Kukke Subramanya Temple is among India’s ancient pilgrimage sites. It is located in the state of Karnataka, in a small village called Subramanya which belongs to the Sulliya tehsil near Mangalore in South Kannad district. Lord Subramanya is worshipped here who is known to be the lord of serpents. People flock to get a glimpse of this temple, everyone comes to this sacred place with a longing to be a part of the rituals which take place.
Mythological significance of Kukke Subramanya Temple
There are many references for Lord Subramanya, in scriptures it is written that when frightened by Garuda; Vasuki and other serpent gods fled to Lord Subramanya for protection. Such stories and beliefs present here depict the immense devotion of the devotees. Devotees come here to get their wishes fulfilled, the divine energy in this place fills everyone with devotion.
Kukke Subramanya Temple- Darshan (view)
Before taking a glimpse of the diety inside the temple, travellers have to cross the Kumardhara river and take a holy dip in it. Devotees enter from the temple’s back door and take rounds of the deity before taking Darshan. Garuda pillar is located in between the sanctum and veranda, it is believed that Lord Vasuki lives in it. The pillar is covered with silver. It is also believed that this cover of silver and ornaments protects the devotees from Lord Vasuki’s(who resides in this pillar) poisonous breath like fire.
Devotees stand around the pillar and worship it. There is a big hall in front of this pillar which is the outer hall then after passing one more hall is the sanctum of Lord Subramanya. In the middle of this sanctum is a dias on which the idol of Shri Subramanya has been established followed by Vasuki’s idol and below there are some idols of serpents present where the idols are worshipped everyday. Thousands of devotees from all over the world come to be a part of these rituals.
Sarp-dosh Puja
Rituals are performed in this temple to remove Sarp-Dosh which is known as Sarp Sampskara/Sarpa Dosha Puja. According to beliefs if any person is afflicted or cursed with Sarp Dosh then to free him/her from it the ritual is performed which frees the person from Sarp Dosh. This ritual holds a great importance in Karnataka and Kerala due to their immense belief in the serpent God.
One can reach this Kukke Subramanya Temple through the road to Banglore. Special buses are provided to commute to the temple. Apart from this you can also reach the temple by air or by train.