Kukke subramanya mangalore

 

Nestled between hills, this pilgrim center is famous for the 5000 years old Kukke Subramanya temple on the banks of Kumaradhara river. The epics narrate how the divine serpent Vasuki and other snakes took refuge under Lord Subrahmanya, in the caves. Here Lord Subrahmanya is worshipped as a snake and pooja is offered to Him, who is merged with serpent king Vasuki. Hence, believed to be the ultimate solace for salvation from any sort of Naga Doshas. A ritual dance called Nagamandala is also performed here.

History: Kukke Subramanya is one of the seven holy places created by Saint Parashurama. Divine serpent Vasuki is believed to have taken refuge in Kukke Subramanya while being hunted by Garuda (legendary bird and official vehicle of Lord Vishnu). Lord Kumaraswamy and his brother Lord Ganesha are said to have killed demon rulers Tharaka and Shura Padmasurya in Kumara Parvatha near Kukke Subramanya. Post victory, Lord Kumaraswamy married the daughter of Indra- Devasena. All major gods attended the wedding event, bestowing divine powers to the place.

Popular rituals: Ashlesha Bali (prayers seeking protection from black snake) and Sarpa dosha parihara (removal of any curse of snake god) are two popular puja rituals offered at Kukke Subramanya Temple. 

(I have heard the following from my ancestors:) 

Before the present temple was built in the area, they’d worship the idol in a makeshift place throught the day and then place the idol in a basket and leave it at a home nearby for safekeeping in the night. And take the basket back to the makeshift temple in the morning and repeat. Since the idol of lord Subrahmanya was transported in the basket, He came to be known as Kukke Subrahmanya and that turned out to be the name of the place eventually.