Dharavathi Anjaneya Temple is located near Tarihal in the Hubli–Dharwad region of Karnataka.The main deity of the temple is Lord Hanuman, also known as Anjaneya. The idol is believed to be swayambhu, meaning self-manifested, and not carved by human hands. Because of this, devotees consider the deity very powerful and living. The temple is popularly regarded as a jagrut kshetra where prayers are quickly answered.
According to local priests and oral tradition, the Dharavathi Anjaneya Temple is more than 400 years old. Historical records are limited, but devotees believe the shrine has existed for many centuries. The present structure of the temple has been renovated recently, giving it a neat and beautiful appearance while maintaining its sacred atmosphere. The tradition of worship here has continued unbroken for generations.
The temple today has a simple yet attractive structure. The sanctum houses the Hanuman idol, and the surroundings are well-maintained and clean. There is a neem tree in the temple premises that is regarded as sacred. Devotees believe its leaves taste sweet, and this is linked with stories of Saint Basavanna, who is said to have performed penance here in earlier times. The overall style of the temple shows more of a renovated form than ancient stone architecture, but the core sanctity of the shrine remains unchanged.
Long ago, the land around Dharavathi village was filled with forests, fields, and sacred groves. According to the local legend, farmers working in the fields once came across a natural stone form that radiated divine energy. When they tried to move it, they realized that it was not an ordinary stone but the self-manifested (swayambhu) form of Lord Hanuman. The villagers felt a strong vibration of power and began to worship the idol right at that spot. Over time, a small shrine was built around it, and this later grew into the Dharavathi Anjaneya Temple that stands today.
The tradition also says that Basavanna, the great 12th-century saint of Karnataka, visited this place during his journey of spreading dharma. It is believed that he performed penance under a neem tree in the temple premises. Devotees even today say that the leaves of this neem tree taste sweet, unlike ordinary neem leaves, which are considered a divine sign of Basavanna’s blessings. Because of this, the tree is regarded as sacred and is worshipped along with Lord Hanuman.
There is also a distinct ritual involving slippers (chappals) in this temple. Some devotees, especially cobblers, offer new slippers to Hanuman as a form of seva. In certain cases, people strike themselves lightly with slippers on the body, such as the hands, face, or head, to seek forgiveness for mistakes and to remove the effects of evil forces. Though unusual, this custom has been followed here for generations and is considered a form of surrender before the Lord, who is known to remove fear, pride, and negativity.
Saturdays are the most important days at the temple when large numbers of devotees visit and special pujas are performed. Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated grandly with great devotion.On Saturdays, the temple conducts a palki seva where the utsava murti of Hanuman is taken around the temple in procession. Devotees join in large numbers, singing bhajans and chanting Hanuman’s name. After the procession, the temple serves langar prasad, feeding all who come, which adds to the temple’s reputation as a place of community service and devotion.
