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Abode of the Serpent God: Kukke Subramanya

By Akshatha Vinayak

India is a land where snakes are considered as gods. It is a popular belief that killing serpents lead to negative effect on their lives. Snakes play a pivotal role in the Indian mythologies. It is a tradition to pray snake gods and Lord Subramanya is known as the Lord of Serpents.

Kukke Subramanya is one divine abode in the backdrop of Kumara Parvatha in Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka. Interestingly, the Shesha Parvatha around the Kukke Subramanya Temple looks like a six-headed serpent guarding the temple!

Kukke Subramanya

The exterior of Kukke Subramanya temple
Photo Courtesy: Soorajna

Kukke Subramanya is a famous Hindu religious site; the village of Subramanya amidst the lofty mountains and greenery holds a great importance in Karnataka.

Devotees who want to perform Sarpa Samskara (death rites for snakes) or Sarpa Dosha Parihara (Relieve from serpent curse) come to Kukke Subramanya. As told earlier, snakes are believed to curse even if they are killed accidentally.

Kukke Subramanya

The famous Kukke Subramanya temple
Photo Courtesy: Mallikarjunasj

A popular myth is that Lord Vasuki (Serpent God) and several other snakes took refuge in Kukke Subramanya while the Garuda (Eagle) chased them. Hence, the place got more importance for serpent gods. Even today it is believed that Vasuki stays inside the Garuda Pillar in the temple.

Kukke Subramanya

Stoned arranged that look like Naga sculptures
Photo Courtesy: Soorajna

One has to cross the Kumaradhara river to enter the temple premises. Amazing landscapes and the dense greenery makes it a beautiful site. Inside the sanctum, we can see idols of the Lord Subramanya (Kartikeya), Lord Vasuki and Lord Shesha (serpent gods). One important tradition is that once a devotee sees the prime deity, he or she shouldn't turn back and see the God again. They should exit the sanctum without turning back.

While on a visit to Kukke Subramanya, ensure that you don't miss the nearby tourist destinations too.

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