The place where Uma paid penance as a peacock

Arulmigu Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore is one of the sacred shrines in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is a Shiva Temple where Lord Kapaleeswarar blesses the devotees with the Goddess Karpagambal. The name Mylapore is derived from the legend that the Goddess Uma worshipped Shiva in the form of a peacock (or mayil in Tamil). A representation of this legend is seen on a stone in a small shrine under a Punnai tree in the Courtyard of the temple.

The legend says that once, Goddess Uma desired to know the complete interpretation of the five letter mantra Na Mah Shi Va Ya. Goddess Uma persuaded Shiva to touch teach her. Shiva consented and commenced teaching. However Goddess Uma was distracted by a beautiful peacock and her attention wandered. Shiva was infuriated and cursed Her to go to sacred Thondai Nadu and perform penance. Goddess Uma worshipped the Shivalinga under the Punnai Tree in the temple vicinity. Moved by Goddess Uma's utmost devotion, Lord appeared before Her and released Her from the curse and fondly called her Karpagavalli. Goddess Uma requested Lord Shiva to name the place Mylai and stay back with her to bestow blessings on all the devotes. Accordingly, Mylai became the abode of Kapaleeswarar and Karpagambal.

There is another legend associated with Mylai being called Kapalesswaram. Lord Brahama thought that he was as great and equal to Lord Shiva as he too had five heads. Shiva known for his spontaneous reaction decided to teach Brahma a lesson and cut down his ego. Shiva nipped one head and held the skull in his hand. Kapalam means skull.Therefore Lord Shiva was praised as Kapaleeswarar and the place of worship is called Kapaleeswaram.

Shivite saints, Sambandar and Appar have sung the praise of this Holy Shrine. Therefore it is one of the "Paadal petra Sthalam" meaning, a shrine that has a dedicated hymn from the saints.

The Pond of this Shrine is huge and is a view to behold. There are several occasions where the pond is an integral part of celebrations in this temple. This is the seventh and last of the Saptha Sthana sthalangal in Mylapore.