars when planning a stay in the area.
FAQs
Where is Kapaleeshwarar Temple?
It is in Mylapore, Chennai 600004, Chennai District.
Is entry to Kapaleeshwarar Temple free?
The Government Museum of Chennai directory gives the entrance fee as free. The temple also gives separate fees for services such as abhishekam and the golden chariot service.
What is notable about the temple’s history and architecture?
The temple is described as Dravidian in style and dated to the 8th century AD, with associations to the Pallavas and later the Cholas.
Is the temple open all day?
Open daily. Its usual published hours are split between morning and evening. The administration says it stays open for 24 hours on Maha Shivaratri.