Kukke Shri Subrahmanya Temple

Nestled against the backdrop of Kumarparvata in the Western Ghats, near the sacred river Kumaradhara, scenic Sunbhramanya is ensconced in the Sullia Talluk of the Southern Kannada district of coastal Karnataka (Southern India). Like all journeys, the road to Subhramanya begins and befits a devotee tryst with destiny. Being known amongst the most famous pilgrimage places amongst the Hindus, a short 22 KMS stretch of bad road through cool clusters of dense, arching bamboo takes the modern pilgrim to this spiritual sanctum 

The lush green foliage that surrounds the ancient temple to Subhramanya, the younger son of Shiva and Parvati inhabits the series of great mythological stories. Associated with the Naga—Brahma cults of snake worship, where Subhramanya is represented as a Snake deity, the temple is one of the seven sacred sites of the regional county. In the Dwapar Yuga, Samba the son of Lord Krishna was cured here. The unsheltered idol is covered with a large bamboo basket (kukke in Kannada) to protect it from elements after the worship is over. Adi Shankara referred to the shrine as Bhaje Kukke Lingam. A yagna (religious ablutions) was performed by Jananejaya to annihilate all snakes. Many serpents died because of this sacrifice. Garuda their natural enemy killed many others. When Garuda was engaged in battle with Vasuki, Rishi Kashyapa advised him to meditate upon Shiva and seek protection from Garuda. Shiva ordained that Subhramanya would destroy the demon Taraka and then live in Kukke, by the banks of Kumaradhara River, to be worshipped along with Vasuki. This is true to this day. Garuda is to be seen here during the car festival, which commences only after seeing the divine bird. 

The earliest records of the Kukke are found in the age-old transcriptions of Puttur Taluk(8th-9th century CE). Sharing the close accords, the British explorer, excavated its epigraphy in the year 1388 AD. The Vijayanagara, Keladi rulers and Rani Kittor Chennama continued their patronage through gifts and donations. The Islamic ruler Hyder Ali annexed Kukke but the importance of this pilgrim center did not diminish at all. Following the trail, the Kukke Subhramnya welcomes the devotees with the two ancient gates. Like all the holy places, clean and green, Subhramanya is suffused with serendipity which could compel the pilgrims immerse themselves in the spiritual tones of the lord. Soon after the entrance is the Dharma-sammelana Mantapa, a hall meant for discourses and cultural programs. Traversing through the by lanes, there is another hall where the big statue of six headed Subramanya is settled on a peacock, coiled by the five hooded serpents, Mahaseshaa and Vasuki, one below the other. The Puja is done in accordance with the Vedic traditions followed from age-old centuries. The morning Puja begins with the Nirmalayavisarjana Puja in which the previous day’s flowers are removed from the idols), followed by the music of the flute, a thread of symphony is created and religious ablutions are offered on behalf of the Maharaja of Mysore. Couples install stone images of nagas in the Nagapartishtha Mantapa wishing for a child solely. 

In a stance to reachability, Kukke Subramanya temple is located 1 Km from the bus stand. The nearest airport is Mangalore which is 110 KMS away from Kukke Subhramanyam and it takes around 3 hours to reach here. The taxi costs around Rs 2200. Kukke Subramanya is well connected to Bangalore, Dharamshala, Mangalore and Mysore exclusively. KSRTC’s Rajhamsa(semi luxury) buses operate overnight from Bangalore and it takes around 8 hours to reach this sanctum. The devotees can reach here by 7:00 AM in the morning. The timings of the temple are from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the afternoon and 3:30 PM to 8:30 PM in the evening. Mahamangalaarti is organized at noon and 7:30 PM in evening. Special precautions must be taken by the men while entering into the sanctum. Men must remove their upper garments at the sanctum. Mobiles and still video cameras are not allowed. Besides this, the Rathotsava (chariot festival) is held in Feb, Champa Shrasthi(November-December) and Nagapanchami(August) respectively. If the pilgrims are visiting in a peak season, they can most surely book their Hotels in Kukke Subramanya in advance. Akhara guesthouse, Ashlesha Guesthouse, Karthikeya Kumarakrupa, Hotel Seshnaag Aashraya are the different range of budget as well as luxurious accommodations where the visitors can think of planning a stay. The Hotels in Kukke Subramanya inhabited with the best spate of facilities, and world-class hospitality standards all combined to provide an excellent stay experience to the visitors, quenching for a comfortable stay. Carrying the similar traits, the hotels in India are equally superior while catering to different mindsets. The travelers can also avail Kukke Subramanya Tour Packages which include a stay at one of the finest hotels in Kukke Subramanya. 

Interestingly, this sanctum is a place where along with the fulfillment of wishes, the devotees would get their soul cleansed up, infesting them with the positive energy. The Childless couples are blessed with children and the sinners are relinquished from all sins, just by performing a few minutes of prayers. Such is the magnetism and aura of Kukke Subramanya that it unfolds itself, to bless its true followers with peace of mind and wellness solely