Kukke Subramanya Attractions - Tourist Places To Visit In Kukke Subramanya

Subrahmanya Temple or Kukke Subrahmanya Temple, one of the must-visit attractions of the village of Subrahmanya, is situated on the banks of Kumaradhara river. This temple is bound by rivers, mountains, forests and most notably, Kumara Parvatha. The temple is said to be the house of second son of Lord Shiva, Lord Subrahmanya (also called Kartikeya), and Vasuki, the king of serpents.

The exterior and interior halls of Sri Subrahmanya Temple give way to the sanctum of this shrine. An idol of the lord is placed at the upper platform along with that of Vasuki. Tourists can also see an idol of Shesha, another prominent naga in Hindu mythology, at the sanctum. Just between the sanctum and the gateway of the portico is the Garuda Pillar that is covered with silver. As per the locals, this pillar was painted in order to protect pilgrims from the venom of Vasuki, who is said to reside inside the pillar.

This sacred temple is popular for carrying out ritual rites in order to avoid Sarpa Dosha. On the eve of Thaipooyam, the main festival of the temple, numerous pilgrims can be seen at this temple. Along with this, two important Sarpa Dosha poojas, Ashlesha Bali Pooja and Sarpa Samskara are also performed inside the temple.

A visit to Adi Subrahmanya Temple, situated in proximity of Subrahmanya Temple, is recommended to tourists if they have time at hand. Valmmika, referred as an anthill, is placed inside the sanctum of the temple. The prehistoric anthills are prayed in the form of Adisesha and Vasuki. This shrine is bound with beautiful green forests and mountain streams.

As per the folklore, Lord Brahma, known as the cosmic creator, seeked permission for constructing his house at the site from Lord Subrahmanya. The place was the home of Lord Brahma; however, it lost its importance after Lord Yama cursed it. Pilgrims are offered anthills mrittika (earth) as prasad that is known to cure skin diseases.

While on a trip to the village of Subrahmanya, travellers must visit Subrahmanya Mutt that is located at the south-east side of the exterior quadrangle of the Subrahmanya Temple. According to legends, Sri Madwacharya gave this mutt to his brother and follower Vishnuteerthacharya.

A part of the Dvaita tradition of Madhwa religion, this mutt is also used for providing value-based education nowadays. Presently, the mutt is also engaged in philosophical, social and cultural activities. There are several shrines that are managed by this mutt, such as Kukke Shri Abhaya Ganapathi Temple, Samputa Narasimha Temple, Somanatha Temple and Sri Vanadurga Devi Temple.

Biladwara Cave, counted amongst the must-visit attractions of Subrahmanya, is situated on the way of Subrahmanya Temple to the river Kumaradhara. As per legends, Vasuki, the naga king, escaped to this cave in order to save himself from the anger of Garuda and punish himself. A naturally created entrance and exit are present in this cave, which is 10 m long and 30 ft deep. Bound by a picturesque garden, this beautiful cave is visited by pilgrims who wish to take the blessings of Vasuki.

It is recommended that travellers visit Kumara Parvatha, a part of the Western Ghats, during their trip to Kukke Subramanya. This beautiful peak is at the elevation of around 4,000 ft and offers a great view of the lights of Somwarpet Town. Located 13 km away from the Kukke Subramanya Temple, the peak of this mountain is at an elevation of 1,712 m.

There are white stones, known as Saligramams, as well as Shivalingas on the top of Kumara Parvatha. The Shivalingas with six faces, recognised as Kumaralingas, can also be seen at the peak. The place is most suitable for adventurous tourists as they can opt for trekking while visiting.

Travellers must visit Matsya and Panchami Tirthas on their trip to Kukke Subramanya if time allows. These sites are known for washing away all the sins of the pilgrims upon bathing in the water.

Matsya Tirtha is located on the banks of river Kumaradhara, whereas Panchami Tirtha is situated in proximity of Kumara Dhara river. The latter is a Subrahmanya Matha and is said to have belonged to the Brindavanam Swamis.

In the proximity of these tirthas are Somnath Temple, Agrahara Somnath Temple and the tomb of His Holiness Sri Varaha Tirtha of Shree Subrahmanya Math. On the occasion of Panchami, pilgrims take bath in the river Kumaradhara.

It is suggested that travellers must visit Vedavyasa Samputa Narasimha Temple on their trip to Kukke Subramanya. Erected by Sri Madhvacharya, known as the initiator of Dvaita School of Vedanta Philosophy, this temple is situated at the south-east of Subrahmanya Temple. Devotees pray to the salagrama of Narasingha daily at this mutt, though the salagrama itself is not taken out of its box except it has to be washed.

As per legends, the Lakshmi Narasimha and Veda Vyasa statues placed at this shrine were present by Veda Vyasa to Madhvacharya. A number of pilgrims can be seen at this temple during the three-day-long festival of Narasimha Jayanti that is held in Vishaka Masa. The temple is administered by Swamiars of Subrahmanya Mutt and holds high religious importance.

Travellers are recommended to visit Abhaya Mahaganapati Temple, also known as Kukke Shree Abhaya Mahaganapathi, on their trip to Kukke Subramanya. The temple exhibits Nepali style of architecture and houses a 21 ft high statue of Ganapathi, known to one of the biggest monoliths of the deity.

Harihareshwar Temple, located at a distance of about 8 km from Subrahmanya Temple, is recommended to all tourists. Known as the house of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, tourists can enjoy beautiful views of the Western Ghat from this temple.