SriKapaleeswararTemple Not far from Triplicane, in Mylapore, there is yet another 8th century Pallava temple. The temple 'Gopuram'(tower) is characteristic of Dravidian style architecture .Dedicated to Lord Shiva,this temple has some beautiful sculptures,among which the bronze idols of 63 Saivite Saints(Nayanmars) which adorn the outer coutyard are rare specimens.Also in the courtyard under the old Punnai tree is a small shrine depicting Goddess Parvathi in the form of a Peacock Worshipping Lord Shiva.It is from this legend that Mylapore derived it's name -'myil' meaning peacock and 'oor' meaning town.Mylapore swarms with life during the Arupathu Moovar festival that is held in March-April every year.This ancient Shiva temple is a delightful introduction to Dravidian temple sculpture and architecture. Fragmentary inscriptions date back to 1250 AD, but the present structure is the renovated one which was rebuilt by the Vijayanagara kings in the 16th century. The magnificent 37m tall gopuram is profusely carved. The crowded cosmogeny of Stucco gods, goddesses and saints depict important Puranic legends.