The Kukke Subramanya Temple, located in Subramanya village of Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka, is a highly revered 5,000‑year‑old shrine on the banks of the Kumaradhara River. It’s dedicated to Lord Subramanya (Kartikeya) worshipped as the Lord of serpents, alongside the serpent king Vasuki, who is believed to reside beneath the temple to escape Garuda.
🐍Legend & Spiritual Significance
- According to legend, after defeating the demons Tarakasura and Surapadmasura, Lord Kumaraswamy married Devasena, the daughter of Indra, at this sacred spot near Kumaraparvatha .
- The Garuda Stambha—a silver‑plated pillar—stands between the entrance and sanctum. Devotees walk around it to seek protection from Vasuki’s poisonous breath.
- This is recognized as one of the Saptamoksha Sthalams—the seven sacred spots established by the sage Parashurama.
🕉️ Puja & Rituals
- Ashlesha Bali Puja, performed on Ashlesha Nakshatra monthly (shifts at ~7 AM and ~9:15 AM), aims to relieve Kaalasarpa Dosha and Kuja Dosha. Duration ~1 hour; includes Sankalpa, homa, and prasadam.
- Sarpa Dosha Parihara, Sarpa Samskara, Naga Prathishta, and related sevas are offered daily to mitigate snake‑related astrological afflictions.
⏰ Timings, Dress & Logistics
Temple Timings
- Door opens: 5:00 A.M.
- Morning darshan: 5:30–10:00 A.M.
- Midday pujas/prasadam: 10:00 A.M.–1:30 P.M.
- Evening sevas & darshan: 3:30–7:45 P.M.
- Night meals and closing: till ~9:30 P.M.
- Alternate sources mention open hours: 6:30 A.M.–1:30 P.M. & 3:30–8:00 P.M.
Dress Code & Entry
- Men: dhoti only; Women: saree or salwar kameez—no shirts, caps, jeans, or footwear inside.
- Mobile phones and cameras are prohibited inside the temple.
🚗 How to Reach
- By Air: Mangalore International Airport (~110 km)
- By Rail: Subrahmanya Road Railway Station (~7–13 km away)
- By Road: Connected via bus and taxi from Mangalore or Bengaluru, approx. 105 km from Mangaluru and ~280 km from Bengaluru.
🍽️ Food & Accommodation
- Free anna prasadam meals served midday; night meals offered as well.
- From May 30, 2025, free breakfast (8–10 A.M.) is also available, typically including traditional dishes like upma, avalakki, or padengi.
- Temple guesthouses are managed by the authorities; numerous private lodges and budget hotels (e.g., Akshara Lodge, RNS) are available nearby.
🌟 Nearby Points of Interest
- Visit the Adi Subramanya Temple, located ~100 m north of the main shrine, before darshan.
- Nearby attractions include Kumara Parvatha trek, Dharmasthala temple (~54 km), Coorg, Belur‑Halebidu, Harihareshwara Temple, and more.
✅ Quick Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Deity | Lord Subramanya with Vasuki |
| Key Ritual | Ashlesha Bali, Sarpa Dosha Parihara |
| Timings | Morning & evening darshan; evening night meals; from May 2025, breakfast at 8–10 A.M. |
| Dress Code | Traditional attire (men: dhoti; women: saree/salwar) |
| Nearby Places | Adi Subramanya, Kumara Parvat, nearby towns & temples |
| Best Visiting Time | Early morning, especially for Ashlesha Bali puja slots |