This is the 24th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam of Thondai Nadu at Mylapore a part of Chennai City. This temple is also one of the Saptha Sthana Shiva Sthalangal in and around Mylapore, Chennai, Like Thiruvaiyaru.
The name of Mylapore from Ancient times....Mylapore was called in different names since ancient times. Initially it was called a Myilapur and lated corrupted to Mayilai. Mayil+Aarppu+oor, means peacock makes sound. The experts of the opinion that “Maliyarpa” mentioned in a book written by Thalami, ( 119 – 161 CE ) a geologist, is only Mylapore. Thirumizhisai Alwar, who believed to be lived in 5th Century mentions as “Mamayilai”. In 7th Century the same was referred as “Mayilapi, Mayilappu”, by Appar and Thirugnanasambandar refers as “Mayilai”. The 8th Century Thirumangai alwar calls as Mayilai, Mamayilai and Sundarar as Thonmayilai. Nandhikalambagam refers as Mayilai and Mayilapuri. During Pallava King Kambavarman period, this place was called as “Mayilarpil”. The 12th Century inscriptions mentions this place as “Mayilai, Mylapil, Thirumayilapuri, Thirumayilai, Tholmayilapuri, Mayilapur”. The 14th Century John De Marignoli , a foreign traveller mentions as – Myropolis. The 15th Century Arunagirinathar mentions as “Mayilai” in his Thiruppugazh. The 16th Century Turate Barbasa mentions as “Mylapora- City of Mylapore” and Portuguese called as – Meliyapur and the same was called as Milapur in 17th Century. Fr. Antrea Lopeys mentions as Mylapore
The puranas also refers Mylapore as Punna Vanam, Vedanagar, Sukrapuri, Brahmapuram, Skandapuri. Sekkizhar describes Sivanesan Chettiyar and his daughter Poompavai’s death and waiting for Thirugananasambandar’s arrival to Mylapore in a palanquin after the dharshan of Lord shiva of Thiruvottiyur.
காழி நாடரும் கதிர்மணிச் சிவிகை நின்று இழிந்து
After Thirugnanasambandar arrived at Mylapore, he was told Sivanesan Chettiyar, a big merchant and death of daughter, due to snake bite. When She was alive, her father told to all his relatives that he will give his daughter with all wealths to Thirugnanasambandar. After her death, she was cremated, the remains of bone & ash are kept in a pot. After hearing all the story, Thirugnanasambandar asked Sivanesan to bring the pot. near the compound wall of the temple, at the western entrance. Here Sekkizhar writes that, if it is true that, Poompavai prayed Lord Shiva with Naivedyam and had seen the celebrations of Lord Shiva, then come alive from the pot.
மண்ணில் பிறந்தார் பெறும் பயன்மதிசூடும்
Thirugnanasambandar, has sung the hymns mainly describes the functions like, feeding of food for the Rudras, Puratasi Thiruvizha, Ipasi month Thiruvona Thiruvizha, Karthigai Deepa Thiruvizha, Margazhi thiruvizha, Vaikasi oonjan thiruvizha, Perum Shanthi Thiruvizha. He asks Poompavai without seeing all these functions will yo go...? மட்டிட புன்னையங் கானல் மடமயிலைக் கட்டிட்டங் கொண்டான் கபாலீச்சரம் அமர்ந்தான் ஒட்டிட்ட பண்பின் உருத்திர பல்கணத்தார்க்கு அட்டிடல் காணாதே போதியோ பூம்பாவாய்
At the end of the hymns Poompavai came alive and Sivanesan asked him to marry her. In turn Thirugnanasambandar told that with the grace of Lord Shiva came alive through his hymns and from that he becomes her father and declined Sivanesan’s request.
Poompavai sannadhi first on the left after rajagopuramThe place where Poompavai came alive
Poompavai sannadhi
Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal also mentions Mylapore as ‘மங்குல மதி தவழும் மாட வீதி மயிலாப்பில்".. in but the original hymn was lost. In Tiruvottiyur temple hymns, he mentions Mylapore and the same is reproduced ...
கடிய விடையேறிக் காள கண்டர் கலையோடு மழுவாளோர் கையி லேந்தி இடிய பலிகொள்ளார் போவா ரல்லர் எல்லாந்தா நிவ்வடிகள் யாரென் பாரே வடிவுடைய மங்கையுந் தாமு மெல்லாம் வருவாரை யெதிர்கண்டோம் மயிலாப் புள்ளே செடிபடு வெண்டலையொன் றேந்தி வந்து திருவொற்றி யூர்புக்கார் தீய வாறே
Moolavar : Sri KapaleeswararConsort : Sri Karpagambal.
Lord Shiva Kapaleeswarar & Karpagambal
Some of the important details of this temple as are.....The temple is facing west with a three tier Rajagopuram and a 7 tier Rajagopuram. Vinayagar Sannidhi is after the east side after the entrance. The temple tank with a neerazhi mandapam is on the west side. Dwajasthambam and balipeedam are after the west side Rajagopuram. Rishabam is in the mandapam. The Sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala and artha mandapam. In Koshtam Durgai, Brahma, Lingothbavar, Dakshinamurthy, Selvaganapathy.
In the Inner parakaram murtis of Singaravelavar, Natarajar, Sivakami, Karkambal, Somaskandar Urchava deities, 63var ( in metal ) in two rows, Saraswati, Durga, Lakshmi, Shiva Lingangas, Veerabhadra, Naalvar, Santhanakuravars (Umapathi sivam, Maraignana Sivam, Arunantha Sivam, Meikanda Sivam). Pollapilayar, 63 vars in stone.
In the outer prakaram Sannadhi for Arunagirinathar, Thirugnanasambandar & Angampoombavai, Punnaivananathar, Sundareswarar, Navagrahas, Shiva Linga, Narthana Vinayagar, Annamalaiyar, Singaravelar, Pazhani Andavar, Vaayilar Nayanar. There is a big mandapam and a 4 Pillar mandapam on the south side to conduct functions.
There is a separate temple for Murugan on the south corridor / prakara. Believed that this is the original temple existed on this place and Shiva temple was a reconstructed one. Arunagirinathar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple.
அமரு மமரரினி லதிக நயனுமரி யவரும் வெருவவரு மதிகாளம் அதனை யதகரண விதன பரிபுரண மமைய னவர்கரண அகிலேச நிமிர வருள்சரண நிபிட மதெனவுன நிமிர சமிரமய நியமாய நிமிட மதனிலுண வலசி வசுதவர நினது பதவிபர வருவாயே சமர சமரசுர அசுர விதரபர சரத விரத அயில் விடுவோனே தகுர் த தகுர் த ததிகு திகுர்த திகுர்ததிகு தரர ரரரரிரி தகுர்தாத எமர நடனவித மயிலின் முதுகில்வரு மிமைய மகள் குமர எமதீச இயலி னியல் மயிலை நகரி லினி துறையு மெமது பரகுரவ பெருமாளே 
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONSAs per the Temple sthala purana Book, this temple was originally at the place where the Santhome Basilica exists, during 15th Century it was destroyed by Portuguese and during 16th Century by Mayilai nattu Nayiniappa Mudaliyar’s son Muthiyappa Mudaliyar constructed this temple. As per the inscriptions available from various temples, that the original temple was existed during Pallava King Kampa Varman period. There are different opinions about the construction of this temple. Some experts of the opinion that the original temple was at the place where the Santhome Basilica exists now, since Thirugnanasambandar, in his hymn mentions that the sea was very near to the temple. To prove the same some the Chozha period, Murugan with Peacock, Nagas are un earthed in a garden / coconut grove which belongs to Basilica. A fragment Pillar stone belongs to Rajaraja Chozha period is on the display at Basilica museum and the display mentions this was unearthed during excavation for that Basilica. In 1923, excavation done at St Thomas Basilica by the archaeological Department, unearthed an inscription stone which records the endowment of lighting a perpetual lamp to Mylapore Eechwaramudayar Koothadu Devar ( Natarajar ). This was mentioned in “Antiquities from santhome and Mylapore” by Rev. H Hosten. The excavation was abandoned further.
The majority of the inscriptions found in this temple belongs to the temples of Thiruvanmiyur, Thiruidaichuram, Thiruvadisoolam temples. These inscription stones were brought from the above Temples, during reconstruction. Please note that at one period all the temples were completely looted destroyed / demolished during Muslims / Portuguese invasions. Interestingly a floor stone at Murugan temple with inscription belongs to British Tomb.
The 9th Century Kambavarman period inscription at Thiruvottiyur artha mandapam floor stone records the endowment of lighting a perpetual lamp and paid 15 Kalanju gold by a person Mylapore Iraiyanchery Vemban Kununganaman. Another 11th century inscription at Ponneri Kattur temple records the assembly of Nanadesikan alias sea Merchants. This shows that during 9th Century Mylapore was under Pallava dynasty.
An inscription stone found at St Thomas mount Appasls Kanni madam canteen’s dining hall, steps side wall records the donation of the taxes to the Angampoompavai’s shrine.
A grantha / north Indian language inscription stone found on the east side wall of Santhome Basilica belongs to 12th Century, records that Sanctum sanctorum and the rest of the buildings belongs to Mylapore Shiva and Parvati Temple.
A fragment inscription stone found on the steps of Triplicane Parthasarathy Temple tank mentions the name as .. Thirupoompavai...
The 1896 CE inscription stone at the entrance of sanctum Sanctorum records that Thirumylapore Rakkiyappa Mudaliyar street No 4, Subbaraya mudaliyar’s son Arumuga Mudaliyar gave the gift of his garden and House to this temple, to conduct 1st day of Brahmotsavam, morning and evening poojas, naivedyam and in night Naivedyam of pepper sadham ( milakamuthu ) and the same to be distributed to those who came on pilgrimage yathra. In addition to this he also donated Rs 3000, worth of Rathna kodi ( flag..?).
On the back side wall of Karpakambal sannadhi Sundara Pandya’s period inscription records the gift of land to this temple.
An inscription stone of 13th Century found at Virupatcheeswarar Temple, south wall of the sanctum sanctorum mentions Thirupoompavai Nayanar and 5 Merchants.
The temple tank is situated on a Muslin burial ground. The tank was excavated in three days, about 300 year before. As per the hear say, A Dubasi Mayilai Nattar Mudaliyar ( A relative of Pammal Sambanda Mudaliar ? ) with the permission of Arcot Nawab, excavated this Temple tank, when all the Muslims away to attend a festival ( Urus ) at Pallavaram. From the sthala purana book, Pammal Sambanda Mudaliar was holding a Cheppu pattayam in this connection. This was revealed by his son and actual agreement is not known.
The temple tank with neerazhi mandapa
The east Rajagopuram was built during 1902 CE. Kumbabishekam was conducted in 1902, 27th June 1948, 8th July 1982, and in the recent time 3rd April 2016 also.
LEGEND: There is a story behind Thirugnanasambandar and Angampoompavai. Angampoompavai came alive from the ashes to Thirugnanasambandar’s hymn which was already explained.
At Kailash, when Lord shiva was explaining the pranava mandra, Ma Parvati was not attentive and was looking at a Peacock dance. Lord Shiva cursed her to take as birth as Peahen at Bhoolok. Ma Parvati took the birth of Peahen and worshiped Lord shiva of this temple. Hence this place is being called as Mylapore.
As per another Legend that, when Lord was preaching to creation of this universe, Brahma with 5 heads, was not attentive and also he didn’t gave respect to Lord Shiva since he is also has the 5 heads. Knowing this Lord Shiva pinched out the 5th head of brahma. The pinched head sticks to Shiva’s hand and he has to roam with Kapala in his hand. Brahma requests Lord Shiva to pardon him. Lord Shiva asked to worship him at this place. Brahma worshiped Lord Shiva and got the boon of creation of this universe.Hence Lord Shiva is called as Kapaleeswarar.
POOJAS & CELEBRATIONSApart from regular poojas, there will be a festival in every month which includes, 10 days Panguni peruvizha ( annual brahmotsavam, in which 63 var festival will be a grand one ) in ( March April ), Pradosham, New moon day, Full moon day, Deepavali, Navaratri, Mahashivaratri, Theppotsavam, Nayanmar’s Nakshatra vizha, Thirunavukkarasar Kattamudhu vizha, Thirukarthigai, Thai Mahasankaranthi & Pongal, Thai poosam, Margazhi Thiruvizha, Arudra Darshan, Masimaham. 
63 var Thiruvizha - Naalvar is in palanquin
63 var Thiruvizha- Naalvar is in palanquin
63 var Thiruvizha
63 var Thiruvizha
63 var Thiruvizha
Temple chariot THE TEMPLE TIMINGS : The temple will be kept open between 05.30 Hrs to 12.00 Hrs and 17.00 Hrs to 21.00 Hrs
CONTACT DETAILS:
HOW TO REACH :Town buses available from various parts of the city.The temple is 6.4 KM from Chennai Central, 15 KM from Chennai airport and 13 KM from Koyambedu.Nearest Railway station is Thirumayilai MRTS and Junction is Chennai Central.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
Vinayagar Sannadhi on the east side entrance 
Murugan sannadhi
Mandapa
West side Rajagopuram
Sarabeswarar
Vayalar Nayanar
Vayalar Nayanar
Jala
Inscription on the back side wall of Amman sannadhi
Inscription on the back side wall of Amman sannadhi
A Tomb stone - on the Murugan Sannadhi mukha mandapa
16 pillar mandapa---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
காழி நாடரும் கதிர்மணிச் சிவிகை நின்று இழிந்து
மண்ணில் பிறந்தார் பெறும் பயன்மதிசூடும்
Poompavai sannadhi first on the left after rajagopuram
The place where Poompavai came alive
Poompavai sannadhi
Consort : Sri Karpagambal.
Lord Shiva Kapaleeswarar & Karpagambal
தரர ரரரரிரி தகுர்தாத
As per the Temple sthala purana Book, this temple was originally at the place where the Santhome Basilica exists, during 15th Century it was destroyed by Portuguese and during 16th Century by Mayilai nattu Nayiniappa Mudaliyar’s son Muthiyappa Mudaliyar constructed this temple. As per the inscriptions available from various temples, that the original temple was existed during Pallava King Kampa Varman period.
The temple tank with neerazhi mandapa
At Kailash, when Lord shiva was explaining the pranava mandra, Ma Parvati was not attentive and was looking at a Peacock dance. Lord Shiva cursed her to take as birth as Peahen at Bhoolok. Ma Parvati took the birth of Peahen and worshiped Lord shiva of this temple. Hence this place is being called as Mylapore.
63 var Thiruvizha - Naalvar is in palanquin
63 var Thiruvizha- Naalvar is in palanquin
63 var Thiruvizha
63 var Thiruvizha
63 var Thiruvizha
Temple chariot
CONTACT DETAILS:
Vinayagar Sannadhi on the east side entrance
Murugan sannadhi
Mandapa
West side Rajagopuram
Sarabeswarar
Vayalar Nayanar
Vayalar Nayanar
Jala
Inscription on the back side wall of Amman sannadhi
A Tomb stone - on the Murugan Sannadhi mukha mandapa
16 pillar mandapa
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