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Sabarimala Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

August 18, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 15 Comments Filed Under: Kerala Temples Tagged With: Other Temples

Dharmasastha Sabarimala Temple located at Sabarimala in the Pattanamthittu district of Kerala. It is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world. The temple is dedicated to Lord Sastha, popularly known as Lord Ayyapan. The Sabarimala Temple is located at the peak of a hilltop named Sabarimala at an altitude of 1535 feet. The temple complex is surrounded by dense forests which have been converted into the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The forest is locally known as Poomkavanam.

Here are the opening and closing dates for Sabarimala Temple for 2019 – 2020.

Sabarimala Temple – Facts

DeityLord Ayyappa (Lord Dharmasastha)
LocationPattanamthittu, Kerala
Entry FeeGeneral Darshan: Free
Darshan
Timings
4:00 AM to 11:00 PM
PoojasPadi Pooja, Neyyabhishekam, Harivarasanam
Best Time
to Visit
November to January
FestivalsVishu, Makara Jyothi
Sabarimala Temple Video

In Hinduism, Lord Dharmasastha is also popularly known as Manikandan and Ayyapan. He is the son of Harihara, often called as Hariharaputra. Hari refers to Lord Vishnu and Hara refers to Lord Shiva. It is believed that Dharmasastha was born out of the union of Mohini (an avatar of Vishnu) and Lord Shiva. He holds the combined powers of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Lord Ayyapan is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Dharmasastha and a visual representation of the unity of Shiva and Vishnu.

The Sabarimala Temple can be visited by only men. Devotees who wish to get Lord Ayyapan’s blessings must fast for 41 days. They wear a black or blue dress, do not shave and smear Vibhuti or Chandan on their forehead. They wear a Rudraksha or Tulasi mala as a sign of fasting.  The devotees are required to abstain from non-vegetarian food, alcohol, tobacco, sexual intercourse, foul language, shaving, haircut, and nail trimming.

The Sabarimala Temple is also a fine example of the integration of the Buddhist religious beliefs with the Hindu system of worship. Historically, it is believed that a Buddhist shrine existed in the vicinity where the present temple is situated. The temple was dedicated to the Buddhist God Avalokitesvara, an avatar of Bodhisattva.

Where is Sabarimala Temple

What are the timings of the Sabarimala Temple?

The Sabarimala Temple opens at 4:00 AM and closes at 11:00 PM. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals, such as the morning, afternoon, and evening poojas. The temple remains closed from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM.

The timings of the Sabarimala Temple are:

RitualTiming
Darshan Starts4:00 AM
Nirmalya Darshanam4:05 AM
Ganapati Homam4:15 AM
Usha Pooja (Morning Pooja)7:30 AM
Ucha Pooja (Noon Pooja)1:00 PM
Deeparadhana (Evening Pooja)6:30 PM
Athazha Pooja (Night Pooja)10:30 PM
Temple Closes11:00 PM

The temple is open to male devotees during the days of Mandalapooja, Makaravilakku (Makara Sankranthi), and Vishu. The temple also remains open on the first five days as per the Malayalam calendar.

What are the poojas and rituals at Sabarimala Temple?

Sabarimala Temple Padi Pooja
  • Neyyabhishekam: The Abhishekam is considered as the best way to do service for God. Pilgrims bring Ghee inside a coconut from their homes. For the pilgrims coming from outside, the temple makes arrangements for the seva. These coconuts are then opened and the deity is bathed with the Ghee. It is believed that the Ghee symbolizes the human soul and by pouring it over the God, one merges himself with the Paramatma.
  • Ashtabhishekam: This Abhishekam is one of the popular Abhishekam performed on request of the devotees. The eight items used for the Abhishekam are Vibhuti, Milk, Honey, Panchamrutam, Tender Coconut water, Sandalwood paste (Chandan), Rosewater and Water.
  • Ayyappachakram: The Ayyappa Chakram can be obtained at the temple counter and this is presented at the feet of the Lord to receive his blessings.
  • Ganapathy Homam: The Homam can be done at the Temple dedicated to Lord Ganapathi. This Homam should be performed at the beginning of any ventures in life, whether personal or professional.
  • Kalabhabhishekam: The Kalabhabhishekam is performed for strengthening the intelligence and consciousness of the devotee. The special pooja is performed with great reverence and dedication.
  • Laksharchana: The names of the Lord are repeated in the form of a mantra 1 lakh times. The names are repeated in a group.
  • Nithya Pooja: All the poojas of the day are performed for the Lord on behalf of the devotee.
  • Padi Pooja: This unique and grand pooja is performed for the holy 18 steps of the temple sanctum. Each step represents a facet of life and is worshipped separately. It is believed that one attains spiritual enlightenment after performing the pooja and is relieved of all curses and evil effects in his life. The booking for the pooja must be done online or much before in advance.
  • Sahasrakalasam: The ritual involves offering 1000 pots (gold. silver and brass) of holy water to the Lord. The pooja is performed for the general happiness of mankind.
  • Udayasthamana Pooja: This unique pooja is a ritual where 15 special poojas are performed throughout the day (Udaya for Sunrise and Astha for Sunset) for the deity in the name of the devotee. The rituals begin at dawn and proceeds in succession till dusk after which the devotee and other attendees are given prasadam of the pooja.
  • Harivarasanam: The most popular devotional song dedicated to Lord Ayyapan is the famous composition Harivarasanam written by Srinivasa Iyer. It is a lullaby for the Lord and is sung in front of the main shrine after the night pooja every day. The composition is written in Sanskrit and is 8 stanzas long with 352 letters

What is the significance of the Sabarimala Temple?

Sabarimala Temple Ayyapa Swamy

The idol of the presiding deity is made of the special Panchaloha element. The Panchaloha is traditionally an alloy of five metals. The composition of the alloy was kept as a secret for several centuries and is often mentioned in the Shilpa Shastras. The metals involved were later found out to be a mix of Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron and Lead. It is believed that worshipping idols made of the Panchaloha material imparts balance, self-confidence, health, fortune and peace of mind.

The 18 steps that one has to climb to reach the main sanctum are extremely sacred to the devotees. They have been mentioned in several religious texts and several songs and bhajans have been composed about them. Several versions are present regarding the importance of the 18 steps. According to a popular belief, the first five steps represent the five senses (eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin), the next eight represent the Ragas (Tatwa, Kama, Krodha, Moha, Lobha, Madha, Matsraya, and Ahamkara), the next three represent the Gunas (Satwa, Rajas, and Tamas) and the last two, Vidya and Avidya. It is believed that anyone who climbs these steps achieves self-realisation. Some also believe that the 18 steps denote the number of weapons with which the Lord annihilated Mahishi and some believe that each step represents each Purana.

It is believed that on the day of Makara Vilakku, Lord Dharmasastha stops his penance to bless the devotees visiting Sabarimala. Thousands of ardent devotees gather at Sabarimala to view the divine Makara Jyothi light up on the other side of the hill. Every year, the evening of Makara Sankranti witnesses the event of Makara Jyothi at the top of the Ponnambalamedu hill. The Makara Jyothi celebration has turned into a controversial issue as recent evidence point that the occurrence of the divine flame is actually manmade.

It is believed that the installation of the deity Lord Ayyapan was done by Parashurama himself on orders of Lord Dharmasastha.

The Sabarimala Temple Complex consists of a Ganapathi shrine, a Homakundam (place to conduct Homams), and a Bhasmakulam (sacred water tank). A small shrine dedicated to Devi Mallikappurathamma is situated at the foot of the hill along with the shrines of Nagaraja and Nagayakshi (God and Goddess of Snakes). The small shrine dedicated to Vavurswami is situated near the sacred 18 steps. Vavur was the Muslim friend and confidante of Lord Ayyapan.

The Sabarimala Temple is one of the largest annual pilgrimages taken by devout pilgrims throughout the country. It is estimated that about 40-50 million devotees visit the shrine during November – January season. The revenue from the temple is estimated at about 230 crores.

What is the history of Sabarimala Temple?

Sabarimala Temple Ayyapan

According to history, the Sabarimala Temple is believed to have been constructed somewhere during the 10th – 11th century. The earlier structure was a Buddhist shrine dedicated to Avalokitesvara. The shrine has consistently grown popular among the population especially among the southern states of Kerala, Tamilnadu, and Karnataka.

The story behind the temple:

A demoness named Mahishi possessed the boon of invulnerability, except by the son of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. She started torturing public folk and created fear and panic among the residents of the Earth. Seeing the atrocities, the Gods prayed to Shiva and Vishnu to put an end to this. Lord Vishnu took the avatar of the beautiful enchantress Mohini and had a child with Lord Shiva. As per the Brahmanda Purana, this child would possess the combined powers of Durga and annihilate Mahishi. The Skanda Purana mentions that Goddess Durga herself took birth in a masculine form to annihilate Mahishi. Lord Vishnu gifted the child with a precious necklace pendant that hung around the child’s neck. Hence, he is also popular as Manikandan.

The legend associated with the Sabarimala Temple and the Lord’s journey on Earth starts with the decimation of the Pandyan dynasty of Tamilnadu. The remaining descendants left Madurai and settled at various locations throughout Tamil Nadu and Kerala. They established the Pandalam kingdom in Kerala around the tenth century. The King of the Pandalam kingdom, Raja Rajashekhara did not have a child for a long time and together with the queen, worshipped Lord Shiva for a boon. Lord Shiva obliged and ordered Dharmasastha to take an avatar and be born to them as a child. He was handed over a mission to annihilate the buffalo-headed demon Mahishi, the sister of Mahishasura, who was creating havoc in the earth realm.

Sabarimala Temple Shri Dharmasastha

Accordingly, King Raja Rajashekhara found the young baby crying on the banks of the River Pamba. A Sanyasi appeared to him and advised him to give the child home and raise him as his own. He told him that when the child becomes 12, his divine nature will be revealed. The King and the Queen were very pleased and grew the child as their own. The child was named Manikandan and was taught the local martial arts form and all the Shastras. In the meantime, the Queen gave birth to another child named Raja Rajan. However, the King decided to make Manikandan the king.

The Diwan of the Kingdom brainwashed the queen into feigning a sickness so that her child becomes the King instead of Manikandan. The physician gave a false assurance that tigress’s milk was the only cure for the Queen’s sickness. Manikandan decided against his father’s wishes, that he will go into the forest to bring a tigress’s milk. On entering the forest, he decided to annihilate Mahishi first. He entered into a conflict with the demon along the banks of the Azhutha River. Manikandan climbed on her chest and danced violently. Realizing the futility of battling against the avatar of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva combined, the demon prostrated and died.

After killing Mahishi, all the Gods led by Lord Shiva appeared to Manikandan and turned themselves into tigers and tigresses. They accompanied him to the palace. On his return, the Sanyasi appeared and revealed the true identity of Manikandan to the King and the public. King Raja Rajashekhara was overwhelmed with joy and asked Manikandan to stay with him forever. However, Manikandan refused. Then the King requested him to guide him to a place where he could construct a shrine for him as a memory. Manikandan shot an arrow which fell at Sabari, the hill where aeons ago an old woman named Sabari had performed penance and was visited by Lord Rama. Manikandan ordered the shrine to be built there and promised that he will bless his devotees from there. He later disappeared into the forests.

The legend of Makara Vilakku is related to Lord Rama and Lakshman. On their journey towards Lanka, they met a tribal named Sabari at the present day Sabarimala. Sabari offered the Lord, fruits that she was carrying with him. While eating the fruits, Lord Rama observed a divine person doing penance. On enquiring the tribal about the person, he informed that it was Sastha. Lord Rama went to meet Sastha. On seeing the arrival of Lord Rama and Lakshman, Sastha stood up and received him to his abode. The day is celebrated as the Makara Vilakku day.

What is the dress code of Sabarimala Temple?

Sabarimala Temple Dress Code

The Sabarimala Temple follows a very strict dress code for men who wish to seek the blessings of the Lord. One must not wear any upper garment like shirts or vests. One must wear a black, orange, or dark blue dhoti to view the Lord. Ladies between the ages of 10 – 55 are not allowed to visit Sabarimala. Ladies above the age group should wear a saree inside the temple premises.

What are the festivals celebrated at Sabarimala Temple?

Sabarimala Temple Makara Jyothi
  • Makara Vilakku: This is one of the most important festivals celebrated at the shrine. The festival begins on the day of Makara Sankranthi and continues for seven days. It is believed that the idol of Lord Ayyapan was installed in the temple o this particular day. The god is decorated with precious jewellery brought from the Valiya Koyikkal Sastha Temple at Pandalam. A representation of the Lord riding on a tiger is displayed on the platform of the Manimandapam. The idol of Mallikappurathamma is taken around in a procession on an elephant’s back till the holy 18 steps and then returns by circumambulating the shrine.
  • Vishu: The Malayali New Year is celebrated in mid-April and is known as Vishu locally. People wear new clothes and decorate their homes with lights. Offerings are made to God with Payasam, Appam, and milk sweets. The ritual arrangement of items like rice, fruits, betel leaves, arecanut, kanni flowers, mirror, and coins are presented in front of the Lord and pooja is performed for them. After the morning rituals of the day, children burst firecrackers celebrating the birth of the New Year.
  • Onam: The State festival of Kerala is celebrated in the month of Chingam (Aug-Sep). The grand festival is celebrated for 3 days. The day signifies the birth of the Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu and the subsequent homecoming of the King Mahabali. It is also considered as a festival of harvest.

How to reach Sabarimala Temple?

  • By Air: The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport at a distance of 160 km. Alternatively, one can also land at the Thiruvananthapuram Airport situated at a distance of 170 km. Regular buses are available from these cities till Sabarimala.
  • By Train: The nearest railway station is Kottayam at a distance of 90 km. Kottayam is well connected to cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Guwahati, Vizag, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Mangalore and New Delhi.
  • By Road: The Kerala State Transport operates buses from major cities and towns in Kerala to Sabarimala. Other nearby towns that can be used as a transfer point to Sabarimala, especially for pilgrims from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are Thrissur, Kottayam, and Ernakulam.

Vehicles are allowed only until Pamba, 5 km before the main shrine. The new route is comfortable and easy to traverse.

Sabarimala Temple Pamba

However, many devotees still trek through the long and difficult older route through Erumeli. The distance from Erumeli to Sabarimala is roughly 60 km.

Where to stay near Sabarimala Temple?

The Sabarimala Temple Administration operates a pilgrim complex at Nadapanthal and Pandyathavalam. Several guesthouses have been constructed by them to meet the needs of the devotees. The rooms are clean and hygienic and can be booked at nominal rated by visiting their official website.

Where to eat near Sabarimala Temple?

A lot of small hotels have been set up near the base of the Sabarimala hills and at Pamba by the Sabarimala Temple administration. The cuisine provided is pure vegetarian and South Indian.

What are some temples near Sabarimala Temple?

  • Erumeli Ayyapan Temple: The temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa is situated 61 km from Sabarimala. The traditional route to Sabarimala begins at Erumeli where the pilgrims begin their trek to reach the peak of Sabarimala hills known as the Neelimala. The temple’s deity Lord Ayyapan is represented here as an archer. This is also supposed to be the place where Lord Ayyapan killed the buffalo faced demon Mahishi.
  • Pandalam Valiyakoyickal Temple: The temple is closely associated with the Sastha Temple of Sabarimala. The deity worshipped here is the family deity of King Rajashekhara of the Pandalam kingdom. The jewels of Lord Ayyappa are kept at this temple and are taken out in a procession amidst high security. A divine presence of a Garuda can be seen circling around the treasure.
  • Nilakkal Mahadevar Temple: The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva lies on the traditional path taken by the devotees to reach Sabarimala. The temple is small and dedicated to Lord Shiva, father of Lord Ayyappa.
  • Chengannur Mahadevar Temple: The famous shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is located 97 km from Sabarimala. The main Shiva Linga is covered with Gold and represents the image of an Ardhanareeshwara – a Shiva-Shakti form. This Temple legend states that Kannagi, who burnt the city of Madurai down to ashes, came here to perform penance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Sabarimala Temple open throughout the year?

No, the Sabarimala Temple is open for all the devotees during certain times in a year. The opening and closing dates vary.
Please refer: Opening dates of the Sabarimala Temple

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Sabarimala Temple is free of cost.

Is there an age restriction in the Sabarimala Temple?

There is no age restriction for men. However, ladies from the ages of 10 to 55 are not allowed inside the temple.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No. There is no facility for online darshan available.

Is there any facility for specially-abled and senior citizens?

Yes. There are facilities for specially-abled and senior citizens such as palkis.

What is the weather like during the summer?

The summers in Sabarimala starts from April and continue until June. The summers here can be very hot and humid. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 38 º C.

What are winters like in Sabarimala?

In Sabarimala, winters start in October and continue until March. The temperatures during this time range from around 15 º C to 25 º C. The weather during this time is cool and pleasant.

If you have any questions about The Sabarimala Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

Kukke Subramanya Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

July 11, 2022, Sasidhar Darla 80 Comments Filed Under: Karnataka Temples Tagged With: Mukti Sthala, Other Temples

Kukke Subramanya Temple, one of the seven Mukti Sthalas of Karnataka, is dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya. It is most famous for the Sarpa Samskara Pooja performed to get rid of Kala Sarpa Dosha. Also, the main idol of the temple shows Lord Subramanya standing above the Serpents, Vasuki and Shesha.

Kukke Subramanya Temple – Facts

DeityLord Subramanya (Lord Karthikeya)
LocationSubramanya, Karnataka
Entry FeeFree
Best Time to Visit October to March
Darshan Timings6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
PoojasSarpa Samskara Pooja, Ashlesha Bali
FestivalsUgadi, Ratholsavam, Mahashivratri
Kukke Subramanya Temple
Kukke Subramanya Temple Video

The Kukke Subramanya Temple main entrance faces west. The pilgrims have to go around the sanctum to reach its entrance in the east. Also, the Garuda pillar is present between the sanctum and the portico entrance.

The official website of the Kukke Subramanya Temple is:
https://www.kukke.org/en/home.aspx

What are the timings of the Kukke Subramanya Temple?

The Kukke Subramanya Temple remains open daily between 06:00 AM to 08:00 PM. There is an afternoon break in the darshan from 01:30 PM to 03:00 PM. During this time, the devotees can take part in various poojas and sevas. Prasadam timings of the temple are from 12:30 pm to 01:30 pm.

Here are the timings of Kukke Subramanya Temple:

RitualFromTo
Morning Darshan6:00 AM1:30 PM
Evening Darshan3:00 PM8:00 PM
Ushakala Pooja and Go-Pooja5:30 AM6:00 AM
Noon Pooja10:00 AM12:15 PM
Theertha Prasada12:30 PM1:30 PM
Anna Santharpane (Annadanam)11:30 AM2:00 PM
Hannukai Seva3:30 PM6:00 PM
Nisha Pooja6:00 PM7:45 PM

What are the poojas and sevas performed at Kukke Subramanya Temple?

Kukke-Subramanya-Pooja
  • Ashlesha Bali: It takes place at the Kukke Subramanya Temple in two slots – one at 7:00 AM and the other at 9:15 AM. Devotees also believe that the months of Shravan (June-July), Karthikai (November) and the Margashira are the most auspicious months to perform the pooja.
  • Nagaprathishtha: This pooja relieves one from the curse of the Sarpa Dosha. It takes place in the Nagaprathishtha Mandapam in the outer quadrangle of the Kukke Subramanya Temple. The pooja can also take place on all days except on Ekadashi and fasting days.
  • Mahapooja: All the poojas and rituals of the day take place for God on behalf of the devotee’s name.
  • Panchamritha Abhishekam: The priests bathe the idol of God with the five Amrits (Panch Amrit) which are Milk, Ghee, Honey, Curd, and Sugar.
  • Karthik Pooja: A special pooja, complete with the recital of hymns from the Karthik Purana and Lamp offerings, are done there for the God on behalf of the devotee.
  • Sahasra Namarchana: The archana takes place by reciting His thousand names and praising him on behalf of the devotee.
  • Satyanarayana Pooja: The pooja is for Lord Vishnu. It can take place on any day but it is extremely auspicious if one performs it on the eve of Chithra Pournami. This pooja also helps devotees attain peace, prosperity. It also removes obstacles and makes them free from negative thoughts. The pooja usually begins with Ganapathi Pooja and then the Navagraha Pooja.
  • Besides these Sevas, one can also perform the Thulabharam Seva, Ear piercing, Choula (mundan), Nandadeepa for one month, Panchakkajaya, Naamkarana, and Vehicle Pooja.

Sarpa Samskara for Kalasarpa Dosha

The Sarpa Samskara Pooja is performed by the people who have Sarpa Dosha in their fortune. The Sarpadosha is a curse affecting a person who has knowingly or unknowingly harmed a Sarpa (snake or a serpent) in this birth or in the previous births.

Devotees believe that by performing poojas like the Sarpadosha and the Ashlesha Bali, one can relieve himself from the ill-effects of this curse. In the temple, the seva requires the devotee to stay for 2 days. In one seva, a maximum number of 4 persons can attend the pooja. The seva can take place on all days except Dasami, fasting days like the Ekadasis, Grahan, Shivaratri and during the temple festival.

What is the significance of the Kukke Subramanya Temple?

Kukke-Subramnaya-Sarp-Dosh

The significance of the Kukke Subramanya is that it is among the seven Mukti Sthalas in Karnataka. The other six are Udupi, Kollur, Kumbhashi, Kodeshwara, Sankaranarayanan, and Gokarna. These places are together the Parashurama Kshetras. Devotees also believe that the land of these Temples belonged to Parashurama from the sea.

A cluster of Lingas called as the “Kukke Lingas” is in the northern corner of the Kukke Subramanya Temple. There is a conflict with respect to the history and the origin of the prefix “Kukke” before the Lingas and Lord Subrahmanya.

According to some people, that the word Kukke meaning Basket in Kannada is there because, in ancient times, devotees worshipped these Lingas together in a basket. However, some other explanations put forward are Kukke derives from the old Sanskrit word “Kukshi” which means Cave. Also, some people believe that Vasuki, the serpent installed these Lingas initially in a cave.

Shrines for Lord Bhairava, Lakshmi Narasimha, Lord Ganapathi, and Umamaheshwara are also there around the Kukke Subramanya Temple Complex.

Ancient scriptures like the Subrahmanya Mahatmaya mention that Lord Subrahmanya installed Shiva Lingas in three locations around the Kukke Subramanya Temple. Several Gods and Goddesses followed him and installed small Lingas as a mark of respect to Lord Shiva. As time went by, people collected all these Lingas and kept them inside the Kukke Subramanya Temple for worship.

Kukke Subramanya Temple in the Satya Yuga

The Kukke Subramanya Temple and its surroundings have played vital roles in various Yugas of the Hindu calendar. Some people also believe that in the Satya Yuga (first of the four Yugas), Lord Subrahmanya was anointed as the Senapati of the demigods on the banks of the stream Dhara.

In the Treta Yuga, Lord Parashurama visited the temple and the stream to absolve himself of the sins of eliminating the Kshatriya race twenty one times. In the Dvapara Yuga, Samba, son of Lord Krishna came here and bathed in the water of the Dhara to relieve himself from leprosy.

The Kukke Subramanya Temple is also extremely significant to the followers of Lord Vishnu. The Kashikatte Ganapathi idol is just 250 meters away from the temple. Also, devotees believe that Sage Narada himself installed it. Devotees also believe that the Pandavas arrived at the Kukke Subramanya Temple and paid their respects to the Lord.

Samputa Narsingha

On the south-eastern side of the Kukke Subramanya Temple Complex, a shrine for Samputa Narasingha is also there. Devotees believe Sri Madhavacharya established the shrine. Some also believe that when Sri Madhavacharya visited Badrinath, he met Ved Vyas (one of the seven immortals believed to be still roaming the Earth).

Ved Vyas then gave him eight Saligrama Shilas (they are fossilized stones, each representing Lord Vishnu). Six of the Shilas are worshiped in the Kukke Subrahmanya Temple.

Apart from these Shilas, he was also given a Narasimha Saligrama which is believed to be so powerful that, if uncovered will destroy the three worlds. Sri Madhavacharya put this Narasimha Saligrama along with 22 Laxminarayana Shilas and five of the Saligrama Shilas inside a box (Samputa) and established it inside the shrine. The Box or the Samputa is worshiped to date.

Relief from Sarpa Dosha

Thousands of pilgrims visit the Kukke Subramanya Temple to perform the Ashlesha Bali Pooja and the Sarpa Dosha Pooja from all over the country. Lord Subrahmanya is the protector from the Kaalsarpa dosha and the Sarpa Dosha.

It is believed that people whose lives have been affected by the Sarpa Dosha should offer Sarpa Samskara Pooja at Kukke Subramanya Temple as it will relieve one from long-suffering ailments, infertility, and blindness. It is believed that by taking a dip in the Kumaradhara Theertha, one can obtain the cure for severe skin diseases like Leprosy.

What is the history of the Kukke Subramanya Temple?

According to history, a vivid description of the Kukke Subramanya Temple is there in the chapter ‘Sahyadrikhanda’ in Skanda Puranam. As per the Puranas, the Subrahmanya Kshetra is on the banks of the River Dhara. The place Subrahmanya was famous as Kukke Pattanna in ancient times.

In the scriptures of “Shankara Vijaya”, Anandagiri also mentions that Sri Adi Shankaracharya visited the place and has referred the place as “Bhaje Kukke Lingam” in his work “Subrahmanya Bhujangaprayata Stotram”.

The legend of Kukke Subramanya Temple

The legend of the origins of the Kukke Subramanya Temple is there in detail in the Skanda Puranam. The snake king Vasuki was hiding in the cave called Biladvara (located near the temple) to escape from Garuda who was hunting for snakes to satisfy his hunger. Vasuki was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Garuda spotted Vasuki and started attacking it viciously.

The great Sage Kashyapa Muni then intervened and instructed Garuda to go to the Ramanaka islands (present-day Fiji) to hunt for snakes. He also requested Vasuki to pray to Lord Shiva for protection. After his penance, Lord Shiva appeared to Vasuki and informed him that in the next Kalpa, his son Karthikeya (Subrahmanya) will come and reside there to bless and protect them.

Eventually in the next Kalpa, after killing the demon Tarakasura, Lord Subrahmanya along with his brother Lord Ganesha arrived in Kumara Parvatha. Lord Indra received them with good wishes. He offered Lord Subrahmanya a marriage proposal with his daughter Devasena. The Lord agreed and the divine marriage took place on the Kumara Parvatha mountain.

Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma attended the marriage on Margashira Shuddha Shasthi. Vasuki, the serpent was also present at the ceremony. Lord Subrahmanya gave him his darshan and promised to stay with them for their protection.

Where-is-Kukke-Subramanya-Temple

Another version of the story

There is another version of the story present behind the origin of the Kukke Subramanya Temple. Devotees also believe that once an argument happened between Katru and Vinatha, wives of Sage Kashyapa. They decided that the loser of the argument will become the slave of the winner. Katru lost the argument and along with her snake children, became a servant of Vinatha.

Garuda, Vinatha’s son harassed the snake children and wanted to harm Vasuki. Vasuki requested lord Shiva to help him. Lord Shiva then asked Lord Subrahmanya to protect the snakes from Garuda. Lord Subrahmanya arrived at the place and gave refuge to the snakes from Garuda. On the insistence of the snakes, he took abode here among the snakes.

As per another legend, after killing the demon Tarakasura in the battle, Lord Subrahmanya washed his sword in the adjoining water stream ‘Dhara’. Henceforth, the stream became famous as the Kumaradhara.

What is the dress code for the Kukke Subramanya Temple?

The Kukke Subramanya Temple administration requests the male devotees to remove their shirts and vests before entering the temple premises. Clothes such as coats, hats, turbans, bermudas, and shorts, and lungi are not allowed inside the temple. Women are requested to dress decently.

What are the festivals celebrated at Kukke Subramanya Temple?

Kukke-Subramanya-Ratholsavam

Some of the festivals celebrated at Kukke Subramanya temple are:

  • Champashashti Mahothsavam: The Kukke Subramanya Temple Ratha Yatra takes place during the month of Karthika Margashira. Devotees decorate the idol of Lord Subrahmanya and take out a procession around the streets of Subrahmanya. They take the Lord around in different Vahanas like Sheshavahana, Ashwa Vahana, Mayura Vahana, and finally the Brahma Ratha on the Maharathotsavam day. The temple also celebrates the Laksha Deepotsavam, where devotees light a lakh Deepams and worship them. The temple also distributes the Moola Mrithike Prasadam to the devotees on these days.
  • Makara Sankranti: The festival signifies the beginning of the harvest season. People pray for a bountiful harvest on the day. In the Kukke Subramanya Temple, the Kukke Lingas are taken out of the sanctum and are taken around the town in a procession.
  • Mesha Sankranama: The festival falls on the day when the Sun enters the zodiac Mesha (Aries). It represents the spring equinox. The festival occurs in the month of April. Several poojas and bhajans are performed for god on the day.
  • Mahashivaratri: The festival occurs in February or March. It signifies the marriage of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati. Some also believe that this is the day when Lord Shiva absorbed the poison that turned him blue during the churning of Amrit episode in mythology. Devotees keep fast and also sing bhajans throughout the night and into the day. Special poojas take place for the Linga. Thousands of pilgrims from in and around Karnataka visit the shrine to receive blessings from the God themselves.
  • Naag Panchami: The festival occurs on the fifth day of the full moon in the month of Shravan (June). The day is for the worshiping of the Nagas or serpents that are the lowest Loka of the Seven Lokas or realms of the universe. Devotees worship them for their blessings.
Kukke-Subramanya-Ede-Snana

How to reach Kukke Subramanya Temple?

Here’s how to reach Kukke Subramanya Temple:

  • Air: The nearest airport is the Bajpe International Airport at Mangalore at a distance of 120 km.
  • Train: The nearest railway station is the Subrahmanya Road station at a distance of 12 km from the Temple.
  • Road: KSRTC operates buses from all major cities and towns in Karnataka to Subramanya.

Where to stay near Kukke Subramanya Temple?

Kukke Subramanya Temple administration has several Guest Houses and Choultries that that one can book for a stay. The Guesthouses are Akshara, Ashlesha, Karthikeya Kripa, Kumara Kripa, Skanda Kripa, a choultry and a Temple Cottage. Besides these, several privately owned Lodges and Hotels operate out of the Subrahmanya town. They offer basic facilities and are very clean.

Where to eat nearby?

The Kukke Subramanya Temple provides Annadanam free of cost every afternoon and evening to all the devotees. Apart from that, several small hotels are available to the pilgrims. They mainly serve only vegetarian South Indian cuisine. Especially, alcohol and smoking must not take place around the temple premises.

What are some temples near Kukke Subramanya Temple?

Some of the temples near Kukke Subramanya Temple are:

  • Sowthadka Shri Mahaganapathi Temple: The temple is for Lord Ganapathi. It is 3 km away from the town of Kokkada in the Dakshina Kannada district. The temple lies 35 km from the Kukke Subrahmanya Temple. In Kannada, “Southe” means Cucumber and “Adka” means a vast plain. The idol of Lord Ganapathi is without a Garbhagriha and is open for 24 hours.
  • Somnatheshwara Temple: The temple is about 2.5 km from the temple, on the banks of the river Kumaradhara. The temple is for Lord Shiva. The Linga of Lord Shiva is at least 1000 years ago. The Subrahmanya Matha takes care of the administration.
  • Sri Manjunatha Temple: The famous temple of Dharmasthala located along the banks of River Nethravathi is situated 55 km away from the Kukke Subrahmanya Temple. The main deity of the temple is Lord Manjunatha, another form of Lord Shiva. Also, along with Lord Shiva and Parvati, devotees also worship the Gods of Jainism Chandraprabha and others.
  • Kollur Mookambika Temple: The famous and revered Sri Mookambikai Temple is in Kollur which is 150 km from Horanadu. The presiding deity is Goddess Mookambikai also known as Devi and in front of her idol, is a Jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. Also, the Linga has two unequal parts. The Smaller right part represents Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva and the larger Left part represents Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Five of the 12 jyotirlingas are in Maharashtra.
  • Sringeri Sharada Peetham: The holy town of Sringeri is at a distance of about 93 km from Horanadu. The temple was the first of the four Ammaya Peetham established by Sri Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century AD. Sri Sharadamba believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Saraswati is the presiding deity of the temple.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kukke Subramanya Temple

Is the Kukke Subramanya Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Kukke Subramanya Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Kukke Subramanya Temple is free of cost.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No. There is no facility for online darshan available.

Is there any facility for specially-abled and senior citizens?

No. There is no facility for specially-abled and senior citizens.

What is the weather like during the summer?

The summers in Subramanya starts from April and continue until June. The summers here can be very hot and dry. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 45 º C.

What are winters like in Subramanya?

In Subramanya, winters start in October and continue until March. The temperatures during this time range from around 20 º C to 28 º C. The weather during this time is slightly warm but pleasant.

If you have any questions about The Kukke Subramanya Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

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