Varadaraja Perumal Shoolagiri

Varadaraja Perumal, Shoolagiri

Vaishnavite Temples, Krishnagiri District

God

Varadaraja Perumal, facing west

Goddess

Perundevi Thaayar, facing east in a seprate shrine

Other Deities

Hanuman, Garuda, Ganesha, Lakshmi Narasimha, Ramanujar, Nammalvar. Ramanujar and Nammalvar have visited this temple.

Varadaraja Perumal Shoolagiri faces west on a hill. The temple has many beautiful carvings, sculptures and pillars. The hill resembles a trident (Shoolam in Tamil), and thus the name is ‘Shoolagiri’. Every year during mid January to mid July the setting sun’s rays will fall on the feet of Lord Varadaraja Perumal. The main deity has been created in such a way that it seems to be appearing bigger in size when one moves further from the Garbha Graha.

Holy Water – No information

Holy Tree – No information

History

The garbha graha of Varadaraja Perumal Shoolagiri was built by Chola kings. The front hall (mantapam) was constructed by Krishnadeva Raya. Later, Hoysala Kings, Palayakarars and Vijayanagara empire’s small kings expanded this temple gradually.

Legend

The Pandavas, during the exile period, came to Shoolagiri amongst other places. Here Arjuna is believed to have consecrated Varadaraja Perumal Shoolagiri and worshiped him. To symbolize the visit of the Pancha Pandavas to this place, there are 5 big rocks together in the Shoolagiri hill.

Directions

Shoolagiri is about 30 kilometers from Krishnagiri towards Hosur in the Highway. The temple is inside the town on a hill visible from a distance.

Stay and Food

There are good restaurants in the highway near Shoolagiri including Adyar Ananda Bhavan and McDonalds

Vaishnavite Temples

Tamilnadu Temples