The phrase "Kayilaye Mayilai, Mayilaye Kayilai" signifies the sacredness of Mayilai, comparable to Mount Kailash, highlighting the importance of the renowned temple situated in Mylapore, in the heart of the chennai city. It is the abode of Kabaleeshwar and Karpankambal and from the Thevaram hymn composed by Tirugyanasambandhar, we can infer that this place was once lush with coconut groves, closer to sea. The current temple structure dates back approximately 300 years, with temple authorities noting that the original Kabaleeswarar Temple was situated at Santhome Beach before its destruction by the Portuguese. Additionally, Saint Arunagirinathar's writings indicate that the temple was once near the coastline. The temple complex hosts numerous festivals annually, with the Brahmotsava festival in the Tamil month of Panguni being especially notable and celebrated..
The eastern gateway serves as the main entrance adorned with an impressive 120 feet tall, 7 tiered rajagopuram. The gateway opens to a spacious outer prakaram where Sannidhis for Annamalayar, Narthana Vinayaka, Jagadeeshwara, and Navagraha are located, in a sequential manner, all facing east. Progressing in a clock-wise direction, as we enter the southern side of the outer prakram, one encounters the Navarathiri Mandap, a pillared enclosure facing east, alongside a sannidhi for Muruga as Singara Velar, who is depicted with six divine faces and twelve hands, with his consorts, Valli and Deivanai, elegantly positioned on an elephant. The revered poet and devotee, Saint Arunagirinathar, has composed ten hymns in honor of Lord Muruga, which are part of the tirupugazh collection. Continuing through the southern prakaram and turning right into the western outer prakaram reveals the western gateway, which serves as an alternative entrance. Opposite this gateway are the Dwajasthambam, balipeetam and nandi. The entrance to the sannidhi of the presiding deity Kapaleeshwarar, is through an enclosure nearby. On the left side of this enclosure, is the entry to the south-facing sannidhi of the female deity Karpakambal whose beauty is beyond description. These two sannidhis have their own prakaram surrounding them, serving as pathways for 'pradakshina'. The presiding deity, Kabaleeshwara, is represented as a self-manifested Linga facing west within his sanctum, while the surrounding pathway features idols of Bhairavar, Veerabhatrar, the three primary Nayanmars, and the 63 Nayanmars.
A small sannidhi dedicated to Arunagirinathar, oriented towards Singara Velar, is situated at the southwest corner of the prakaram. 'Sthala Vruksham' a 'Punnai' tree, is in the northern prakaram, accompanied by a sannidhi for Punaaivanathar. It is believed that Shiva appeared beneath this sacred tree for Parvathy. A sculpture featuring Shiva Linga and a peacock can be seen behind Punnaivana nathar. A west-facing sannidhi for 'Saneeshwara' is in the north-eastern corner of the prakaram.
Reason for the name - Brahma, the god of creation, had five faces akin to Shiva. At the conclusion of each 'Yuga', Brahma's existence comes to an end, only to be succeeded by a new incarnation of Brahma at the beginning of the subsequent 'Yuga'. This cyclical nature of Brahma's existence contrasts with Shiva's eternal nature, which is devoid of a beginning or an end. Unaware of his own transience, Brahma took pride of his five faces resembling Shiva, Which led Shiva to pluck one of Brahma's five heads (Kabalam), an act that earned Shiva the title 'Kabala Eeswarar', which later transformed into Kabaleeshwarar.
Temple Legend
1. At the request of Goddess Parvathy, Lord Shiva revealed the importance of the five-syllable mantra 'Shi-va-ya-na-ma'. However, her attention was briefly diverted by the elegant movements of a peacock, leading to a moment of distraction. In response to this lapse, Shiva transformed Parvathy into a peacock, a form she found captivating. To atone for her distraction, Parvathy beseeched Shiva for forgiveness. He advised her that by worshipping Him in the guise of a peacock, she would ultimately achieve liberation. Consequently, Devi Parvathy took on the form of a peacock and traveled to this sacred site to perform her worship, which became known as 'Thirumayilai', meaning 'divine peacock'.
2. In Tirumyilai, there lived a devoted man named Shivanesar, who worshipped the deity Shiva with great fervor. He had a daughter named Poompavai and wished for her to marry Tirugyanasambandhar. However, tragedy struck when Poompavai was fatally bitten by a snake while working in her garden. Despite her death, Shivanesar firmly believed that she was meant to be united with Tirugyanasambandhar. He kept her ashes in a small vessel, and when he encountered Tirugyanasambandhar in Tiruvotriyur, he shared his daughter's story and presented the ashes, expressing his desire for their union. Deeply touched by Shivanesar's devotion, Tirugyanasambandhar prayed to Kabaleeshwarar and sang hymns, resulting in a miraculous event where Poompavai emerged from the vessel. When Shivanesar requested Tirugyanasambandhar to marry her, he declined, stating that by restoring her life, he had taken on the role of her father. Consequently, Poompavai chose to remain unmarried, dedicating her life to the service of God Shiva.
Adjacent to the western gopuram lies a sannidhi dedicated to Poompavai, where Sambandhar is also portrayed alongside her. The significant event of Sambandhar reviving Poombavai occurs on the morning of the 8th day of Brahmotsavam, which falls in the Tamil month of Panguni. During this event, Sambandhar, Poombavai, Shivnesar, and the 'Urchave' idols are brought to the Kabali theertha. In a ceremonial vessel called a 'kumbha', instead of ashes, sugar is filled, and Sambandhar's Pathikam, a devotional hymn, is sung. Following this, they reenact the scene of Poombavai's revival, and it is believed that those who witness this ceremony are granted longevity. The site is particularly regarded as auspicious for celebrating milestone birthdays, such as the 60th and 80th.
The Tirumurai festival is a significant event celebrated during the Brahmorchava, featuring a grand procession of the 63 Nayanmars' idols. On the full moon day of the Tamil month 'Masi', the 'urchava' idol of Shiva is ritually taken to the sea for a ceremonial bath, reflecting deep-rooted traditions. This festival is highlighted in the pathikam by Sambandhar, which emphasizes the importance of devotees bathing in the sea while facing the deity, set against a tranquil backdrop of coconut trees. Notably, Sambandhar's pathikam, located in the 2nd Tirumurai, not only venerates the deity but also illuminates the temple's significance and the various festivals celebrated there. His verses poignantly recount the tragic fate of Poompavai, who died from a snake bite without experiencing the temple's vibrant festivities. The hymns of the primary three Nayanmars, collectively known as Thevaram, primarily focus on glorifying the deity and the sanctity of the temple grounds. However, Sambandhar's unique approach in his pathikam underscores the festivals' importance and the temple's role, offering a distinct perspective on devotion. Tirumayilai, celebrated in these hymns, remains a center of festive activities, with the Kabaleeshwarar temple serving as a focal point of celebration throughout the year.
West entrance
West Gopuram
Outer prakaram - East
Singaravelar
Balipeetam, Dwajasthambam, and Nandhi
East gopuram from Northern prakaram
Sacred tree
Punnivananathar
Saneeswarar
Navarathri Mandap in the Southern corridor