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Dharwad is a popular city in Karnataka and is the headquarters of the district of Dharwad. It is located between the main Bangalore-Pune highway. It is popular among the student community for its university. It is a prominent university in Karnataka and is also known as a pensioners paradise. Apart from being an educational hub, it is known for its lakes like Nuggikeri. The Hanuman Temple was built on it; the Nuggikeri lake is famous. It is an ancient Temple where devotees come to this place from far and wide. It is located about 14 km from Dharwad city and about 18 km from Hubli city.
The Nuggikeri Temple has been worshipped for as many as a hundred years; It is a Temple that was reinstated with a Hanuman idol by the famous Saint Shri. The legend about this Temple is that many years ago, Balabhima Hanuman of Nuggikeri decided to make his presence felt on earth and come out of the lake. He then appears in his devotee's dream and tells him to get out the Vigraha or the idol from the lake. The devotees, as per the orders of his God, search for the idol in the lake and bring it out. Then he starts worshipping with devotion every day. During one of the visits, Sri Vyasaraja, the chief saint in the court of Sri Krishnadevaraya of Hampi, does the Punar Pradishtha of Lord Hanuman. From then on, poojas and prayers were performed. As of date, the poojas are conducted by the Sri Desai family. The Temple administration is under the purview of this family.
The Nuggikeri Hanuman Temple is also known as the Sri Balabhima Temple. It is an ancient Temple that is currently being renovated under the supervision of the Desai family. The idol is about 5 feet tall and is made of granite that is coated with Senduram. The Murthi is seen walking eastward and is in the Ardha Sila Roopa. The idol present in this Temple is gigantic and tall but looks majestic. He has lotus feet on which he is wearing 'Thandai', a hallow anklet, and Nupuram, a decorative chain. He has an ornamental waist belt tied to his waist and is wearing a Kacham, which shows his well-built thighs.
He is wearing two rows of rosary beads and, in his ears, has a Kundlam, which is reaching the shoulders. The upper part of the ear is adorned by a Karna Pushpa. His hair is neatly tied back with a Sika-mani.
The Temple has a south-facing three-tier raja gopuram. In front of this is a Deepa Stambha, and the Utsava Murthy is placed in the Garbagraha. One of the most auspicious days for this Temple is the Hanuman Jayanthi. It is the festival celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Hanuman. It is held on Chaitra Suddha Poornima, and there is a Jatra or fair done on this Day. It is attended by a huge number of devotees from surrounding places. Aside from that, devotees in large numbers visit the Temple on Saturday, which is considered an auspicious day to seek His blessings.
There are many benefits to visiting this Temple. People pledge to visit him once their wishes are fulfilled. This is a powerful Temple where you can get your wishes granted. Lord Hanuman is believed to be very powerful and can help achieve success in all aspects of life. The idol in this Temple is gigantic looking and has a tail that is raised above the head. The end of the tail has a curve, and his right hand is raised. Devotees consider him as Abhaya Mudra meaning he is there for all His devotees. So he offers fearlessness to everyone who worships him.
Nuggikeri Hanuman Temple is a pilgrimage that tourists and devotees alike can visit all Year round. While every day is auspicious to visit, the best days are Saturdays and Tuesdays and on Hanuman Jayanthi. It is about 7km from Dharwad railway station and 9km from the ISKCON Temple, and 20km from Hubli railway station. The Temple timings are 6 am to 7 pm.
Dharwad is one of the major cities in Karnataka and is well connected by air, road, and train. So reaching this must-visit Temple is not a big hassle.
By Road: Many governments and private inter-city buses from major cities of Karnataka reach Dharwad. You can hire local transport to reach the Temple. You can also enjoy a bullock-cart trip to reach your destination. You can also use private transport like a car, van, etc. to get to this Temple, which is on the Bangalore-Pune main highway.
By Train: You can choose to get a train from many places to Dharwad and reach the Temple, which is only a few km from the city centre.
By Air: The nearest airport is Dharwad airport. You can hire a taxi to this Temple from the airport.
If you wish to have customized spiritual tours or pilgrimages arranged in India for yourself or for a group of people, please contact Brindavan Mystic Services
Email ID: support@brindavanmystic.com Toll free: 1800 102 9098