Kapaleashwarar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva also known as Adi Bhagwan of Dravidians and his consort. Lord Shiva (eswarar) was wearing a necklace of skulls, so the name Kapaleashwarar. The original 8th century Dravidian Jain temple was built by the Pallavas and located on the shore but it was destroyed by the Portuguese.

The Vijayanagara kings rebuilt the temple during the 16th century and added two entrances to the temple marked by the gopuram on either side. The east gopuram is 37 m high, while the smaller western gopuram faces the sacred tank.



Festivals

Arupathimoovar festival attracts a huge crowd. Lot of sweets, savouries, juices, buttermilk are served to the pilgrims during the festival. Pongal and Navrathri (Sep.) are celebrated with great pomp.

Panguni Peruvizha is in mid Mar to mid April and the main attraction is the chariot festival. The Chariot (13 m in height) will be decorated with flowers and statues. Huge gathering will be there to pull the Ther (chariot). It is a nine day festival.