Sri Kukke Subrahmanya Temple

Shri Kukke Subrahmanya Temple is a very popular temple of Karnataka. The holy temple town of Kukke Subrahmanya is located at the base of the Western Ghats in Dakshina Kannada, in the shadow of Bisle Ghat and Kumara Parvatha.

(Image courtesy: Wikipedia)

This temple is dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya (also called as Lord Murugan), Lord of serpents and is located about 105 km from Mangalore, on the banks of River Kumaradhara. One has to take a holy dip in the waters of Kumaradhara and enter the courtyard of the temple from behind to view the idol. Lord Subrahmanya is worshipped here in the form of a snake, and is famous for relieving Sarpa Dosha.

According to legends, Lord Kumaraswamy killed the demon rulers Taraka, Shoorapadmasura and others in a war; and the Lord washed his Shakti Ayudha in this river. Since then the river was known as Kumaradhara. Then the Lord came up to the top of Kumara Parvatha along with his brothers Lord Ganesha, Veerabahu and other aides. Lord Indra along with other Gods received him and prayed the Lord to marry Devasena, Indra's daughter, which He accepted.

Lord Kumaraswamy gave darshan to Vasuki, the head of snakes. Vasuki was making a penance, and requested him to be with the Lord permanently. Granting Vasuki’s wish the Lord has made his spiritual presence in this shrine along with his wife Devasena and Vasuki.

The main entrance of the temple lies to the east. The devotees will enter from west through main Gopuram and enters the inner quadrangle from the east. There is a pedestal in the centre of the sanctum. On the upper Dias there is the idol of Shree Subrahmanya and then the idol of Vasuki and little lower the idol of Shesha. While entering the inner quadrangle devotees should remove their shirts and banyans.

Temple Timings:

7 am - 1 pm & 3 pm - 8 pm

Pooja timings -

6 to 7 p.m. (morning pooja)11 am to 12 noon (noon pooja)7 to 7.45 p.m. (evening pooja)

Sarpa Saskara (done for sarpa dosha) also called as Ashlesha Bali Pooja – This is one of the important Kaalasarpa dosha pujas performed at Kukke Subrahmanya Temple. It is believed to be the ultimate solace for salvation from any sort of naga doshas. Many childless couple reach here to do this pooja and get blessings of God.

Contact Address:

Kukke Shree Subrahmanya Temple
Subarahamanya,
Sullia Taluk, Dakshina Kannada District
Pin -574 238

Accommodation: There are many lodges available nearby.

If you are looking for star accommodation, you can choose a hotel in Mangalore.