Hikkallu Venkataramana Swamy Temple, also called Koorma Giri Kshetra or Hikkallappana Betta, is a famous hill temple in Hikkal village, Tumkur District, Karnataka. It is located on a hill about 1650 feet above sea level. This temple is dedicated to Lord Venkataramana Swamy, also lovingly called Hikkalappa by devotees.
The main deity is a special anthill-shaped stone, which is believed to be a self-manifested (Swayambhu) form of Lord Vishnu. There are also idols of Sridevi and Bhudevi, his divine consorts. In 1999, a beautiful idol of Balaji was installed here, gifted by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD). Because of this, the temple is now one of the 108 sub-temples connected to the famous Tirumala temple.
The hill is called *Koormagiri, which means “Tortoise Hill*” (Koorma = tortoise, Giri = hill). According to legends, during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthana), Lord Vishnu took the form of a giant tortoise to support Mount Mandara. People believe this hill has the shape of a tortoise and is filled with the divine energy of Lord Vishnu.
Long ago, the area around Hikkal was covered with thick forests. Many saints and sages came here to meditate because it was peaceful and full of spiritual power. The hill looked like a tortoise, which made it even more special.
One day, a holy sage came across a strange anthill at the top of the hill. He felt a strong divine presence there. The anthill was split in the middle and looked like Vishnu’s sacred symbols—the Shankha (conch) and Chakra (discus). The sage understood that this was a divine form of Lord Venkataramana, and he started worshipping the stone. Over time, a small shrine was built there.
Soon, villagers began to hear about the miracles happening on the hill. People who were sick got better, couples without children were blessed, and those in trouble found peace. More and more people came to pray. Seeing the temple’s power, *TTD* installed the Balaji idol in 1999 and officially made it a sub-temple of Tirumala.
There is also a special natural spring between two big rocks on the hill. The water flows all the time and never dries, even in summer. Devotees believe this water is holy and has healing powers.
Because of the hill’s shape, the self-formed deity, and the holy spring, this temple is considered a very sacred place for Lord Vishnu’s devotees. It is a peaceful spot where people come for blessings, healing, and spiritual joy.
The temple celebrates many festivals with great devotion and joy. The main festival is Brahmotsavam, which brings thousands of devotees every year. Vaikunta Ekadasi is also celebrated with special early morning prayers and rituals. During the Tamil month of Purattasi (September–October), all Saturdays are considered holy for Lord Vishnu, and many pilgrims visit the temple. Deepavali and Ugadi are marked with beautiful decorations and special poojas. Devotees offer Tulasi garlands, butter, and coconuts to the Lord, praying for good health, peace, and prosperity.