Kukke Subrmanya Temple, Subramanaya

The Kukke Subramanya temple is a famous temple located in Subramanya village, Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. Devotees here worship lord Kartikeya as the snake god Subramanya.According to mythology, fearing Garuda, the divine snake Vasuki and other snakes took shelter in Subramanya. The Subramanya temple is said to be a natural wonder due to the beautiful waterfalls, forests and hills around it. 

Sri Adi Shankaracharya spent a few days here as a part of his Digvijay Dharmayatra. This place is mentioned as "Bhaje Kukke Lingam" in Subramanya Bhujangaprayata Stotram.  The sri Subramanya kshetra is situated on the banks of the Dhara River which originates from the Kumara parvata range.

History

According to a legend, Lord Shanmukha killed the demons Taraka & Surapadmasura along with their followers and reached Kumara Parvata with his brother Ganeshuni.Indra received lord Kumaraswami and Indra was very happy after killing the demons. Indra asked Kumaraswami to marry his daughter Devasena. Lord agreed to the marriage and their wedding was held at Kumara parvatha. Later, a grand abhishekam was performed with water from holy rivers. The water flowed from the confluence of those holy rivers is being called as Kumaradhara.

To escape the attack of Garuda, the snake king Vasuki Kukke performed meditation in the caves of Subramanya Kshetra through a hole in the cave. Pleased with penance Shiva asked Shanmukha to always be with and accompany his beloved devotee Vasuki. 

How To Reach

 Subramanya bus stand is just 650 m away from the temple. You can reach the temple by walk easily.