Kukke Subramanya Temple

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Kukke Subramanya Temple
Kukke Subramanya Temple - The Abode of Lord Subramanya
Amongst the enchanting surroundings of nature, in the town of Subrahmanya in Sullia Taluk of the
Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka lies the small but one of the most sacred shrines dedicated
to Lord Subrahmanya. The Kukke Subramanya Temple is located on a land mass that is
sandwiched between two water bodies – River Kumaradhara and the Darpana Theertha. The
Temple is one of the seven Mukti Sthalas of Karnataka.
The Kukke Subramanya Temple main entrance faces west. The pilgrims have to enter and
descend a few steps and go around the sanctum to reach its entrance in the east. The Garuda
pillar can be seen between the sanctum and the portico entrance. The main idol shows Lord
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Subrahmanya standing above the Serpents Vasuki and Shesha.
A cluster of Lingas called as the “Kukke Lingas” can be seen in the northern corner of the Kukke
Subramanya Temple. The history and the origin of the prefix “Kukke” before the Lingas and Lord
Subrahmanya is conflicted. According to some, that the word Kukke meaning Basket in Kannada
was added because in ancient times, these Lingas were worshiped together in a basket. Some
other explanations put forward are Kukke derives from the old Sanskrit word “Kukshi” which
means Cave. It is believd that Vasuki, the serpent installed these Lingas initially in a cave.
Shrines dedicated to Lord Bhairava, Lakshmi Narasimha, Lord Ganapathi and Umamaheshwara
are built around the Kukke Subramanya Temple Complex.
History and Legend
The Kukke Subramanya Temple is vividly described in the chapter named
Sahyadrikhanda in Skanda Puranam. As per the Puranas, the Subrahmanya Kshetra is
situated on the banks of the River Dhara. The place Subrahmanya was known as Kukke
Pattanna in ancient times.
In the scriptures of “Shankara Vijaya”, Anandagiri mentions that Sri Adi Shankaracharya
visited the place and has referred the place as “Bhaje Kukke Lingam” in his work
“Subrahmanya Bhujangaprayata Stotram”.
The legend of the origins of the Kukke Subramanya Temple is explained in detail in the
Skanda Puranam. The snake king Vasuki was hiding in the cave called Biladvara (located
near the Temple) to escape from Garuda who was hunting for snakes to satisfy his hunger.
Vasuki was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Garuda spotted Vasuki and started attacking it
viciously. The great Sage Kashyapa Muni intervened and instructed Garuda to go to the
Ramanaka islands (present day Fiji) to hunt for snakes. He requested Vasuki to pray to
Lord Shiva for protection. After his penance, Lord Shiva appeared to Vasuki and informed
him that in the next Kalpa, his son Karthikeya (Subrahmanya)will come and reside there to
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bless and protect them.
Eventually in the next Kalpa, after killing the demon Tarakasura, Lord Subrahmanya along
with his brother Lord Ganesha arrived in Kumara Parvatha. Lord Indra received them with
good wishes. He offered Lord Subrahmanya a marriage proposal with his daughter
Devasena. The Lord agreed and the divine marriage was conducted on the Kumara
Parvatha mountain. The marriage happened on the day of “Margashira Shuddha Shasthi”
and was attended by Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma and many others. During the
coronation ceremony, water from the holy river was collected and brought down to Earth in
the form of the stream Kumaradhara.
Vasuki, the serpent was also present at the ceremony. Lord Subrahmanya gave him his
darshan and promised to stay with them for their protection.
There is another little known version of the story present behind the origin of the Kukke
Subramanya Temple. It is believed that once an argument happened between Katru and
Vinatha, wives of Sage Kashyapa. It was decided that the loser of the srgument will
become the slave of the winner. Katru lost the argument and along with her snake children,
became a servant of Vinatha. Garuda, Vinatha’s son harassed the snake children and
wanted to harm Vasuki. Vasui was an ardent Shiva bhakt and requested his help. Lord
Shiva then asked Lord Subrahmanya to protect the snakes from Garuda. Lord
Subrahmanya arrived at the place and gave refuge to the snakes from Garuda. On the
insistence of the snakes, he took abode here among the snakes.
As per another legend, after killing the demon Tarakasura in the battle, Lord Subrahmanya
washed his sword in the adjoining water stream named Dhara. Henceforth, the stream was
named as the Kumaradhara.
Significance of the Temple
The region of Subrahmanya is among the seven Mukti Sthalas in Karnataka. The other six
are Udupi, Kollur, Kumbhashi, Kodeshwara, Sankaranarayanan, and Gokarna. These
places are together known as the Parashurama Kshetras. It is believed that these Temples
were built on land which was claimed by Parashurama from the sea.
It is mentioned in ancient scriptures like the Subrahmanya Mahatmaya, that Lord
Subrahmanya installed Shiva Lingas in three locations around the Kukke Subramanya
Temple. He was followed by several Gods and Goddesses who installed small Lingas as a
mark of respect to Lord Shiva. As time went by, people collected all these Lingas and kept
them inside the Kukke Subramanya Temple for worshiping.
The Kukke Subramanya Temple and its surroundings have played vital roles in various
Yugas of the Hindu calendar. It is believed that in the Satya Yuga (first of the four Yugas),
Lord Subrahmanya was anointed as the Senapati of the demigods on the banks of the
stream Dhara. In the Treta Yuga, Lord Parashurama visited the Temple and the stream to
absolve himself od the sins of eliminating the Kshatriya race twenty one times. In the
Dvapara Yuga, Samba, son of Lord Krishna came here and bathed in the water of the
Dhara to relieve himself from Leprosy.
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The Kukke Subramanya Temple is also extremely significant to the followers of Lord
Vishnu.
The Kashikatte Ganapathi idol situated just 250 meters away from the Temple is believed to
be ancient and installed by the Sage Narada himself.
It is believed that the Pandavas arrived at the Kukke Subramanya Temple and paid their
respects to the Lord.
Thousands of pilgrims visit the Kukke Subramanya Temple to perform the Ashlesha Bali
Pooja and the Sarpa Dosha Pooja from all over the country. Lord Subrahmanya is
considered as the protector from the Kaalsarpa dosha and the Sarpa Dosha.
On the south-eastern side of the Kukke Subramanya Temple Complex, a shrine dedicated
to Samputa Narasingha is located. It is believed that the shrine was established by Sri
Madhavacharya. It is believed that when Sri Madhavacharya visited Badrinath, he met Ved
Vyas (one of the seven immortals believed to be still roaming the Earth). Ved Vyas gave
him eight Saligrama Shilas (they are fossilized stones, each representing Lord Vishnu). Six
of the Shilas are worshiped in the Kukke Subrahmanya Temple. Apart from these Shilas, he
was also given a Narasimha Saligrama which is believed to be so powerful that, if
uncovered will destroy the three worlds. Sri Madhavacharya put this Narasimha Saligrama
along with 22 Laxminarayana Shilas and five of the Saligrama Shilas inside a box
(Samputa) and established it inside the shrine. The Box or the Samputa is worshiped till
date.
It is believed that people whose lives have been affected by the Sarpa Dosha should offer
Sarpa Samskara Pooja here as it will relieve one from long suffering ailments, infertility and
blindness.
It is believed that by taking a dip in the Kumaradhara Theertha, one can obtain the cure for
severe skin diseases like Leprosy.
Kukke Subramanya Temple Timings
Kukke Subramanya Temple is open all throughout the year. It is important to know the
afternoon break timings. The temple is open from 7:00am till 1:30pm and then from 3:30pm
till 8:00pm.
The morning Pooja or the UShakala Pooja along with the Go-pooja (worshiping Cow) is
performed between 5:30 AM to 6 AM.
The afternoon Poojas begin at 10 AM and continues till 12:15 PM.
The Theertha Prasada are distributed between 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM and from 7:45 PM to
8:30 PM.
Anna Santharpane (Annadanam) takes place twice a day, once between 11:30 AM to 2 PM
and then between 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
The Hannukai Seva and the Nisha Pooja takes place between 3:30 PM to 6 PM and 6 PM
to 7:45 PM respectively.
The devotees can offer Sevas between 7 AM to 10 AM.
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Dress Code
The Kukke Subramanya Temple administration requests the male devotees to remove their shirts
and vests before entering the Temple premises. Clothes such as Coats, Hats, Turbans, Bermuda
and Shorts, and Lungi are not allowed inside the Temple. The Women are requested to dress
decently.
Festivals celebrated at the Temple
Champashashti Mahothsavam – The Kukke Subramanya Temple Ratha Yatra is celebrated
in a grand manner during the month of Karthika Margashira. The idol of Lord Subrahmanya
is decorated and taken out in a procession around the streets of Subrahmanya in several
Vahanas exclusively decorated for the Lord. The Lord is taken around in different Vahanas
like Sheshavahana, Ashwa Vahana, Mayura Vahana, and finally the Brahma Ratha on the
Maharathotsavam day. The Laksha Deepotsavam is also celebrated in the Temple, where
a lakh Deepams are lit and worshiped. The Moola Mrithike Prasadam is also distributed to
the devotees on these days.
Makara Sankranama – The festival is celebrated in almost all parts of the country under
different names. The festival signifies the beginning of the harvest season. People pray for
a bountiful harvest on the day. In the Temple, the Kukke Lingas are taken out of the
sanctum and are taken around the town in a procession.
Mesha Sankranama – The festival falls on the day when the Sun enters the zodiac Mesha
(Aries). It represents the spring equinox. The festival is celebrated in the month of April.
Several Poojas and bhajans are performed for the God on the day.
Mahashivaratri – The festival is celebrated in February or March. The festival signifies the
marriage of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati. Some also believe that this is the day when
Lord Shiva absorbed the poison that turned him blue during the churning of Amrit episode
in mythology. The day is celebrated with great reverence. Devotees keep fast and sing
bhajans throughout the night and into the day. Special Poojas are performed for the Linga.
Thousands of pilgrims from in and around Karnataka visit the shrine to receive blessings
from the God themselves.
Naag Panchami – The festival is celebrated on the fifth day of the full moon in the month of
Shravan (June). The day is dedicated to worshiping of the Nagas or serpents that are
considered as the lowest Loka of the Seven Lokas or realms of the universe. They are
worshiped for their blessings are sought for the well-being of the family.
Kukke Subramanya Pooja Booking and Pooja List
Ashlesha Bali
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The special Pooja can be performed at the Kukke Subramanya Temple in two slots – one at
7:00 AM and the other at 9:15 AM. It is believed that the months of Shravan (June-July),
Karthikai(November) and the Margashira are the most auspicious months to perform the
Pooja.
Sarpa Samskara for Kalasarpa Dosha
The Sarpa Samskara Pooja is performed by the people who have Sarpa Dosha in their
fortune. The Sarpadosha is a curse affecting a person who has knowingly or unknowingly
harmed a Sarpa (snake or a serpent) in this birth or in the previous births. It is believed that
by performing Poojas like the Sarpadosha and the Ashlesha Bali, one can relieve himself
from the ill-effects of this curse. In the Temple, the seva requires the devotee to stay for 2
days. In one Seva, a maximum number of 4 persons can attend the Pooja. The Seva can
be performed on all days except Dasami, fasting days like the Ekadasis, Grahan, Shivaratri
and during the Temple festival.
Other Poojas
Nagaprathishtha – This Pooja is performed for relieving one from the curse of the Sarpa
Dosha. The Pooja takes place in the Nagaprathishtha Mandapam in the outer quadrangle
of the Temple. The Pooja can be performed on all days except on Ekadashi and fasting
days.
Mahapooja – All the Poojas and rituals of the day are performed for the God on behalf of
the devotee’s name.
Panchamritha Abhishekam - The idol of the God is bathed with the five Amrits (Panch
Amrit) which are Milk, Ghee, Honey, Curd, and Sugar.
Karthik Pooja – A special Pooja complete with the recital of hymns from the Karthik Purana
and Lamp offerings is performed for the God on behalf of the devotee.
Sahasra Namarchana – The Archana is performed for the God by reciting his thousand
names and praising him on behalf of the devotee.
Satyanarayana Pooja – The Pooja is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Pooja can be
performed on any day but is believed to be extremely auspicious if performed on the eve of
Chithra Pournami. The Pooja is performed to attain peace, prosperity, to remove obstacles
and to be free from the negative thoughts. The Pooja usually begins with Ganapathi Pooja
and then the Navagraha Pooja.
Besides these Sevas, one can also perform the Thulabhara Seva, Ear piercing, Choula (Hair
removal for children), Nandadeepa for one month, Panchakkajaya, Naamkarana, and Vehicle
Pooja.
How to reach Kukke Subramanya Temple: Road, Rail and Air
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By Air – The nearest airport is the Bajpe International Airport at Mangalore at a distance of
120 km. Trains and buses are available from Mangalore that arrive at the Subrahmanya
Road station and the bus stand respectively.
By Train – The nearest railway station is the Subrahmanya Road station at a distance of 12
km from the Temple. Regular trains are available from Bengaluru, Mangalore, and Mysore
and other nearby towns to the Subrahmanya town.
By Road - The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates buses from
all major cities and towns in Karnataka to Subrahmanya. Regular buses are available from
Bengaluru, Mangalore, Mysore, Dharmasthala and many other small towns.
Bangalore to Kukke Subramanya: How to Reach
By Air – Fly from Bangalore International Airport to the Bajpe International Airport at
Mangalore. Trains and buses are available from Mangalore that arrive at the Subrahmanya
Road station and the bus stand respectively.
By Train – The nearest railway station is the Subrahmanya Road station at a distance of 12
km from the Temple. Regular trains are available from Bangalore.
By Road - The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates regular
buses from Bangalore Bus Station.
Dharmasthala to Kukke Subramanya
Kukke Subramanya Temple is around 60 kms from Dharmasthala. It can be reached by road on
car or bus. It takes around 1:15 hrs.
Hotels in Kukke Subramanya: Where to stay
The Kukke Subramanya Temple administration has constructed several Guest Houses and
Choultries that can be booked by the devotees for a stay. The Guest houses are Akshara,
Ashlesha, Karthikeya Kripa, Kumara Kripa, Skanda Kripa, a choultry and a Temple Cottage.
Besides these, several privately owned Lodges and Hotels operate out of the Subrahmanya town.
They offer basic facilities and are very clean.
Where to eat
The Kukke Subramanya Temple provides Annadanam free of cost every afternoon and evening to
all the devotees. Apart from that, several small hotels are available to the pilgrims. They mainly
serve vegetarian South Indian cuisine. Alcohol and smoking are prohibited around the Temple
premises.
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Contact: Kukke Subramanya Temple Phone Number
Phone: +91 9987769657
Contact us if you are looking for transportation, accommodation or pooja assistance at this temple.
Nearby Temples
Sowthadka Shri Mahaganapathi Temple – The unique temple dedicated to Lord Ganapathi
is located 3 km away from the town of Kokkada in the Dakshina Kannada district. The
temple lies 35 km from the Kukke Subrahmanya Temple. In Kannada, “Southe” means
Cucumber and “Adka” means a vast plain. The idol of Lord Ganapathi is placed in open
without a Garbhagriha and is open for 24 hours.
Somnatheshwara Temple – The Temple is situated about 2.5 km from the Temple, on the
banks of the river Kumaradhara. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Linga of Lord
Shiva is said to be at least 1000 years ago. The Temple, unfortunately, was not well
maintained and abandoned until recently. The Subrahmanya Matha has taken over the
administration recently and restarted the worship there.
Sri Manjunatha Temple – The famous Temple of Dharmasthala located along the banks of
River Nethravathi is situated 55 km away from the Kukke Subrahmanya Temple. The main
deity of the Temple is Lord Manjunatha, another form of Lord Shiva. The unique feature of
the Temple is that along with Lord Shiva and Parvati, the Gods of Jainism Chandraprabha,
and others are also worshiped.
Kollur Mookambika Temple – The famous and revered Sri Mookambikai Temple is located
in Kollur which is 150 km from Horanadu. The presiding deity is Goddess Mookambikai also
known as Devi and in front of her idol, is a Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. The unique feature of
the Linga is that it is divided into two unequal parts – The Smaller right part represents
Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and the larger Left part represents Durga, Lakshmi, and
Saraswati.
Sringeri Sharada Peetham – The holy town of Sringeri is located at a distance of about 93
km from Horanadu. The Temple was the first of the four Ammaya Peetham established by
Sri Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century AD. Sri Sharadamba believed to be an incarnation of
Goddess Saraswati is the presiding deity of the Temple.
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