The Mylapore (Mayil – peacock; ooru – city) is possibly, my favourite temple. When I am in Chennai i visit Mylapore everyday, sometimes twice a day – much to my family’s amusement. When in Mumbai, visiting temples is not a part of my daily or even weekly routine. I manage a little roadside temple every so often – but it isn’t quite the same as going into a largish temple complex, and just sitting and absorbing the peace.
The Kapleshwar Kovil – main entrance. Also called as the Mylapore
the motif of peacocks are prevalent thro’ the temple. It is said that Parvati took the form of a pea hen to woo her Lord in this sacred spot.
A temple complex, rather than a single Temple, The Mylapore temple houses shrines for all members of the first family of the Universe.
(Shiva Parvati with Ganesha & Kartikeya there are shrines for all in the complex – along with a shrine for the navagraha)
Around the temple complex sit a number of vendors of pooja material.
One of the great things about this temple is its absolute cleanliness. No water on the floor, no need to look where you are going – in the fear of stepping on something yucky.
The Dhwajastambha is at the entrance near the pond – golden, seemingly touching the skies and totally impressive.
(the Dhwajastambha – or flag pole – at the Temple)
There is something about this temple which makes me feel completely in balance with the universe. Possibly the fact that there is so much piety and surrender in the space.
and, finally – possibly my favorite carving – the blue goddess
obviously the heavens don’t believe in size zero 🙂
My favorite temple, too. My mother grew up just streets away.
my grandmother lives a few streets away !
Kapalieeshwar is one of my favourites too.
On the top of my list is Pechiamman near Singanallur (Much smaller and nowhere near as famous as Kapalieeshwar). I always feel at peace whenever I visit – something which no other temple has been able to provide.
must visit next time !
Love the colors great pictures 🙂
🙂 thank you:)
Years ago I went there with family, but remained in the courtyard after seeing a sign saying “only Hindus allowed to enter”. Is that sign still there? I find it disgraceful that I can enter the Notre Dame in Paris, for example, but a non-Hindu cannot enter a temple in my city. Especially as it is practically impossible to define a “Hindu” and entirely impossible to identify one by appearance: it is at best an excuse for racial profiling.
I didn’t notice. but … since i am a hindu, i suppose that it is not something that i was looking for.
having said that – the last time i was there – my cousin’s friend was with us – and she was a Muslim, so I don’t know !!
hi there
how are you doing? i wanted to know one thing, are you still with bluehost? who is your host? are you satisfied with their pricing or attitude / downtime etc?
srikanth
this temple has something about it..the breeze and the over all aura is pretty powerful.. 🙂