The Lord Shiva here is called Kapaleeshwarar. Wondering why is it so.? Legend says that Lord Shiva plucked one of the 5 heads of Brahma in his anger. So Shiva was cursed with Bramhahathi Dhosham and the skull stuck to his palm. This curse was gotten rid off, after Shiva used that skull as an ascetic vessel and took alms. Skull is Kapalam in Tamil and hence the Siva here is called Kapaleeshwara. Another version for the meaning of name as follows: at Pralaya (dissolution of the cosmos) Siva alone exists and none with him. With ascetics bowl of a skull (kapalam) in his hand and he starts creation again out of his grace. So Kapaleeshwarar.

The name of Goddess Karpagambal means that she grants all the wishes of her devotees just as the celestial tree – Karpaga Vrusksham, which grants everything asked for in heaven.

The original location of the 8^th Century Pallava temple was where the Santhome Basilica stands today, along the east coast. The present location is 1 km to the west of the original location. The original sea shore Kapaleshwara temple is said to have been destructed in 1561. The new temple at its present site, about one km to the west, was built about three hundred years ago. Till date epitaphs dating back to 1250 A.D are found by archeologists near Santhome Basilica.

Within the temple:

The main entrance is the Eastern entrance, and the look of the 125feet tall Raja Gopuram itself awe inspired me. And as I entered I came face to face with “Naradhana Ganapathy” – an unusual dancing posture of Ganapathy/Vinayakar. After praying him, I took a circumambulation in clockwise direction as it is usually done. Next to Ganapathy I worshipped Annanalaiyar Unnamulai Annai Shrine. To the left is the Goshala and Anna Danam hall. As I proceeded, I reached the Mandapam.

To the left of the Mandapam are the shrines of Palani Andavar & Vayilar Nayanar. I gained a straight view of the Navarathri Mandapam where kolu is kept during Navarathri.

As my Circumambulation proceeded I worshipped, “Singaravelar”. Again on proceeding I reach the Western Gopuram of the temple. I had a view of the dwaja sthamb, palipeetam and the Nandi Vahana of Shiva.

Article Posted By : ramsdme  On January 15, 2012lView All Articles

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