Nuggikeri, Hindu temple in Dharwad, India.
Nuggikeri is a Hindu temple in Dharwad, Karnataka, situated near the highway connecting Bangalore and Pune. The main building is topped by a three-tier tower, and inside stands a granite idol covered in bright red vermilion.
The temple was consecrated through a ritual performed by Sri Vyasaraja, a saint closely tied to the court of King Krishnadevaraya in Hampi. This links the site to the Vijayanagara Empire, which was at its height in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Saturdays draw the largest crowds to the temple, as this day is traditionally dedicated to Hanuman. During the Hanuman Jayanti festival, devotees gather for prayers and singing that can last through the day.
The temple is easy to reach by local transport from Dharwad or Hubli, as it sits close to a main road. Visiting during the day is recommended, since the grounds are most active in the morning and early evening.
Local tradition holds that the granite idol appeared to someone in a dream before it was found in Nuggikeri Lake. The lake itself is still visible near the temple, giving the story a connection to the surrounding landscape that visitors can see for themselves.
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