Shree Hulikunteswamy Temple

Overview

The Bommghatta Hanuman Temple is a renowned Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple is also popularly referred to as the Hulikunteraya or Hulikunteswamy Temple. This ancient shrine is situated about 80 km from the town of Bellary and 23 km from Kudligi.

About The Temple

There is an interesting legend behind the Hanuman idol here, which was found from within the bushes. Centuries ago, when the Vijayanagara Empire was newly established, this idol of Lord Hanuman was discovered under a peculiar circumstance. It was believed that Lord Hanuman from Sathya loka, had stayed secretly in the bushes of the Hulikunte tank.

Long ago, there was a divine cow, which along with its calf joined the herd of a cowboy living in that locality. The cowboy was overjoyed on seeing the healthy cow yielding plenty of milk every day. But suddenly one day, the cow stopped yielding milk or feeding its own calf after returning from grazing. Upon enquiry, the cowboy came to know that the cow willingly poured milk on a certain bush when grazing. The cowboy was furious at this act of the cow and decided to punish it. He threw his dagger at the cow but at that moment, the divine cow is said to have suddenly vanished. Meanwhile, a lightning sound was also heard emanating from the bush. That very night, the cowboy was said to have got the holy darshan of Lord Anjaneya himself. The deity informed him of his existence under the bush, and asked him to spread this news to the villagers at Shanabhog. The deity also wished to be consecration in a temple. According, the vigraha (idol) of Lord Hanuman was taken out from the bush for consecration. This vigraha of the lord stands unique, with the tail and right hand uplifted. This symbolizes the dustanigraha Avatar of Lord Hanumantha. The left hand of the deity appears holding a club, symbolizing the mighty Bheemavatara. While the Tulasimalam adorns his neck, the Paduka adorns his divine feet, representing Madhvavatara. Daily poojas are performed on this deity ever since he was installed there.

Since this Vigraha (Idol) of Lord Hanuman was found underneath a bush, on the banks of a tank, the deity got to be called Hulikunteswamy. Later, a salt merchant is said to have built the Sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagraha) for this deity, as a thanks giving for the success of his business.

Many centuries later, Sri Sri Vyasaraya Swamiji who was the Guru of the popular king Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire, visited this place around 1500 AD. He had performed pooja for the deity, impressing Shanku and Chakra the symbol of Lord Vishnu. After a while, during the construction of the temple and its tank, a linga of Lord Shiva was discovered and was consecrated by Sri Sri Vadirajaswamiji of Udupi mutt, on the bank of the tank, naming the deity Gangadhara.

In 1807 AD Sri Subodhendra Thirtha of Sri Raghavendra GuruSarvabhowma Parampare performed his Chaturmasa poojas here at Bommagahatta and offered Sanyasasrama to his disciple Sri Sujanendra Thirta. Sri Sujanendra Thirta went to Nanjangud and won the religious concert, defeating Pandit Ramasastri. He was generously rewarded for this achievement, in the form of many village lands, by the then King of Mysore, Sri Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadayar. In recognition of this occasion, Sri Sujanendra Thirtha Swamiji installed the idols of Sri Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Anjaneya and Garuda at Hulekunteraya temple at Bommaghatta. The annual Bramharathotsava of this temple is usually held during this period of February – March. Sri Subhodendra Tirtha Swamiji introduced Saptha Rathotsava from Phalguna Shudda Panchami to Dwadasi every year namely Hanumadvahanotsava, Aswavahanotsava, Kalyanotsava, Garudotsava, Gajavahanotsava, and other utsavas culminating with Bramha Rathotsava are being held regularly over the years, Many Swamiji's of Madhva peeta have visited Sri Kshetra and worshiped divine murti of Hulikunte Mukya Prana.

In the present Kaliyuga, worship of this Mukya Prana Hulikunteraya swamy is believed to wash off all our misdeeds, thereby taking us to the path of devotion and righteousness. The deity also showers his immense blessings on his devotees by bringing about happiness, peace and prosperity in their life.

Festivals

The major festivals of this temple are celebrated in the month of February and March.

How To Reach Shree Hulikunteswamy Temple

Airport

The nearest Airport is the Vidyanagar Airport.

Railways

The closest railhead is Thoranagallu railway station.

Road

The temple is located very close to the Bommaghatta bus stand.

Temple Address