The Kukke Subramanya Swamy Temple is a well-known Hindu temple in the village of Kukke/Subramanya, Sullia Taluk, Karnataka, India. This temple is dedicated to Lord Subramanya, also known as Lord Murugan or Kartikeya, the younger son of Lord Shiva and Parvati, and the younger brother of Lord Sri Ganesha. The temple’s presiding deity is Lord Subramanya, who is worshipped as the Lord of Serpents.

The temple is located on the stunning Western Ghats, making it a popular pilgrimage destination. It is located approximately 105 kilometres from Mangalore and can be reached by road.  The temple is located in the heart of the village. The temple is surrounded by rivers, forests, and mountains, and Nature reveals her full beauty here. The temple is closely associated with the divine serpent Vasuki and is thought to be the site where Lord Subramanya defeated the demon king Tarakasura, who took the form of a serpent.

Story Behind Kukke Subramanya Swamy Temple

According to one legend, after defeating the demon rulers Tarakasura, Shurapadmasura, and their followers in a war, Lord Shanmukha travelled to Kumara Parvatha with his brother Ganesha and others. He was welcomed by Indra and his followers. Indra overjoyed, prayed to Lord Kumara Swamy to accept and marry his daughter Devasena, to which the Lord readily agreed.

The divine marriage took place at Kumara Parvatha during Margashira Shudha Shashti. Gods such as Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, and many other deities gathered for Shanmukha’s marriage and coronation ceremony, which included the use of water from several holy rivers. The waters of Mahabhisheka fell to form a river, which became known as Kumaradhara.

To avoid Garuda’s attack, the great Shiva Bhakta and Serpent King Vasuki performed tapas in the Biladwara caves of Kukke Subrahmanya for many years. Following Lord Shiva’s assurance, Shanmuka granted Vasuki darshan and blessed him, promising that he would remain as his parama bhakta in this location indefinitely. As a result, the poojas performed for Vasuki or Nagaraja are identical to those performed for Lord Subrahmanya.

History of Kukke Subramanya Swamy Temple

Apart from Kudupu in Mangaluru and Katukukke in Dakshina Kannada, Kukke Subramanya Temple performs two important Sarpa Dosha ceremonies: Ashlesha Bali and Sarpa Samskara. For 700 years, Shivalli Madhva Brahmins have performed poojas and daily rituals in the temple by Madhvacharya’s “Tantra Sara Sangraha”. Shri Vadiraja Tirtha, a 16th-century Madhva tradition saint, wrote about the Kukke Subramanya temple and the Kumaradhara river in his work Tirtha Prabandha.

Kukke Subramanya is one of the seven holy places established by Saint Parashurama. The divine serpent Vasuki is believed to have taken refuge in Kukke Subramanya while being hunted by Garuda (the legendary bird and official vehicle of Lord Vishnu).

Architecture of Kukke Subramanya Swamy Temple

Pilgrims who visit the temple must cross the Kumaradhara River and take a holy dip before entering the temple for darshan. Devotees enter the courtyard through the doorway in the back and circle the deity. The silver-covered Garuda pillar stands between the sanctum and the portico entrance. Devotees circle this pillar. This pillar is said to have been enchanted and planted to protect devotees from the poisonous flames emitted by Vasuki, who lives inside.

Beyond the pillar are the outer and inner halls, followed by Sri Subrahmanya’s sanctum. A pedestal sits in the centre of the sanctum. The deities Sri Subrahmanya and Vasuki are on the upper dais, with Shesha at a lower level. These deities are worshipped ritually daily. The temple’s popularity is gradually growing due to its religious significance and importance.

On the outside, there is one hallway followed by another. The sanctum has a stage; on the upper side, the deity connects with Sri Subrahmanya. In the middle, the deity connects with Vasuki and then with Shesha. There are numerous lingas known as Kukke Lingas located in the west of the sanctum. The shrine is also connected to Lord Bhairava.

Facts about Kukke Subramanya Swamy Temple

• Kukke Subramanya Swamy Temple is a well-known Hindu temple located in Subramanya village, Sullia Taluk, Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka.
• It is located in the Western Ghats range of Karnataka, India, surrounded by dense forests. Kukke Subramanya Swamy is revered as the Lord of All Serpents.
• The Kukke Subramanya Swamy Temple is a pristine Indian pilgrimage site. People revere Lord Subrahmanya, the Lord of All Serpents.
• Lord Subrahmanya is buried on the famous mountain Kumara Parvatha, and Shesha Parvatha appears to be guarding the temple shrine.
• According to history, the divine serpent king Vasuki performed tapas here for several years to avoid Garuda’s attack.
• Kukke Subramanya Swamy Temple is also a popular hiking destination for tourists from around the world.
• The temple is located on the banks of the river ‘Dhara’, which originates in the Kumara mountain and flows to the western sea.

Famous Rituals Offered In Kukke Subramanya Swamy Temple

• Sarpa Dosha / Sarpa Samskara – Sarpa Samskara/Sarpa Dosha is a puja offered to the snake god to remove any negativity from one’s life. Sarpa Dosha is afflicted by the Sarpa (serpent) dosha (curse) in many ways, either knowingly or unknowingly, in one’s current or previous births.
• Naga Pratistha Puja – This ritual is performed to alleviate Kaal sarpadosha, santaan dosha (childlessness), and other related issues. The Puthrasanthana puja to end childlessness is performed every day except Ekadashi and other fasting days observed by Hindu devotees.
•  Ashlesha Bali – This is performed by those known to be affected by Kaalasarpadosha for a variety of reasons, and it takes place on all days except Ekadashi and other days when a Hindu devotee fasts.

Best Time to Visit Kukke Subramanya Swamy Temple

This place is heavenly and spiritual; you can visit it all year. However, the best time to visit this temple is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

How To reach Kukke Subramanya Swamy Temple

The temple is located in the village Subramanya, of Kadaba taluk in Karnataka, India.

By Air: The closest airport to Kukke Subrahmanya is Mangalore International Airport (Bajpe Airport), which is 115 kilometres away.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Subrahmanya Road (SBHR) Railway Station, which is located 7 kilometres from Kukke Subrahmanya on the Mangalore-Bangalore railway line.

By Road: Kukke Subrahmanya Temple is well-connected by road to Mangalore and Bangalore. Many KSRTC buses run daily between these two locations.

Also Read – Naganathar Temple (Rahu Sthalam)