“Cricket God shot Kukke Subramanya temple to fame.” How God of cricket visited a real God in Karnataka.” These are some of the headlines that created waves, less than a decade ago, when Sachin Tendulkar visited the Kukke Subramanya temple.

The list of celebrities visiting the Kukke Subramanya temple is endless. Visitors range from an Indian-born businessman and politician Raja Krishnamoorthi visiting Kukke Subramanya temple on a thanksgiving pilgrimage after winning an electoral battle in Illinois to Amitabh Bachchan.

What is the magic of this little temple town near Mangalore in Karnataka, which draws people from all over the world?

Read on to know more about Kukke Subramanya Temple and the Kukke Subramanya story, and why it is so popular.

Kukke Subramanya Temple – Visiting Kukke Shri Subramanya Temple

Much before media headlines catapulted the Kukke Shree Subrahmanya Temple to national and international fame, it was for us a temple to which we made an annual family pilgrimage. Childhood memories of the temple and the cool waters of the stream known as Kumaradhara are still vivid.

In those days there was hardly any other structure and the temple stood in solitary splendour, framed against the backdrop of the Shesha Parvata which looked like the hood of a cobra, a hallowed place in the lap of nature.

The deity of the Kukke Subramanya temple, Subramanya also known as Kartikeya or Shanmukha, is our Kuldevata, and hence the regular visits to the temple. The importance of Kukke Subramanya in our lives is underlined by the fact that the name of the deity is included in the Sankalpa Mantra, which we recite before the beginning of any religious rite or puja.

About Kukke Subramanya Temple

The Kukke Subramanya temple is a shrine dedicated to Subramanya, the son of Shiva and Parvati, and the brother of Ganesha. It is located in the pristine environs of Subrahmanya in the Sullia Taluk of the district of Dakshina Kannada, in the state of Karnataka, India.

The temple is wrapped in legends and is considered to be a very sacred place, a place that has been sanctified by the presence of Lord Subramanya himself, along with other Gods and Goddesses of the Hindu pantheon. The temple is believed to be one of the seven temples in Dakshina Karnataka, which was established by Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu.

The other temples are the Krishna temple in Udupi, the Shiva temple in Gokarna, the Kollur Mookambika temple, the Anegudde Vinayaka temple in Kumbhashi, the unique temple of Shiva and Vishnu in Shankarnarayana, and the Shiva temple of Koteshwara.

These seven temples are also referred to as Parashurama’s Mukti Kshetras and form an important pilgrimage circuit in Karnataka.

The Kukke Subramanya Temple is famous across the world for the performance of special poojas and rituals like Sarpa Samskara, Sarpa Dosha, Ashlesha Bali Pooja, and others.

The Legend Of Kukke Subramanya| What is the story behind Kukke Subramanya temple?

According to mythology, Subrahmanya vanquished the demons or Asuras, Tarakasura, Surapadma, Simhamukhan, and their forces. It is believed that then reached Kumara Parvata along with his brother Ganesha.

He was received with great honour by Lord Indra and made the commander-in-chief of the army of the Gods. Indra also offered the hand of his daughter Devasena to Kartikeya.

The divine marriage of Subrahmanya with Devasena took place at the Kumara Parvata. The newly married couple was blessed by the trinity Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva, as well as other Gods, Goddesses, and saints. Waters from all the holy rivers were brought and used in the wedding and coronation ritual that took place.

It is believed that the waters of the holy river fell down from the head of Subrahmanya and started flowing as the river Kumaradhara.

Around this time, Vasuki – the king of serpents was meditating in a subterranean cave called Biladwara, near Kumara Parvata, hidden from the eyes of Garuda. Vasuki was a great devotee of Shiva and was doing rigorous meditation and penance for him. Shiva was pleased with him and assured him protection through the presence of Shanmukha or Subrahmanya.

Accordingly, Subrahmanya appeared before Vasuki and blessed him. He also declared that he would stay in the place forever to protect Vasuki. Since that day the place is believed to be sanctified by the presence of Subrahmanya along with his consort Devasena as well as Vasuki and Shesha, the son of sage Kashyapa.

The Lord blesses his devotees who flock for his darshan from all corners of the world. He is embodied in the main idol of the Kukke Subrahmanya temple where he can be seen along with Vasuki and Shesha.

Kukke Subramanya Temple History

The earliest reference to Kukke Subramanya is found in the Skanda Purana. In the Sahyadri Khanda of the Sanatkumara Samhita of the Skanda Purana, mention is made of Subrahmanya Kshetra located on the banks of a river called Dhara. Subramanya, after destroying the Asuras including Tarakasura, washed his weapons in the waters of the river Dhara.

The river hence came to be known as Kumara Dhara.

Shankara Vijayam, a biography of Adi Shankaracharya by Anandagiri, tells about the visit of the great saint and philosopher to Kukke Sburahmanya. In the “Shri Subrahmanya Bhujanga Prayata Stotra,” believed to have been composed by Adi Shankaracharya himself, there is a reference to Kukkelinga.

It is believed that many Devarishis ( Celestial Sages) installed Shiva Lingas at Kukke and these came to be referred to as Kukkelingas.

Even today inside the main temple, a cluster of Shiv Lingas can be seen in the northern corner of the temple, these Lingas are called Kukke Lingas.

The Subramanya Mahatme mentions that Lord Subrahmanya himself installed Shiva Lingas in three locations near the Kumara Parvata. Many Gods and Goddesses too installed Shiva Lingas in the vicinity. These Lingas were later collected and installed in the Kukke Subramanya temple.

The existing Kukke Subrahmanya temple is believed to be more than 5,000 years old. In ancient times Kukke Subramanya was known as Kukke Pattana.

Places To Visit In Kukke Subramanya | Things to do in Subramanya | Nearby Attractions

The main temple of Subrahmanya is the most important of the places to visit in Kukke Subramanya, however, there are many other temples and sacred places in Kukke Subrahmanya that should be visited. Here is a brief description of the places to visit in Kukke Subramanya.

Kukke Subramanya Main Temple

The main temple of Kukke Subramanya stands framed against the majestic backdrop of Shesha Hill. The entrance to the temple is from the western side, which has a huge Gopuram built in the traditional Dravidian architectural style. The main temple entrance however is from the eastern side.

Near the main Gopuram, when entering the temple, you can see the wooden chariot or Ratha that is used during Maharathothsavam.

The entrance to the temple is through a portico that is behind the Gopuram. The main street of Subramanya, which is lined by shops selling colourful pooja articles, flowers, offerings, leads to the western entrance.

After crossing the portico, you enter the outer courtyard where you will find a silver-plated Garuda Sthamba. Beyond the outer hall is the inner hall, and within it is located the sanctum sanctorum of the main temple. The entrance to the sanctum is towards the eastern side.

Inside the sanctum is the presiding deity of Kukke Subramanya. In the centre of the sanctum on a pedestal is the idol of the deity. It looks exactly like the Images of Kukke Subramanya that you would have seen before visiting Kukke Subramanya Temple, Sullia.

The idol of Kukke Subramanya temple in the sanctum consists of three levels. At the top is seen a beautiful idol of Subramanya, seated on his vehicle which is a peacock. The coiled hood of a cobra with 5 heads can be seen as a canopy to Kartikeya or Subrahmanya.

Beneath the idol of Subrahmanya, at the second and middle level, you can see the idol of Vasuki, the king of serpents. At the bottom level, beneath the idol of Vasuki is the idol of Sheshanag, or Shesha, who is believed to be one of the sons of Kashyapa.

There are many other temples within the main complex of the Kukke Subrahmanya temple. Towards the west of the inner sanctum, you will find a cluster of Lingas, which are known as Kukke Lingas. To the south of the inner sanctum is located a shrine to Lord Bhairava, a form of Shiva.

A temple that is dedicated to Uma Maheshwara is situated on the northeast side of the sanctum. There are also shrines to Ganesha, Surya or Sun God, Vishnu, and Ambika, within the main Kukke Subramanya Temple.

Adi Subramanya Temple

The Adi Subrahmanya temple is believed to predate the main temple and the moola vigraha or original idol/deity is believed to reside here. This ancient temple is located about 500 metres from the entrance to the main temple.

The temple is located right on the banks of a stream that is a part of the Kumaradhara River. Inside the sanctum of the Adi Subramanya temple is an anthill or Valmika.

The anthill is worshipped ritualistically. Soil from the anthill is offered as prasad and is known as Moola Mruthike. It is considered very sacred and is believed to bestow health and well being and cure various skin and other ailments when partaken with faith.

Kshirabhishekha and Panchamrutha Abhishekhaare two of the popular sevas that devotees can offer the deity here. Urulu Seve, a ritual that involves lying on the ground and circumambulating the sanctum by rolling around it is performed by devotees, who have taken a vow to do so.

A nice and well-landscaped garden has been developed right next to the Adi Subramanya temple, where one can spend some time.

List of Sevas At Adi Subramanya Temple – Kukke Subramanya Temple

• Kshirabhisheka
• Panchamrutha Abhisheka
• Nandadeepa
• Rangapooja
• Alankara Pooja
• Covering of cloth to the anthill
• Fruit and Ghee Samarpana
• Ashtotra Archana
• Thrimadhura Samarpana
• Karthika Pooja
• Panchakajjaya
• Shodasanamarchana
• Mangalarthi
• Hannukai
• Laduprasada

Please refer to the official website of the temple for updated Kukke Subramanya Temple Seva List and prices.

Biladwara

Biladvara is a cave that is located on the road leading to the Kumaradhara river. It is about 850 kilometres from the main temple. Legend has it that Vasuki, the serpent meditated here, hiding from the preying eyes of Garuda. Vasuki was a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva, and Subrahmanya assured him of his protection with his continued presence in the region.

Kashikatte Ganapathi

The Kashikatte Ganapathi temple is an ancient temple dedicated to the elephant God, Ganesha. It is believed that the temple was established by the celestial sage, Narada. This temple is part of the main temple trust and is very near to the Biladwara.

Kukke Shree Abhaya Mahaganapathi

Right on the road that leads to the Kumaradhara river stands the Abhaya Mahaganapathi temple. A huge Ganesha idol made from a black monolithic rock is the deity. It is a contemporary temple and has a unique architectural style that has elements of Nepali temple architecture.

Sri Subrahmanya Mutt

The Subramanya Mutt is part of the Dwaita tradition and is believed to date back to the time of Sri Madhwacharya. The Mutt is believed to have been handed over by Sr, Madhawacharya to his brother Vishnuteerthacharya, who was also his disciple.

The temples, Kukke Sri Abhaya Ganapathi Temple, Sri Vanadurga Devi Temple, Somanatha Temple and Samputa Narasimha Temple are managed under the aegis of the Sri Subrahmanya Mutt.

Kumaradhara River

The Kumaradhara river is a sacred river and has many myths and legends associated with it. Bathing in the river before visiting the temple of Subrahmanya, is considered a part of the ritual of the Kukke yatra. The waters of the river are believed to have medicinal properties that help in alleviating skin diseases.

The river Kumaradhara flows on to meet the Netravathi river, which then flows into the Arabian Sea.

Darpana Theertha

A stream of the Kumaradhara river flows near the main temple. Legend has it that a mirror and an Akshaya Patra filled with gold and jewels used come floating in the stream. These used to be collected by the temple authorities.

Somanatha Temple Agrahara

This is an ancient temple on the banks of the Kumaradhara River. It is also referred to as Panchami Theertha. There are around 16 tombs here of Swamijis of the Sri Subramanya Mutt.

Vanadurga Devi Temple

Another temple that is dedicated to the goddess Durga is located near the Abhaya Ganapathy temple, on the road that leads to the Kumaradhara river.

Kukke Subramanya Temple Timings And Darshanam

The timings of the main temple of Subramanya are given below. Please do check the official website of the temple for updated information.

• Opening of the temple door and Govu Puja (Cow worship) at 5.00 AM
• Ushakala Pooja from 5.30 AM to 6.0 AM
• Various Sevas as offered by devotees from 6.30 AM to 10.00 AM
• Madhyanana Pooja which includes Kalashapooja, Archana, Panchamrutha Abhishekha, Mahanaivedya, and Mahamangalarthi between 10.00 AM to 12.15 PM
• Distribution of theertha Prasada between 12.30 PM to 1.30 PM
• Anna Santharpane or Mass feeding (Morning meals) between 11.00 AM to 2.00 PM
• Hannukai, and Mangalarthi seva by the devotees between 3.30 PM to 6.00 PM
• Nisha pooja and Mahamangalarthi from 6.00 PM to 7.45 PM
• Distribution of Theertha Prasada and the closing of the temple’s main doors between 7.45 PM to 8.30 PM
• Anna Santharpane or Mass feeding (night meals) from 7.30 PM to 9.30 PM

Kukke Subramanya Pooja List | Seva List

Kukke Subramanya is known worldwide for its special poojas and sevas. The most important of these are of course, are Nagapratishtha, Kukke Subramanya sarpa samskara pooja, Kala Sarpa Dosha Pooja in Kukke Subramanya and Ashlesha Bali. Here is a list of the main poojas and sevas done in the temple:

Sarpa Samskara

Sarpa Samskara is a ritual that is done to pacify the spirit of a serpent or serpents that one may have killed knowingly or unknowingly in a previous birth. That deed casts its shadow on the present birth and creates obstacles in life, be it in marriage, career, or other aspects.

A remedy to nullify the effects of the Sarpa dosha is to do Sarpa Samskara, which is actually the rites done to a deceased. This is the purpose and uses of doing Sarpa Samskara. If you are wondering how to perform Sarpa Samskara, everything is taken care of by the assigned purohit at the Kukke temple.

Nagapratishtha Pooja

Nagapratishtha is another famous seva that is done at the Kukke Shree Subrahmanya Temple, Subramanya. Nagaprathishta is a pooja performed for getting relief from issues relating to fertility, marriage, and childbirth. The pooja involves the installation of stone idols of nagas as per prescribed rites and rituals.

Ashlesha Bali

The Ashlesha Bali Pooja is generally performed by those born under the Ashlesha Nakshatra or those with Kala Sarpa Dosha, to ward off the evil effects. The Ashlesha Bali Pooja is believed to remove the ill effects and improve the financial condition and give inner peace to those who perform it.

Other Sevas At Kukke Subramanya Temple

Here is a list of some of the other sevas that can be done at the main temple in Kukke Subramanya.

• Panchamrutabhishkam
• Rudrabhishekam
• Kshirabhishekam
• Sahasranamaarchana
• Mahapooja
• Mahapooja with palanquin utsava
• Maharathotsava
• Panchamrutha Mahabhishekham

For the complete Kukke Subramanya Temple Seva details and Kukke Subramanya Temple Pooja Sevas charges, please refer to the official temple website.

Special Days at Kukke Shree Subrahmanya Temple

Here are the special days that see celebrations and heavy footfalls at Subramanya, famous for the temple of Kukke Sri Subrahmanya. If you are planning to visit the temple on an of these days, be prepared for huge crowds, and make sure you have your accommodation booked, well in advance.

• Nagara Panchami | Nag Panchami
• Ekadashi
• Shuddha Shashti
• Ashlesha Nakshatra
• Sankramana

Festivals & Celebrations at Kukke Subramanya | Uthsava Details | Uthsava Days

Here is a list of the festivals or utsavas that are celebrated at the Kukke Subramanya temple. These are days that draw large crowds to the temple. Please refer to the official temple website for the exact days and dates of these uthsavas.

• Maharathothsava
• Flower Chariot Uthsava Day
• Small Chariot Utsava Day
• Purusaraya Ontinema Days
• Chandra Mandala Uthsava Day

Kukke Subramanya Images | Kukke Subramanya Idol Images

Kukke Subramanya Temple Dress Code | Do’s and Don’ts

• Men are not allowed inside the temple with upper garments like shirts, or vests, or T-shirts, etc.
• Women need to be dressed conservatively in saree or Churidar, or any other decent Indian dress
• One should not enter the temple without taking a bath
• Sticks, umbrellas, and material made from animal skin are not allowed inside the temple
• Mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside the temple premises
• Consumption of tobacco products including Gutkha and cigarettes as well as betel leaves is prohibited

Kukke Subramanya For Nature And Adventure Lovers

Kukke Subramanya is not only a destination that draws the religious and the spiritual, it is also a sought after destination by adventure and nature lovers. The journey to Subramanya is in itself an unforgettable experience that gives a truly immersive experience of nature at its best. For those with an adrenaline rush, the Kumara Parvata beckons with a challenging trek.

Kumara Parvatha Trekking

The trek to Kumara Parvatha is a challenging one and starts from Kukke Subramanya. The trek is 14 kilometres, one-way and through dense rainforest. The trek to the Kumara ascends to a height of about 5,600 feet above sea level. Two days are required for the trek, which needs to be done with an approved guide

How to Reach Kukke Subramanya Temple

The famous temple of Kukke Subramanya is located in Subramanya, of Kadaba taluk (Earlier in Sullia taluk) in Dakshina Kannada district Karnataka, India.

• Bangalore to Kukke Subramanya distance by road is about 271 kilometres
• Kukke Subramanya is about 106 kilometres from Mangalore
• Sakleshpur to Kukke Subramanya distance is about 60 kilometres
• Hassan to Kukke Subramanya distance is about 110 kilometres
• Kukke Subramanya to Dharmasthala distance is about 53 kilometres
• Kukke Subramanya to Gokarna distance is about 332 kilometres

Kukke Subramanya Temple Address & Contact Details

The Kukke Subramanya Postal Address is :
Kukke Shree Subrahmanya Temple
Subrahamanya Post, Kadaba Taluk
Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka – 574238

Kukke Subramanya contact number:
08257 236210 (Office)
08257 236214 (Office)
08257 281265 (Protocol Section)
08257 295300 (Sarpa Samskara Section-Main)
08257 236212 (Sarpa Samskara information)
08257 281400 (Information Center)

Contact Person Email:
[email protected]

Check out the temple’s official website for Kukke Subramanya Pooja Booking Phone Number, and Kukke Subramanya online room booking.

Best Time to Visit Kukke Subramanya

The best time to visit Kukke Subramanya is between September to February when the weather is quite pleasant. It is better to avoid the monsoon season.

Reaching Kukke Subramanya By Air

The nearest airport to Kukke Subramanya is the Mangaluru International Airport which is at a distance of about 107 kilometres. The airport has flights to and from cities including Bangalore, Mumbai, Mysore, Chennai, Hyderabad, etc. You can fly to Mangalore and travel by road to Kukke Subramanya.

Reaching Kukke Subramanya By Road

Kukke Subramanya is well connected by road to Mangalore and Bangalore. There are regular K.S.R.T.C buses to Kukke Subramanya from Bangalore. One can also drive or hire a cab to travel to Kukke Subramanya from Bangalore.

Bangalore to Kukke Subramanya Bus

Types of Bangalore to Kukke Subramanya Bus are Non AC Sleeper Bus, AC Sleeper Bus, AC Bus, Non AC Seater Bus, Non AC Sleeper Seater Bus, AC Sleeper Seater Bus and Volvo AC Bus.

Bangalore to Kukke Subramanya Bus Route Map

Reaching Kukke Subramanya By Rail

The nearest railway station to Kukke Subramanya is the Subramanya Road railway station. It is at a distance of about 12.4 kilometres from the Kukke Subramanya temple. Trains to places like Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore, Vijayapura, etc., halt at the railway station.

Vistadome Train To Kukke Subramanya

One of the best ways to travel to Kukke Subramanya by rail is to travel by the Vistadome train from Yeshwanthpur in Bangalore. The vista dome coaches are now attached to the train that runs between Yeshwanthpur and Mangalore/Karwar. You can experience a panoramic view of the western ghats on the journey.

The fare for the vista dome coach is similar to fares for Executive Class in Shatabdi trains.

If you are planning a trip to Kukke Subramanya you can book a cheap flight right here through TripAdvisor or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline and come to Mangalore. You can also consider the rental car and bus options.

Hotels, Boarding, Lodging & Accommodation in Kukke Subramanya

Many private hotels and lodges have mushroomed around the Kukke Subramanya temple, where earlier there were few options. The facilities available at the Kukke Subrahmanya Temple includes a range of accommodation options. Below are the different options provided by the temple authorities.

Kukke Shree Subrahmanya Temple Room Details

• Adishesha Airconditioned accommodation (VIP/VVIP)
• Ashlesha Lodge
• Akshara Lodge
• Skanda Kripa
• AC Cottages
• Non-AC Cottages
• Kartikeya Kripa
• Chaithra Building
• Dormitories

You can book hotels for any destination right here through any of the below options: TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline and save a lot by getting the best deals on booking your stay.

Click to book the best hotels

Places To Visit Near Kukke Subramanya With Distance

Dharmasthala – 53.2 Kms

Sakleshpur – 60.3 Kms

Mangalore – 105.7 Kms

Hornadu – 140.8 kms

Sringeri – 159.5 Kms

Udupi – 157.1 Kms

Kukke Subramanya Temple FAQ

Can we visit Kukke Subramanya now?
Yes.

Which God is in Kukke Subramanya?
The God that is worshipped in Kukke Subramanya is Subramanya or Kartikeya, Son of Shiva and Parvati, and Ganesha’s brother.

What is Kukke Subramanya famous for?
It is famous for its Subramanya temple where Sarpa Samskara, Nagaprathishtha, and Ashlesha Bali pooja are performed.

What is the meaning of Kukke?
Kukke meaning in the local language is, ‘basket’, there are many theories of how the place came to be known as Kukke. According to one theory, the local tribals once rescued the snakes in baskets, while there is another theory that the priests of the temple used to cover the Lingas with baskets, and hence the name Kukke Linga and Kukke Subramanya.

Why Ashlesha Bali is performed?
Ashlesha Bali is performed to ward off the evil effects of the Ashlesha Nakshatra.

Which river flows in Kukke Subramanya temple?
Kumaradhara river flows near the Kukke Subramanya temple.

What is Sarpa Samskara Pooja?
Sarpa Samskara pooja is done to remove the effect of sarpa dosha that may have accumulated on account of harming a Naga/Snake in a previous birth. Sarpa Samskara Pooja benefits at Kukke Subramanya are many and that is why this pooja is very popular.

Is there dress code in Kukke Subramanya?
Yes, there is a dress code for visiting the Kukke Subramanya temple, men are not allowed with upper garments like shirts and vests. Women need to dress modestly in traditional Indian dresses like saree.

Can we visit other temples after visiting Kukke Subramanya?
There are many temples in Subrahmanya and nearby that can be easily visited. These include Dharmasthala and Udupi.

Are kids allowed in Kukke Subramanya?
Yes, kids are allowed inside the Kukke Subramanya temple.

Which district is Kukke Subramanya?
Kukke Subramanya is in Subrahmanya, Sullia Taluk, Dakshina Kannada district (D.K), however recently it has come under the Kadaba Taluk.

Is there train for Kukke Subramanya?
Subramanya Road is the nearest station at a distance of about 12 kilometres from Kukke Subramanya. From here you can get trains from and to Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore, etc.

How is the road from Bangalore to Kukke Subramanya?
The road condition overall is pretty good, however, there is a ghat section where you will encounter steep curves.

How many people can perform Kukke Subramanya Temple Pooja?
It depends on the pooja or seva that you are performing, for example, 4 people are allowed on one pooja ticket for Sarpa Samskara and Nagaprathishta pooja. Do check out the official website of the temple for Kukke Subramanya Pooja details as well as Kukke Subramanya temple Timings.

We hope you find our Kukke Subramanya temple blog post informative and useful to plan your trip to the sacred place. Do subscribe to our blog for more informative and interesting travel content, also stay updated with the latest information by connecting with us on our social media handles.

We leave you with the beautiful Kukke Subramanya Swamy images, that are sure to fill your mind after reading this blog post.

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