Kapali
कपाली
Kapali is the first of the Ekadasha Rudras — the eleven fierce manifestations of Lord Shiva. The name 'Kapali' literally means 'Skull-Bearer' and refers to Shiva's aspect as a renunciate who carries the skull of Brahma, symbolizing his role as the destroyer of ego, illusion, and even the creator itself. Kapali stands for the limitless ascetic power of Shiva who transcends creation, time, and societal norms.
Kapali symbolizes renunciation, destruction of false knowledge (Avidya), transcendence over the ego, and the wisdom that lies beyond duality. His skull represents the impermanence of life, the futility of pride, and the eternal presence of truth.
When Brahma developed arrogance over his role as the Creator, a fifth head emerged on his body and began to speak falsehoods. Shiva, in his Kapali form, cut off this fifth head to remove the ego of creation. He then carried the skull (Kapala) as a beggar, wandering to atone for the act of Brahmahatya (killing of a creator) until purified.
Source Texts:
Appearance: Kapali is depicted as a fierce ascetic with matted locks (jata), ash-smeared body, and wearing garlands of skulls (mundamala). He holds a begging bowl made from a skull (kapala), a trident (trishula), and sometimes a staff (khattvanga). His eyes are wide with fire, and his third eye is open.
Symbols
Weapons
Mount
None (wandering ascetic)
Direction
South
Element
Akasha (Space)
Kapali reveals the impermanence of material existence and the need to transcend ego and false knowledge. In Shaiva Siddhanta and Advaita, Kapali is the destroyer of 'Ajnana' (ignorance) and is symbolic of the disintegration of the individual 'I' into the universal Self. He walks beyond karma, caste, class, or social duty — embodying total spiritual liberation.
ॐ कपालिने नमः
Translation: Om, salutations to Kapali, the bearer of the skull.
Used for inner renunciation, spiritual detachment, and overcoming ego.
ॐ कपालेश्वराय विद्महे श्मशानवासी धीमहि। तन्नः रुद्रः प्रचोदयात्॥
Translation: We meditate on Kapaleshwara, the Lord of skulls who resides in cremation grounds; may that Rudra inspire us.
For invoking fierce, protective, and transcendent energies.
Major Temples
Kapaleeshwarar Temple - Mylapore, Chennai
One of the most sacred temples dedicated to Kapali form; associated with Parvati worship as Karpagambal.
Kapal Mochan - Yamunanagar, Haryana
Believed to be where Shiva was freed from Brahmahatya; site of Kapali purification.
Festivals
Mahashivaratri: Kapali is invoked through midnight vigils and ash-worship; especially important in cremation ground sadhanas.
Kapali Brahmotsavam: Celebrated at Mylapore; special procession and offerings to Kapali and Parvati.