Kukke Subramanya Temple is one of the most revered and famous Hindu temples of Karnataka. The temple honors the Lord of serpents and has an interesting mythology attached to it. It lies amidst the abundance of nature in the Sullia taluka of South Canara in Karnataka.

History

The Subramanyeshwara Temple is regarded as one of the seven mukti sthala or places of salvation and freedom from worldly worries. It is situated on the banks of river Dhara. The origin of the river is Kumara Mountain from where it flows into the sea. That’s why the western sea is also known as Kumaradhara River. The temple is dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya, who had appeared as Vasuki or the king of serpents. According to folklore, Subrahmanya was called Kukke Pura or Kukke Pattana during ancient times.

Mythology Associated with the Temple

The Serpent king Vasuki was a passionate devotee of Lord Shiva. He performed tapas or meditation for years in the Biladwara caves of Kukke Subrahmanya to seek the Lord’s protection from Garuda. Lord Shiva gave darshan to Vasuki and blessed him that he would stay with his committed devotee in this place eternally. Devotees believe that the prayers offered to Vasuki are in fact a great way to seek the blessings Lord Subrahmanya.

The temple attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. They visit the Subramanyeshwara Temple, not only for seeking the blessings of the Lord but also to enjoy the stunning scenic beauty of the areas surrounding the temple. The abundance of greenery, the flowing waters and the mountains can keep you transfixed to the place for hours on end.

The Details

To visit the temple, visitors have to cross the Kumaradhara River and take a dip to cleanse before they can enter the temple. Entrance to the main temple is from the courtyard from the doorway situated at the rear side of the shrine. A silver-coated pillar in the shape of Garuda stands between the entrance and the sanctorum. It is believed that the pillar was erected to protect devotees from the poisonous fumes of Vasuki.

Beyond the pillar lie the outer hall, the inner hall and the sanctorum of the deity. The pedestal at the center of the sanctorum holds the deity of Sri Subrahmanya, Vasuki and Shesha. They are worshipped everyday Ritual worship is offered to these deities every day during pooja.

Timings

The morning prayers start at 5 A.M and the last prayer is offered at 8 P.M when the gates are closed for the day.

How to Reach

By Road

The temple is 117 km from Mangalore and can be reached by state transport of private buses. There are taxis and private cars also available from Mangalore to reach the temple.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is SBHR or Subramanya Road Railway Station which is 12 from the temple on the Mangalore-Bangalore route.

By Air

Mangalore Bajpe airport is 120 km from the temple.