Nuggikeri Hanuman Temple - Dharwad - Karnataka - India

 Nuggikeri a small village in Dharwad district, Karnataka, India. A temple at Nuggikeri dedicated to Lord Hanuman who is also called as "BalaBheema" who is also believed as chiranjeevi (immortal). This Nuggikeri Hanuman temple is one of the oldest and most popular Hindu temples in Dhaward, Karnataka. Nuggikeri temple is located around 7.5 km from Dharwad railway station and the temple situated on the banks of Nuggikeri lake. The presiding idol in this temple is Lord Hanuman which was emplaced by Sri Vyasathirtha who was the chief saint in the court of king Sri Krishnadevaraya. From ancient times to till now the temple management is under the control of Nuggikeri desai family. It is believed that the temple built during 15th century. This Nuggikeri Desai family follows a system of an internal rotation scheme in temple mangement. Maratha Army - Land based armed forces of Maratha region (Current Maharashtra) which was there from 17th century to early 19th century in India. This Maratha empire and army was founded by king Sri Chatrapathy Shivaji Maharaj. Shahu Boshale I was the second generation decendent of Maratha empire (That is grand son of Chatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj) has appointed Balaji Vishwanath as his chief mister of cabinet. Within few years he has invaded many territories which was under the control of Mughal empire and also gained some wealth. As a revenge of this defeat and also to control the growing influence of Marathas, 1st Nizam of Hyderabad, Asaf Jah I, utilised the conflit between the 2 Marathas (Shahu and Shambaji II on declaring who is the king) and supported Shambaji II. This has seeded for the Battle of Palkhed between Marathas and Nizam. As an outcome of this battle, Nizam was defeated by Marathas.The founder of this Nuggikeri desai family was in service of this Maratha Army and participated in this battle. Due to his service and dedication on the battles, he was awarded with Jagir of Nuggikeri and other 14 nearby villages. Every year during Hanuman Jayanthi, Jatra festival will be celebrated. You can take an auto or taxi from Dharwad Railway station as this is just 7.5 kms from station. Jai Hanuman. Don't miss to include this temple in your travel plan. Your comments are appreciated. Thank you