Subramanya

About Subramanya

The Subrahmanya temple is situated in the heart of this village. Kukke Subrahmanya temple is dedicated to lord Subrahmanya, who had manifested with Vasuki (the king of serpents).

Climate/Weather

The months of January and February are slightly cold while summers begin from March and continues till May. Post monsoon begins from October and remains till December. The best season to visit Karnataka is definitely the winter (between October to February) where the travelers can enjoy the most of Karnataka.

History

In more recent times Guru Adi Sankaracharya visited Subrahmanya and referred to this place as ‘Bhaje Kukke Lingam’ in his composition Subrahmanya Bhujangaprayata Stotram makes, the above evidence all the more convincing.

According to legend, many sages have installed the idols of Lord Shiva here. Even serpent Vasuki has installed a Shivalinga here. The word Kukke perhaps cannot the phallus of Lord Shiva installed in cave. It is held by some that in Sanskrit the word ‘Kukshi’ can also be used to mean a cave and the word ‘Kukke’ can be the corruption of the word ‘Kukshi’.

But as per the villagers explanation the Kukke means basket. The worship of linga in basket (kukke) resulted in naming this place as Kukke.

Legend of Subrahmanya swamy: The Skanda purana narrates that Lord shiva was married to Dakshayini (also known as Sati), the daughter of Daksha. Daksha never liked Shiva and insults Shiva in front of Dakshayini in a Yagna. Unable to bear this insult, Sati immolated herself. Shiva unleashed his fury at the death of his wife by performing the Taandav Nrithya (a violent dance). He wiped out Daksha’s kingdom, undertook penance and retired to the Himalayas.

The same Sati was reborn in the house of Himalaya as Parvathi (daughter of parvatha) and performed a great penance to propitiate Shiva. But lord Shiva was in a rigorous penance and even the immaculate beauty of Parvathi cannot wake up Shiva from his penance. Devas devised a plan to wake up Shiva and approached Manmatha, the god of love to execute their plan. All gods arrived to the place where Shiva is performing penance, Parvathi too arrived.

Manmatha awakened Shiva from his penance, incurring his wrath by opening his third eye of destruction, and being destroyed & resurrected. Lord Shiva married Parvathi, after Parvathi pleased Shiva by performing severe penance.

Though divine being free from the cycle of birth, the newly wedded couple spent a thousand divine years in marital bliss, unaware of the desire of the gods. Then all gods sent the Agni (fire god) who appeared as a dove in the bed chamber of Lord Shiva. Realizing his reason Lord Shiva gave him a part of his energy. Finding the charge intolerable, Agni deva gave it in turn to Ganga who too felt its burning effects soon and she places it on a bamboo shrub. The nucleus thus placed, took a form of male baby (Gangeya) with six faces, thus the baby is called ‘Shanmukha’.

Shanmukha was first spotted and cared (by feeding him) by six women (Kruthikeyaru), thus Shamukha is called as Karthikeya. As he was born in forest (vana) on reeds (Shara), so he is also called as ‘Sharavanabhava’.

Lord Shiva and Parvathi takes Karthikeya to devaloka called him by the following names according to the incidents of his baby hood: Shanmuka, Agneya, Gangasuta (son of Ganga), Sharavanabhava, Karthikeya and Parvathinandana (son of Parvathi).

Karthikeya was taught archery and Goddess Parvathi presented him with a weapon, thus Karthikeya also called as Velayudha. He was made as Devasenapati (lord of army of devas). Karthikeya destroys Tarakasura. As this youthful saviour he is called Kumara swamy.

Kumara swamy offering ‘abhaya’ to Vasuki: Previous to Karthikeya, Garuda, the mount of Vishnu was once chasing Vasuki (the king of serpents) and he saw Vasuki was hiding in a large cave. Both of them engaged in a severe fight. Kashyapa appeared before them and asked Garuda to stop from killing Vasuki, who was devotee of Lord Shiva. Kashyapa suggested Garuda, alternate way of getting food. Kashyapa also advised Vasuki to go to Kumara Kshetra and pray for Lord Shiva.

Vasuki arrived Kumara kshetra and performed a severe penance. Pleased with his penance, Lord Shiva appeared to Vasuki and replied: My son Karthikeya will arrive this place after killing the demon king, Tarakasura. Indra will celebrate the marriage of his daughter Devasena with Karthikeya. You will be blessed by Karthikeya, you will be united with Karthikeya and has been worshipped alongside Karthikeya ever since. Garuda will never trouble any more (even today one cannot find Garuda at this place). Vasuki then lived in a place called Moola Subrahmanya, eagerly waiting the arrival of Karthikeya.

After killing the demon Tarakasura, Lord Brahma installed the deity of Karthikeya in Subrahmanya Kshetra along with the deity of Vasuki through whom Karthikeya accepts the worship of his devotees and bless them all with fulfillment of their desire immediately. The deity is popularly known as ‘Sri Subrahmanya Swamy’.

Dhara River (also called as Kumaradhaara) It is believed that after killing the demon Tarakasura, Karthikeya washed the demon’s blood from his spear in the River Dhara.

In the Treta-yuga, Lord Parasurama came to this place and bathed in the River Dhara in order to absolve himself of the sins of exterminating the kshatriya-race twenty one times over.

In Dvapara-yuga, when Samba was cursed with leprosy, he came to bathe in the Dhara in order to become free from the disease. By smearing the mud (mrithika) from the riverbank over his body and bathing in the river, he regained his original beauty.

Location info

• **Address:**Kukke Shri Subrahmanya Temple
  Subrahmanya - 574 238
  Sullia Taluk, Dakshina Kannada District
  Karnataka - INDIA

• **District:**Dakshina Kannada (South Canara) District

• **Nearest City:**Dharmasthala: around 70 km

Best time to visit: The best season to visit Karnataka is definitely the winter (between October to February) where the travelers can enjoy the most of Karnataka

Things to do at Subramanya

It is believed that Kumaradhara is most efficient place of remedy for elimination the sufferers from even the most incurable diseases.

Things to visit & highlights

Shrines/places to visit at Subrahmanya temple:
Sri Subrahmanya Temple
Kukke Linga
Vedavyasa Samputa Narasimha Devaru
Sri Bhairava Devaru
Sri Uma Maheshwara Devaru
Ballalaraya Vigraha
Sringeri Mutt
Hosaligammana Gudi
Darpana Theertha
Adi Subrahmanya (great Anthill ‘Valmika’ in the sanctuary)
Uttaradi Mutt
Rudrapada
Kumaradhaara River
Biladwara
Kashikatte Ganapathi Temple
Matsya Theertha
Kumara Parvatha (also a great destination for trekkers)

How to reach Subramanya

• **Nearest Railway Station:**Mangalore / Hassan

• **Nearest Airport:**Mangalore

**Road Transport:**How to reach Subrahmanya: 1. From Bangalore: via Nelamangala, Kunigal, Hassan, Sakaleshpura, Gundya 2. From Mangalore: via Puttur The Karnataka state Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses ply to Kukke Subramanya from various major cities and towns like Mangalore, Bangalore, Mysore, Dharmasthala & Hassan.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Facilities to devotees at Subrahmanya:
Accommodation: Temple guest houses are available.
Food: Free Lunch and Dinner is offered to devotees and visitors.
Cloak room facility and banking facility are also available.

Nearest visiting places

• Nethrani Island

Nethrani is a small uninhabited island, 18 km southwest off a small fishing village Murdeshwar and is shaped like a upturned boat with some vegetation along the rocky outcrop. The Island is famous for its Shiva temple and for having some of the best dive sites in world

• Kumaradhara River

The Kumaradhara River is an Indian river, in the southwestern India state of Karnataka. One of the two major rivers of Sullia, it merges with the Netravati River at Uppinangadi before flowing to the Arabian Sea

• Shambavi River

Shambavi is name of the river which flows in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka state, India. Mulki town is south of river Shambavi. The river flows westwards to join the Arabian sea. Bappanadu Durga temple is situated near the river

• Mukka Beach

Mukka is suburb of Mangalore city on the shore of Arabian sea. It is located to north of NITK,Surathkal campus on National Highway 17. There is a beach in Mukka which has escaped public attention

• Panambur Beach

Panambur is the site of New Mangalore Port. It is located in Dakshina Kannada (formerly South Canara ) district of Karnataka state, India, north of the Gurupura river.There is a Nandaneshwara temple in Panambur

• Someshwar Beach

Someshwar Beach, blessed with an endless stretch of golden sand and graciously swaying palm trees, is located 9 km south of Mangalore. The beach is well known for a large rock called ‘rudra shila’

• Surathkal Beach

Located 15 km north of Mangalore, Suratkal Beach is known for its clean surroundings and a lighthouse. An uninterrupted and extremely attractive stretch of curving shoreline is a major feature of this beach. Sadashiva Temple is a nearby attraction

• Tannirubhavi Beach

Tannirubhavi beach is a beach in Mangalore, Karnataka, India. Currently, it can only be reach by land via Panambur or by ferry via Gurupura river from Sultan Battery

• Ullal Beach

Ullal Beach is situated about 12 km away from Mangalore on the south bank of the Nethravati River, facing Arabian Sea. Mangalore is a city of vivid contrasts. Apart from this beach, there are other beaches also in Mangalore

• Dharmasthala Temples

Dharmastala kshetra is located amongst the scenic beauty of the Western Karnataka on the banks of the Nethravathi River. The temple of Lord Manjunatha at Dharmastala is the star attraction in the Karnataka.

• Kadiri Temples

The 17th century Manjunath Temple is situated at the foot of the Kadiri Hill, 3 km north of Mangalore city. The temple has some superb bronze images of Buddha, dating to the 10th - 11th centuries. The idol of Lord Manjunathaswamy of the temple is believed to be the oldest of the South Indian Temples

• Katil Temples

The Name KATEEL: The word ‘Kati’ which means ‘center’ (between the ‘Kanakagiri’, birthplace of river Nandini and the end) and ‘lla’ which means ‘area’. Thus the place is called ‘Kati + lla’ = Kateel.
Kateel or Kateelu is a temple town in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, India. It is about 29 kilometers away from Mangalore and is considered one of the holiest temple towns in Hinduism

• Mangalore Archeology

This temple is at the foot of the Katri hills, north of Mangalore. It is full of pilgrims. The temple belongs to the 10th century, but the pyramid like tower belongs to another time

• Mangalore Historicals

Situated in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, Mangalore is one of the important centers of exporting coffee and cashew nut. It is a hilly city with winding disoriented streets located some 357 km away from the city Bangalore

• Mudabidri

Mudabidri is another Jain town on par with Shrvanabelagola. It is 35 km from Mangalore. In this small farming town, there are 18 jain temples

Tips & suggestions

Mode of worship: The Poojas in the Sri Subrahmanya Temple are conducted according to ‘Vaikanasa Agama’. The temple is opens at 5 a.m. and the God is woken up to the accompaniment of Nadaswaram. Abishekam is then done to the Lord, followed by Go pooja (worship of the cow). The poojas continue till midday and after naivedya is offered to the Lord, food is served to the surging crowd of devotees.

Helpline & emergency contacts

• Police Station:

• Nearest Hospital:

• Society/Community Phone Number

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Karnataka’s cities offer diverse cuisine. Bangalore has a legendary food scene from iconic darshinis (stand-up eateries) to craft breweries. Mysore is known for Mysore pak and traditional meals. Temple towns (Udupi, Dharmasthala, Murudeshwar) offer excellent vegetarian fare.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Accessibility

Religious sites may have steps at the entrance and may not have ramps. The interiors are generally level once inside. Some historic sites have uneven stone floors. Visitors with mobility concerns should check in advance.

Rules & restrictions

Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered (scarves or shawls are often available at the entrance). Photography is generally permitted without flash, but video may be restricted. Maintain silence inside. Mobile phones should be on silent mode. Remove shoes if required (indicated by signage). Do not touch artefacts or altars. These are active places of worship — respect services, festivals, and devotees.

Best photography spots

Karnataka has a rich collection of churches primarily in Mangalore (Mangalorean Catholic), Bangalore (colonial-era), and Mysore. St. Philomena’s Cathedral in Mysore (neo-Gothic, one of Asia’s largest) and the Rosario Cathedral in Mangalore are the most photogenic. The interiors of Mangalorean churches with their detailed altars are worth shooting.

Best time to visit Subramanya

October to March offers pleasant weather for temple visits. Major festivals at the temple draw large crowds — visit during non-festival periods for a quieter experience. Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal for peaceful darshan.

Timings & opening hours

Typically 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM daily. Pooja timings vary by temple. Special ceremonies during festivals may extend hours. Some temples have specific darshan timings.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry is generally free. Special pooja, abhisheka, or VIP darshan tickets may have charges (typically INR 10-200). Camera/phone fees may apply at some major temples.

Duration needed

30 minutes to 1 hour for a standard visit. 1-2 hours if attending special poojas or exploring the temple architecture. Half a day during major festivals.

Safety tips

Temples in Karnataka are generally safe. Remove footwear before entering (shoe-keeping counters available). Secure your belongings. Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas during festivals. Follow temple-specific dress codes.

Things to carry

Carry drinking water, snacks, comfortable walking shoes, hat/cap, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, power bank, and personal medications. A light jacket or umbrella is recommended during monsoon season (June-September). Carry a scarf or shawl for covering shoulders. Small change for offerings and donations. Avoid leather items inside temples.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station serves the district. Nearest airport: typically Kempegowda International Airport Bangalore or Mangalore International Airport. KSRTC buses connect major towns near the temple.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What are the temple timings? A: Typically 6:00 AM-12:00 PM and 4:00-8:00 PM. Check locally for specific pooja schedules. Q: Is photography allowed? A: Exterior photography is usually allowed. Interior/sanctum photography may be restricted — check signage. Q: What is the dress code? A: Modest dress covering shoulders and knees is expected. Traditional Indian attire is preferred.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Karnataka
• Category: Pilgrims Destination

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.

Photo gallery of Subramanya

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Subramanya on popular travel photography sites and social media.