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Kukke Subramanya Temple

Kukke Subrahmanya, situated in Subramanya, in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, is famous for the Kumaraswamy temple, Sarpa Samsakara Dosha Pooja.

Kukke Subramanya is a Hindu temple located in the village of Subramanya, Karnataka Here Kartikeya is worshiped as Subramanya, lord of all serpents.

Kukke Subrahmanya Complete Tour and Pooja Details & Timings | Sarpa Dosha Pooja | Sarpa Samskara Pooja | Near Mangalore.

Kukke Subrahmanya, situated in Subramanya, in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, is famous for the Kumaraswamy temple, Sarpa Samsakara Dosha Pooja.

Kukke Subramanya Temple | Near Mangaluru and Dharmasthala.

Kukke Subramanya Temple - Near Mangaluru and Dharmasthala

Kukke Subramanya Temple


The Kukke Subramanya Temple is located in the village of Subramanya in Sullia Taluq, Dakshina Kannada district. Subramanya is located near Mangalore and is easily accessible by bus and train.

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 unknowingly through many ways in this birth or any of the previous births.

Kukke Subramanya Temple

The Kukke Subramanya Temple is dedicated to Lord Subramanya, the Son of Lord Shiva. He is considered to be the Deva Senapathi that is commander of the army of the Devas. Here, He is worshipped as the Lord of snakes. The temple is set in a scenic spot which is still relatively not spoilt. A river runs in front of the temple, while in the background there is a beautiful mountain. Pilgrims have to cross this river, the Kumaradhara River, to reach the temple.

Kukke Subramanya Temple – History

Subramanya village used to be called Kukke Subramanya. According to Shankara Vijaya, Sri Adi Shankaracharya camped here for some time. Sri Shankara himself refers to this place in his ‘Subrahmanya Bhujangaprayata Stotram’ as ‘Bhaje Kukke Lingam’. The Sanatkumara Samhita of Skanda Purana describes this place and its religious importance.

Kukke Subramanya Temple – Mythology

After defeating the Asura forces and killing their chiefs Tharakasura and Soorapadhma, Lord Subramanya came to this place. He washed his Shakti weapon in the river here. Indra, King of the Devas, prayed to Lord Subramanya to accept his daughter Devasena as his wife and Subramanya consented.

The marriage ceremony was performed here. Waters from all the holy rivers were brought here for the ceremony and it is believed that these waters fell down and became a river, known as Kumaradhara.

Vasuki, the King of serpents, prayed to Lord Subramanya to stay on here to protect his snake tribe against Garuda, the Divine Eagle. Lord Subramanya agreed. From then on, this place became important for people who want to perform Sarpadosha Puja.

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 unknowingly through many ways in this birth or any of the previous births.

Kukke Subramanya Temple – Architecture

Kukke Subramanya Temple


This temple faces the east and the main entrance is present at the back of the Sanctum. Between the Sanctum and the entrance is the Silver Plated Garuda Kamba. This pillar is believed to protect devotees from the poisonous breath of Vasuki who resides inside the Sanctum.

Beyond this, there are two halls, the inner one leading to the sanctum. On the pedestal, there is the figure of Subramanya with Vasuki. A little lower, there is the figure of Sesha.

Daily Pooja Timing at Kukke Subramanya Temple

Kukke Subramanya Temple

  • Morning: 6 am – 7 am
  • Noon: 11 am – 12 pm
  • Night: 7 pm – 7.45 pm
Important Harike Sevas (Except on Ekadashi days)
  • Sarpa Samskara: Rs.3000
  • Naga Prthista: Rs. 400
  • Ashlesha Bali: Rs. 400
  • Maha Pooja: Rs. 400
Kukke Subramanya Temple – Facts
  • Ashlesa Puja and Sarpa Dosha Puja are the special pujas conducted here
  • Inside the temple, there is a cluster of Lingas. These are known as Kukke Lingas
  • There are shrines here for Kala Bhairava and Uma Maheshwara
  • Sringeri Mutt, Uttaradi Mutt and Sri Subramanya Mutt are located in the surrounding areas

How to get to Kukke Subramanya Temple

Daily Bus services are  available from Mangalore and Bengaluru. Mangalore is the nearest airport and the nearest railway station is just 7 km's away – the Subramanya Road Railway Station (SBHR).

By Road:
105 km's from Mangaluru, 285 km's from Bengaluru, 151 km's from Karwar.

Kumaradhara River At Kukke Subramanya Temple - Sacred River in the Indian State of Karnataka


The Kumaradhara river which flows from Kodagu is joined by Gundia river (which flows in Sakaleshpura Taluk), at Dalpadi village, Dakshina Kannada district. The Kumaradhara river joins the Netravati river, at Uppinangadi village of Puttur Taluk. The Kumaradhara river is also known as a bathing ghat. Rainfall from Kumardhara river basin varies from 3000mm to 4250 mm annually.