Pilgrimage Guide To Kukke Subrahmanya | Bangalore
Kukke Subrahmanya dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya, is a Hindu temple in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Lord Subrahmanya is worshipped for his divine powers. According to mythology, the divine serpent King Vasuki or Nagaraja and other snakes found refuge under Lord Subrahmanya at this place, when threatened by Garuda. The temple is hence famous for performing Sarpa Samsakara (death rites of a snake) rituals, to get rid of Sarpa Dosha (snake curse) from any individuals life.
Getting there
Kukke Subrahmanya is well connected by road from Mangalore. Its located about 105 kilometers from Mangalore and reaching there should take you two and a half hours by bus or taxi. You can board a local bus from Mangalore Bus Stand or hire a private cab. Cab charges are Rs. 10-15 per kilometer (you can negotiate) while a bus ticket to Kukke Subrahmanya costs Rs. 50 for an individual. The journey to Kukke Subrahmanya takes you on a scenic tour of narrow and winding hills and the river Nethravathi. You may even experience unpredictable rain showers that are typical in this region.
The temple
The temple is housed inside a hamlet. Outside, there is a lot of empty space to manage serpentine queues of as many as 10,000 devotees a day. Pilgrims need to take a holy dip in Kumaradhara River before entering the temple for their darshan. You can enter the courtyard from the doorway at the back, and then walk around.
Sarpa Samskara / Sarpa Dosha
Sarpa Samskara is one of the poojas performed by devotees at this temple to get rid of sarpa dosha (according to a belief, a person, either in this or a previous birth, could be afflicted by sarpa (serpent) dosha (curse) knowingly or un-knowingly, through many ways). Persons who are afflicted with this dosha are advised by astrologers / horoscope writers to perform this pooja for their wellbeing. The pooja involves rituals similar to those done while performing shrartham (funeral rites).
Those visiting the temple for Sarpa Samskara Seva, are required to stay for two days. Food arrangements are made for these devotees by the temple Devasthanam, for up to four persons per seva.
Accommodation
There are a lot of lodges at Kukke Subrahmanya and most of the time they are full. So if you are going there for two-day puja, advance booking will help. Ashlesha, Karthikeya, Kumarakrupa and Skandakrupa are a few of them. Call on 08257-281224, 281423 for bookings and other queries.
Food options
Kukke Subrahmanya has very few South Indian food joints outside the temple. These are mostly crowded and you may have to wait for a table. Besides, there are small juice and refreshment centers offering soft drinks and fruit juices. You could even try local vendors for their pakodas and pani puri. Mineral water is available at all the restaurants.
MetroMelas Tips
If you are not considering staying at Kukke Subrahmanya, you can keep your luggage at the temples luggage room. Its safe and trusted.
The best time to visit the temple is during winters as the weather turns pleasant. Puja timings are from 6 AM to 1 PM and from 3 PM to 8 PM.
Weather at Kukke Subrahmanya is very unpredictable throughout the year, so do carry an umbrella or rain coat.
To go directly from Bangalore, the nearest airport, railway station and bus stop is at Mangalore. Form Mangalore, taxi and buses are available.
Getting there
Kukke Subrahmanya is well connected by road from Mangalore. Its located about 105 kilometers from Mangalore and reaching there should take you two and a half hours by bus or taxi. You can board a local bus from Mangalore Bus Stand or hire a private cab. Cab charges are Rs. 10-15 per kilometer (you can negotiate) while a bus ticket to Kukke Subrahmanya costs Rs. 50 for an individual. The journey to Kukke Subrahmanya takes you on a scenic tour of narrow and winding hills and the river Nethravathi. You may even experience unpredictable rain showers that are typical in this region.
The temple
The temple is housed inside a hamlet. Outside, there is a lot of empty space to manage serpentine queues of as many as 10,000 devotees a day. Pilgrims need to take a holy dip in Kumaradhara River before entering the temple for their darshan. You can enter the courtyard from the doorway at the back, and then walk around.
Sarpa Samskara / Sarpa Dosha
Sarpa Samskara is one of the poojas performed by devotees at this temple to get rid of sarpa dosha (according to a belief, a person, either in this or a previous birth, could be afflicted by sarpa (serpent) dosha (curse) knowingly or un-knowingly, through many ways). Persons who are afflicted with this dosha are advised by astrologers / horoscope writers to perform this pooja for their wellbeing. The pooja involves rituals similar to those done while performing shrartham (funeral rites).
Those visiting the temple for Sarpa Samskara Seva, are required to stay for two days. Food arrangements are made for these devotees by the temple Devasthanam, for up to four persons per seva.
Accommodation
There are a lot of lodges at Kukke Subrahmanya and most of the time they are full. So if you are going there for two-day puja, advance booking will help. Ashlesha, Karthikeya, Kumarakrupa and Skandakrupa are a few of them. Call on 08257-281224, 281423 for bookings and other queries.
Food options
Kukke Subrahmanya has very few South Indian food joints outside the temple. These are mostly crowded and you may have to wait for a table. Besides, there are small juice and refreshment centers offering soft drinks and fruit juices. You could even try local vendors for their pakodas and pani puri. Mineral water is available at all the restaurants.
MetroMelas Tips
If you are not considering staying at Kukke Subrahmanya, you can keep your luggage at the temples luggage room. Its safe and trusted.
The best time to visit the temple is during winters as the weather turns pleasant. Puja timings are from 6 AM to 1 PM and from 3 PM to 8 PM.
Weather at Kukke Subrahmanya is very unpredictable throughout the year, so do carry an umbrella or rain coat.
To go directly from Bangalore, the nearest airport, railway station and bus stop is at Mangalore. Form Mangalore, taxi and buses are available.