Balabheema Hanuman of Nuggikeri

Every Hanuman Jayanti day, i invariably remember the small beautiful temple by the lake in Nuggikeri on the outskirts of Dharwad in Karnataka. I had been visiting this temple since those days when the approach to the temple was through a kachcha road. Today, thanks to digital revolution and social media, this temple is well known, much photographed and has also featured on TV shows.

7 kms from Dharwad city centre on the Kalghatagi Road is the village of Nuggikeri. Nestled amidst greenery is the temple of Balabheema Hanuman on the banks of the Nuggikeri lake. Going past numerous stalls selling pooja items like coconuts, flowers and incense sticks, you are welcomed by a majestic Garuda Stambha. Facing it is the three story Gopuram, which leads you into the temple, said to be one of the most powerful in the region.

The idol of Lord Hanuman, usually robed in silver, catches your immediate attention. It is the eyes of the Lord Hanuman that depict special energy.  My friend and classmate, Prahalad Desai says the presence of ‘chakrankita saaligrama’ emanates a kind of positive energy, which makes this temple a ‘jagrut devasthan’ or the temple that fulfils ones wishes.

According to Hindu legends, Lord Hanuman is a symbol of power and energy, dedication and devotion, honesty and bravery.  He also represents wisdom and intellect along with friendship and love. Because of these virtues, he is considered one of the most favourite gods among Hindu devotees.  People across India worship Lord Hanuman to attain peace in their everyday life and get strength to fight against adversities.

The origin of the idol of the Nuggikeri temple traces back to the Indian mythology. The idol is said to have been first installed by Janamejaya, the Kuru King of Hastinapur, to get rid of the sin of having destroyed lakhs of serpents during his Sarpa Satra.  The temple was later destroyed by the Muslim invaders.  It is said that Vyasateertha or Vyasaraya, the patron saint of the mighty Vijayanagara empire during the reign Krishnadevaraya, got a dream regarding the demolished temple. Vyasateertha, reinstalled the Hanuman idol of Nuggikeri, as part of his massive temple renewal activity. In all, Vyasateertha established 732 Hanuman temples across South India.

Today, the management of the temple is with the Desai family of Nuggikeri. The three branches of the Desai family take turns to manage the temple affairs following the ‘paryaya’ system.

Every year on the Hanuman Jayanti day, there is a jatra mahotsav.  Thousands of devotees throng to the temple every Saturday, being considered the auspicious day of Lord Hanuman in South India. (In North India, Lord Hanuman is especially worshipped on Tuesdays).

The Nuggikeri lake, though picturesquely set amidst rolling hills, has been occasionally facing environmental threats. Thankfully, citizen activism in Dharwad is on the rise, and that bodes well for the temple’s surroundings.

Temple Trust, Nuggikeri, Dharwad.  0836 2460983

Reaching Nuggikeri

Dharwad, located on the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway (NH 48) is the most convenient base to visit Nuggikeri. The temple is approximately 7 kms away from the city centre. Public transport is available. The state roadways – NWKSRTC runs additional buses on Saturdays. Private car, taxi or auto-rickshaw would make your visit hassle free.   Standard hotels are available in Dharwad. Three and Four star hotels are located in Dharwad’s twin city -Hubli (Hubballi), which has air connectivity to Bengaluru and Mumbai.

Mandesa31/ 310318 / Hanuman Jayanti