Detailed information about the history and significance of Arulmigu Kapaleeswarar Temple, Pondicherry, Puducherry is not yet available. This sacred site is an important spiritual destination, and we are working to provide a comprehensive overview soon.
**Architecture of Arulmigu Kapaleeswarar Temple, Pondicherry, Puducherry** The Arulmigu Kapaleeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Pondicherry, Puducherry, India. It is one of the most important Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu and is considered to be one of the 108 Divya Desams, or holy places of Vishnu. The temple is believed to have been built in the 7th century CE by the Pallava king Mahendravarman I. The temple complex is spread over an area of 15 acres and is surrounded by a moat. The main temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture and has a five-tiered gopuram, or gateway tower. The sanctum sanctorum houses a Shiva lingam, which is the main object of worship. The temple also has a number of other shrines dedicated to Vishnu, Ganesha, Murugan, and other deities. The temple is a popular pilgrimage destination and is visited by thousands of devotees every day. The temple is also a major tourist attraction and is one of the most visited places in Pondicherry. **Key architectural features of the temple** The Arulmigu Kapaleeswarar Temple is a well-preserved example of Dravidian architecture. The main temple is built in a square plan and has a five-tiered gopuram, or gateway tower. The gopuram is decorated with sculptures of various Hindu deities and mythological figures. The sanctum sanctorum houses a Shiva lingam, which is the main object of worship. The temple also has a number of other shrines dedicated to Vishnu, Ganesha, Murugan, and other deities. The temple is surrounded by a moat, which is believed to have been built to protect the temple from flooding. The moat is also used for religious rituals, such as the annual Aadi Pooram festival. **Significance of the temple** The Arulmigu Kapaleeswarar Temple is one of the most important Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu and is considered to be one of the 108 Divya Desams, or holy places of Vishnu. The temple is believed to have been built in the 7th century CE by the Pallava king Mahendravarman I. The temple is a popular pilgrimage destination and is visited by thousands of devotees every day. The temple is also a major tourist attraction and is one of the most visited places in Pondicherry. **History of the temple** The Arulmigu Kapaleeswarar Temple is believed to have been built in the 7th century CE by the Pallava king Mahendravarman I. The temple is mentioned in the 8th century CE Tamil text, the Shiva Purana. The temple was later renovated by the Chola king Rajaraja Chola I in the 10th century CE. The temple was further renovated by the Vijayanagara king Krishnadevaraya in the 16th century CE. The temple has been damaged by a number of natural disasters over the centuries, but it has been restored each time. The temple is currently in good condition and is a popular pilgrimage destination. **References** * [Arulmigu Kapaleeswarar Temple, Pondicherry](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arulmigu_Kapaleeswarar_Temple,_Pondicherry)