Kukke subramanya temple is one of the seven Mukti Sthalas of Karnataka, is dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya. The main idol of the temple shows Lord Subramanya standing above the Serpents, Vasuki and Shesha.
Lapped in the luxurious abundance of the beauty of nature, the village of Subrahmanya lies in the Sullia Taluk in Dakshina Kannada. The temple is situated in the heart of the village with a sanctity which very few places can boast of. Nature reveals herself in all her unhidden beauty in the rivers, forests and mountains which the temple is surrounded by.
History of Kukke Subramanya Temple
Sri Kshetra is on the river bank of Kumaradhara. Born to annihilate the demonic forces, Kumaraswamy killed Tarakasura and other Asuras in the battle to Kumaraparvatha with his sibling Ganapathi. Devendra had decided to give away his daughter Devasena to him on “Margashira Shudda Shasti”.
Accordingly the marriage took place on the banks of Kumaradhara Thirtha. Bestowing his grace on “Sarpa Raja” Vasuki, who was doing Thapasya at that time. Kumaraswamy assured to dwell along with Devasena in him. Since then, it is behind that Lord Shanmukha (Skanda) in his spiritual presence is residing with Vasuki in the shrine.
Kukke Subrahmanya, one among the seven holy places created by Parashurama is mythologically and historically famous for “Nagaradhane”. Residing with Vasuki, God Subrahmanya showers his divine grace on devotees as the presiding deity of the Kshetra.
It is also called “Guptha Kshetra”. “Mruthika Prasada” given here is regarded as sacrosanct. The devotees believe that the holy bath in the Kumaradhara Thirtha and Madesnana eradicate dreaded diseases like leprosy. Diseases related to skin, the devotees firmly believe, get cured here. God Subrahmanya has earned an honorific title “Annadana Subbappa”.
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Thousands of devotees receive Annadana everyday here. The devotees find solace here after performing “Sarpasamskara”, Naga Prathiste”, “Ashlesha Bali” for sarpa dosha, which causes barrenness / infertility, skin disease, blindness, bhoomidosha etc. God Subrahmanya is the destroyer of the sorrows f innumerable Janmas receives the Sevas of devotees done with devotion and dedication and fulfills their wishes and hence in Kaliyugh hi is behind as “Prathyaksha God” Devaru.
In the past Subrahmanya Kshethra, the edicts and Grantha inform, was known as Kukke Pattana. Shankara Vijaya authored by Ananda speaks about Sri Adi Shankaracharya visiting Subrahmanya during his philosophical conquest and his sojourn here.
Another version
Reference to his sketra could be inferred from “Bhaje Kukkelinga” which forms a part of “Subrahmanya Bhujanga Prayatha Sthotra” composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya. According to Sthala Purana many Devarushis installed Shivalingas in this Kshetra. Reference to such Shivalingas should be understood as as Kukkelinga.
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Sanathkumara Samhite in Sri Skanda Purana (a portion of it is called Sahyadri Khanda which dscribes pilgrimage places) informs that Subrahmanya Kshetra is on bank of Dhara. Sri Shanmukha Swamy after vanquishing Tarakasura and other Asuras washed his weapons of destruction in this thirtha and hence the name Kumaradhara is derived from this episode.
Quick Facts
- Address: Subrahmanya Post Sullia, Taluk, Subramanya, Karnataka 574238
- District: Dakshina Kannada
- Phone: 082572 36200
- Affiliation: Hindu
- Date established: Around 5000 years ago
- Deity: Kartikeya as a Nāga
- Dress Code: male devotees are supposed to remove their shirts and vests before entering the temple premises. Clothes such as coats, hats, turbans, bermudas, and shorts, and lungi are not allowed inside the temple. Women are requested to dress decently.
- Temple timings: 6:00 AM to 08:00 PM.
Astonishing Facts About the Temple
- People affected by / suffering from Sarpadosha, whose diseases were not cured by medication, undertake sevas and by these they are able to fulfill their wishes. During Subrahmanya Shasti the devotees participate in Beedhi Madesthana, the remover of their physical and mental problems.
- Not only that, the performing of Madesthana on Uchista of mass feeding and Uruluseva in the quadrangle are well known vows undertaken in this temple. “We bathed in Kumaradhara, Saw Kukkelinga, fed ourselves the food prepared in cauldron” (Kopparige) is a popular folk saying. Soil taken from anthill (Moola Mruthike) is the main Prasada here.
- A cluster of Lingas called as the “Kukke Lingas” is in the northern corner of the Kukke Subramanya Temple. There is a conflict with respect to the history and the origin of the prefix “Kukke” before the Lingas and Lord Subrahmanya.
Pooja Timings Kukke Subramanya Temple
| RITUAL | FROM | TO |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Darshan | 6:00 AM | 1:30 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 3:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| Ushakala Pooja and Go-Pooja | 5:30 AM | 6:00 AM |
| Noon Pooja | 10:00 AM | 12:15 PM |
| Theertha Prasada | 12:30 PM | 1:30 PM |
| Anna Santharpane (Annadanam) | 11:30 AM | 2:00 PM |
| Hannukai Seva | 3:30 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Nisha Pooja | 6:00 PM | 7:45 PM |
How To Reach Kukke Subramanya Temple ?
By Air
The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport (Bajpe), approximately 112 km away from Kukke Subrahmanya. From airport, you can take a taxi to the temple.
By Rail
The closest railway station is “Subrahmanya Road” . Distance from this railway station to Kukke Subrahmanya Temple is approximately 12.5 km.
You can get jeeps and auto rickshaw from the railway station to the temple any time of the day.
By Road
KSRTC operates different classes of direct bus from Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore and Dharmasthala to Kukke Subrahmanya.
Places to visit near Kukke Subramanya Temple
Kumara Parvatha near Kukke Subramanya is a popular trekking destination. Dharmasthala (55kms), Madikeri (75 kms), Bisle Ghat (20 kms) are some of the attractions to visit along with Kukke Subramanya.
Hotels Near Kukke Subramanya Temple
Kukke Subramanya Temple administration has several Guest Houses and Choultries that that one can book for a stay. The Guesthouses are Akshara, Ashlesha, Karthikeya Kripa, Kumara Kripa, Skanda Kripa, a choultry and a Temple Cottage.
Approximate Costs: 100 INR – 2000 INR
Note: We don’t make any guarantees if the above-stated facts are not correct. If you think any information provided by us is wrong then contact us.