Kukke Subramanya Temple

Kukke Subrahmanya, dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya, also called Murugan, is a Hindu temple situated in Subramanya, in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India. The God Subrahmanya is worshipped for his divine power as a snake as the epics relate that the divine serpent Vasuki and other snakes found safety under God Subrahmanya. It is famous for Sarpa Samsakara or Sarpa Dosha.

The temple is about 105 km from Mangalore. The temple lies on the banks of the river Kumaradhara. One has to take a holy dip in the waters of Kumaradhara and enter the courtyard of the temple from behind to view the idol. There is silver covered Garuda pillar positioned to shield the devotees from the poisonous flames from the breath of the snake God Vasuki.

Mythology:
Lord Subramanya is worshiped in the form of a Cobra in the temple of Kukke Subramanya.According to Hindu Mythology Lord Kumaraswamy killed the demon rulers Taraka, Shoorapadmasura and others in a war; and the Lord washed his Shakti Ayudha (Axe in the shape of a bayonet) in this river. Hence forth the name Kumaradhara was given to the river.

After the battle Lord Subrahmanya came to the top of Kumara Parvatha along with his brothers Lord Ganesha, Veerabahu and other aides. Lord Indra along with other Gods received him and prayed the Lord to be kind enough to marry his daughter Devasena. Thus Indra’s daughter Devasena married Kumaraswamy on the banks of Kumaradhara on 'Margashira Shudda Shashti'.

Lord Kumaraswamy also gave darshan to Vasuki the head of nagas, who was making a penance requesting him to be with the Lord permanently. Granting Vasuki’s wish the Lord has made his spiritual presence in this shrine along with his wife Devasena and Vasuki.

Every year a famous car festival is being held here on 'Margashira Shuddha Shashti' with special poojas to the Lord.

Sarpa Dosha/Sarpa Samskara

Sarpa Samskara/Sarpa Dosha is the pooja performed to get rid of the sarpa dosha. Sarpa Dosha is believed to be afflicted by the sarpa (serpent) dosha (curse) either knowingly or un-knowingly through many ways in this birth or any of the previous births. Advised by the astrologers /horoscope writers to perform this pooja for devotees well being, Pooja can be done either by the person afflicted if he is a male and married, or through a priest. This is because the pooja involves rituals similar to the ones done in performing shrartham (death rites). Sarpa Samskara seva devotees need to stay for two days at the temple premises.

The seva occurs during the day. Food arrangements will be provided to the devotees by the temple devastanam, for four persons only per seva. Many far and wide come here to perform this puja faiths.
Southadka Shree Mahaganapathi Kshetra

About 35KM from Kukke Subramanya Temple is 'Southadka Shree Mahaganapathi Kshetra' in the interiors of Kokkada. This is about 16KM from Dharmasthala. The temple is decorated with lot of Bells mainly, offered by worshippers who have special wishes. One can find lot of Monkeys inside the temple. The Mahapuja is performed every year in the month of January. The temple also serves food to all the devotees in the form of prasadam.

Temple Timings and Seva Details Darshanam : 7am - 1pm & 3pm - 8pm

Daily Pooja Timing :

* Morning: 6am - 7 am
* Noon: 11am - 12pm
* Night:7pm - 7.45 pm

Important Harike Sevas (Except on Ekadashi days)

* Sarpa Samskara: Rs. 1500.00
* Naga Prthista: Rs. 250.00
* Ashlesha Bali: Rs. 250.00 Maha Pooja: Rs. 300.00
* Others: Angapradakshina Namakarana Sesha Seva

How to reach :
Nearest Railway Station : Subrahmanya Road Railway Station(SBHR). One has to use the local transport to reach the temple (15 minutes drive-7 kms from temple)
Nearest Airport : Mangalore Airport
By Road : 105 kms from Mangalore. 285 kms from Bangalore, 151 kms from Karwar.