Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Shoolagiri

Varadaraja Perumal Temple in Shoolagiri, Krishnagiri district, is an old Vishnu temple shaped by many rulers. Its garbhagriha is credited to the Chola kings and its front mandapa to Krishnadeva Raya of Vijayanagara, with later additions from the Hoysalas, Palayakarars and lesser Vijayanagara chiefs. Legend holds that Arjuna consecrated the image while the Pandavas were in exile, and five big rocks grouped together on Shoolagiri hill are pointed to as a sign of their visit; the hill's trident-like shape (shoolam) gave the town its name.

Varadaraja Perumal faces west, while Perundevi Mahalakshmi faces east in her own shrine. Each year during the Uttarayana period, the rays of the setting sun fall on the deity's feet. Varadaraja Perumal Jayanthi on 21 May brings special pujas, homams and a wedding festival, and Garuda Seva takes place at Vaikunta Ekadasi and in Margazhi; the temple's Garuda vahana is said to be bigger than any in the temples nearby.