Mylapore, Chennai

Having been in Chennai for less than a day, I visited the city with a friend from grad school who grew up there. As we walked through the streets, she explained how the city was preparing for the upcoming holidays- Sharada Navaratri and the Durga Puja festivities. Vendors were selling brightly colored miniature statues, and we stopped by shops filled with tiny replicas of practically anything you could imagine in full size.

We visited the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, known for its rich history and striking architecture. Built in the 7th century CE, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped in the form of a lingam, an aniconic symbol. The temple is a fusion of Dravidian and Vijayanagar architectural styles. The main attraction is its gopuram, adorned with intricate carvings of gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures. Across from the temple lies the Kapaleeshwarar Temple Tank.