Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kapaleeswarar temple has inscriptions from the 13th century A.D. The temple 'Gopuram' (tower) is in the characteristic Dravidian style of architecture. The walls and pillars of temple has very delicate and intricate carvings which depict the scenes from Hindu mythology.

Under the Punnai tree in the courtyard is an image of Goddess Parvati, in a peacock form, worshipping Lord Shiva. It is from this legend that Mylapore derived it's name - 'Myil' meaning peacock and 'Oor' meaning town.