Known as a panacea from many troubles, Sri Kapaleswarar Temple is situated near Kutchery Road, Mylapore. Built in the13th century, this ancient Siva temple is a delightful introduction to Dravidian temple sculpture and architecture. The magnificent 37 meter tall gopuram is one of the main attractions of this temple. The crowded cosmogony of Stucco gods, goddesses and saints depict important Puranic legends. The 'Punnai' tree in the temple courtyard is one of the oldest trees in Chennai and shades a small shrine depicting the legend that gave Mylapore its name. The goddess Parvati, in the form of a peacock, is shown worshipping Shiva, represented by the traditional Lingam. Parvati is worshipped in this temple as 'Karpagambal'. 

The temple famed for being the site of a miracle is sculpturally represented in the shrine of the saint in front of the temple flag mast. Among other special features of the temple are the bronze statue of 63 Shaivite saints, canonised for leading

exemplary lives of devotion andpenance. The figures of these 63 Nayanmars (saints),which adorn the outer yard of the temple, are carried in a colourful procession on the eighth day of the 10-dayArupathumoovar temple festival held in March-April every year. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the inner courtyard. 

Just inside the south entrance under the gopuram stands the shrine to Ganesh, the Elephant God, a smooth black image, shiny from many offerings. Rather than a pilgrimage site, the temple is a community gathering spot for worship. There are several shrines set into the courtyard wall that are accessible to non Hindus.
The temple opens from 04.00 to 12.00 and 16.00 to 20.00 daily.