Chennai's most important Hindu temple, in the Mylapore neighbourhood. Dedicated to Shiva (worshipped here as Kapaleeswarar) and the goddess Karpagambal, the temple has been a centre of Shaivite devotion since at least the 7th century, when it was praised by Tamil saints. The current structure dates from around the 16th century.
The 37-metre gopuram is the visible landmark of the Mylapore neighbourhood. The temple tank (theertham) is the site of the Arubathimoovar festival in March-April, one of Chennai's biggest religious events. Open for non-Hindu visitors in the outer precincts.