Huligemma Temple (Huligi)

Huligemma Devi Temple is one of the popular temples in North Karnataka. It is located in Huligi village, about 25 km from Koppal. The presiding deity of Huligi village, Goddess Huligemma, is believed to be another form of Renuka Yellamma Devi. The temple is situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River and was built during the 13th century. The history of Shri Huligemma Devi Temple dates back around 800 years. According to legends, two devoted followers of Renuka Yellamma Devi, known as Nagajogi and Basavajogi, used to visit the Renuka Yellamma Temple in Savadatti every full moon (Purnima). Heavy rains caused the Tungabhadra River to flood one monsoon full moon day, making it impossible for them to cross the river. Determined to have the goddess’s darshan, they jumped into the overflowing river at night. Miraculously, an unknown force held their hands and safely guided them across the river. To their astonishment, Yellamma Devi herself appeared before them. The goddess told them, “From now on, you don’t need to come to Yellamma’s Gudda (hill) for my darshan. I will reside here in Huligi as Huligemma.” Saying this, she vanished. It is believed that the goddess manifested in Huligi in the form of a Saligrama (sacred stone) and a Srichakra. Following this divine event, a temple was built under the leadership of Nagajogi and Basavajogi. Even today, devotees visit the temple in large numbers, especially on Fridays, Tuesdays and full moon days (Purnima). During temple rituals, Jogammas and Jogappas perform traditional dances while singing songs that praise the divine miracles of the goddess. The HuligemmaJatre (festival) takes place during Agi Purnima and lasts for a month. Devotees from not only Karnataka but also neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu visit the temple in large numbers to seek blessings. The temple also provides free meals (Dasoha) to visiting devotees. Close to the Huligemma Temple is the ancient Someswara Temple, which features inscriptions from the year 1088 C.E. One inscription mentions that the Kalyana Chalukya emperor Vikramaditya VI donated the village of Huligi to a person named Chouvedibhatta. It also states that he built an irrigation canal from the Tungabhadra River to supply water to the region. Additionally, Huligi is home to Jain temples, including the ParshvanathaBasadi and the Brahma Jinalaya, further enriching the historical and spiritual significance of the village.

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