Nestled in the lush foothills of Karnataka’s Western Ghats, the Kukke Subramanya Temple is a revered pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Subramanya (Murugan), the vanquisher of evil and the lord of all serpents. It’s a sanctuary where devotees come to seek blessings, perform the unique Sarpa Samskara rituals, and experience profound peace. This comprehensive 2026 guide provides all the essential information—from daily darshan timings and online booking to travel logistics—to plan your perfect spiritual journey.
The Legend of Kukke Subramanya
The temple’s history is rooted in a powerful legend from the epic Skanda Purana. After defeating the demon kings Tarakasura and Shoorapadmasura, Lord Kumaraswamy (Subramanya) arrived at the Kumaradhara river valley.
- Sanctuary for Vasuki: Here, he was implored by the serpent king Vasuki, who was hiding from Garuda (the eagle deity). Lord Subramanya granted Vasuki protection, promising to reside in these hills forever.
- Divine Union: Pleased with Vasuki’s devotion, Lord Indra requested Lord Subramanya to marry his daughter, Devasena. Their divine wedding is celebrated annually during the Margashira Shudda Shashti festival.
This dual blessing—of protecting the serpent king and uniting with Devasena—establishes Kukke as the supreme abode for seeking relief from Naga Dosha (serpent afflictions) and for marital harmony.
Kukke Subramanya Temple Darshan Timings 2026
Planning your visit around the temple’s daily schedule is the first step for a smooth darshan.
| Day | Morning Darshan | Temple Break | Evening Darshan | Temple Closes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday – Sunday | 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM | 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM | 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
Important Note: The temple has a detailed schedule of rituals throughout the day. Arriving for Ushakala Pooja (5:30 AM) or for Nisha Pooja and Mahamangalarathi (6:00 PM – 7:45 PM) offers a deeply spiritual experience. Always check the official website for festival-day changes.
Sarpa Samskara, Sevas & Online Booking for 2026
Understanding Sarpa Samskara Pooja
This is the most famous ritual at Kukke, performed to appease serpent gods and seek relief from Sarpa Dosha or Kaalasarpa Dosha, which are astrological afflictions believed to cause hurdles in marriage, childbirth, and overall well-being.
- Cost: Ranges from ₹ 1,500 to ₹ 1,800.
- Procedure: The ritual requires a two-day stay. Only married males can perform it for themselves; for others, a priest conducts the ceremony. A maximum of four people can participate in one session.
- Booking: Online booking is highly recommended and often mandatory to secure a confirmed slot. Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially during auspicious months like Shravana, Karthika, and Margashira.
Other Key Rituals & Sevas
| Seva / Pooja Name | Approximate Cost | Key Information |
|---|---|---|
| Ashlesha Bali Pooja | ₹ 400 (₹ 500 on Ekadashi) | Performed on Ashlesha Nakshatra days. Shifts at 7:00 AM & 9:15 AM. |
| Special Darshan | ₹ 500+ | Exclusive close darshan with personalized blessings. |
| Abhishekam | ₹ 1,000+ | Sacred bathing of the deity with milk, honey, etc. |
| General Darshan | FREE | Standard queue for all devotees. |
How to Book Online in 2026
- Portal: Visit the official Sri Kukke Subramanya Temple website (often via the “Shree Kshethra Dharmasthala” portal).
- Navigate: Find the “Online Booking” or “Seva Booking” section.
- Select & Book: Choose your seva (Sarpa Samskara, Abhishekam, etc.), select a date and time slot, fill in details, and pay online.
- Confirmation: Save the e-ticket sent via email/SMS. Carry a digital/printed copy with a photo ID.
Essential Pilgrim Information & Rules
- Strict Dress Code: Traditional wear is mandatory inside the main sanctum.
- Men: Must wear Dhoti/Pancha (shirts/vests are not allowed).
- Women: Must wear Saree or Salwar Kameez with Dupatta.
- Prohibited Items:
- Footwear: Must be removed before entering the complex.
- Mobile Phones: Strictly prohibited inside the temple. Use cloakrooms.
- Holy Bath: Devotees traditionally take a bath in the Kumaradhara River before entering the temple for darshan.
- Annadana (Free Meals): The temple serves excellent satvik meals: Lunch from noon to 2:30 PM and Dinner from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
📍 Distances & How to Reach Kukke Subramanya
| Starting Point | Distance (Approx.) | Travel Time | Key Route & Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mangalore to Kukke | 105 km | 2.5 – 3 hrs | NH73; Frequent KSRTC buses & private taxis. |
| Dharmasthala to Kukke | 75 km | 1.5 – 2 hrs | A scenic drive through the Ghats; buses & taxis available. |
| Bangalore to Kukke | 285 km | 6 – 7 hrs | NH75; Overnight KSRTC A/C sleeper buses are popular. |
| Udupi to Kukke | 85 km | 2 – 2.5 hrs | Connect via NH66 and NH73. |
Nearest Railway Station: Subramanya Road (SBHR) – 6 km from temple. Mangalore Junction (MAQ) is the major hub.
Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport (IXE) – 115 km (~3 hours drive).
🛌 Temple Accommodation & Nearby Pilgrimage
- Accommodation: The temple trust runs clean, affordable dharmashalas. Book online via the temple portal or inquire on arrival. Many private hotels and the KSRTC hotel near the bus stand are also options.
- Combined Pilgrimage (Nearby Temples):
- Dharmasthala Temple (75 km): Dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its unique administration.
- Sringeri Sharada Peetham (115 km): One of the four original mathas established by Adi Shankaracharya.
- Murudeshwar Temple (130 km): Famous for the world’s second-tallest Shiva statue and coastal views.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Kukke Subramanya 2026
This section directly answers the most common searches to help you find information quickly.
📞 Temple Contact & Logistics
- Q: What is the Kukke Subramanya temple contact number?
A: For the most accurate contact details and inquiries regarding sevas, it is best to check the official Sri Kukke Subramanya Temple website or the Shree Kshethra Dharmasthala portal, as phone numbers can change. - Q: Is there accommodation at Kukke Subramanya temple? Where can I find rooms?
A: Yes. The temple trust manages clean dharmashalas (guest houses). Booking can often be initiated online through the official temple seva booking portal. Additionally, numerous private hotels and lodges are available in the town. The KSRTC hotel near the bus stand is also a convenient budget option. - Q: How do I check KSRTC bus schedules to Kukke Subramanya?
A: Visit the official Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) website or use their mobile app. You can find schedules and book tickets online for routes from Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore, and other major cities.
🕒 Darshan & Ritual Timings
- Q: What are the Kukke Subramanya temple darshan timings?
A: The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM and again from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM every day. - Q: What are the timings for the Sarpa Samskara pooja?
A: Sarpa Samskara is conducted during the day, and participants are required to stay for two days. Specific time slots are assigned upon booking. The related Ashlesha Bali Pooja is held at 7:00 AM and 9:15 AM on specific days.
🗺️ Travel & Distances
- Q: What is the distance from Dharmasthala to Kukke Subramanya? How do I travel?
A: The distance is approximately 75 km (1.5 – 2 hours by road). Regular KSRTC buses and shared/private taxis operate on this route, making it easy to combine both pilgrimages. - Q: What is the distance from Bangalore/Mangalore/Mysore/Udupi to Kukke Subramanya?
A:- Bangalore to Kukke Subramanya: ~285 km (6-7 hours)
- Mangalore to Kukke Subramanya: ~105 km (2.5-3 hours)
- Mysore to Kukke Subramanya: ~180 km (4-5 hours)
- Udupi to Kukke Subramanya: ~85 km (2-2.5 hours)
📱 Online Services
- Q: How can I do Kukke Subramanya online booking for darshan or pooja?
A: Special darshan and all poojas (like Sarpa Samskara) can be booked online via the temple’s official website. General darshan does not require a ticket or booking. - Q: Is online booking mandatory for Sarpa Samskara?
A: Yes, it is highly recommended and often necessary to guarantee a slot. Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially during festivals and auspicious months.
⛪ Other Temples & Pilgrimage
- Q: Can you tell me about the Subramanya Swamy temple / Kukke Subramanya Swamy?
A: This refers to the main deity of the Kukke temple, Lord Subramanya (also known as Murugan or Kartikeya), who is worshipped here as the protector from serpent afflictions alongside the serpent king Vasuki. - Q: What are the other major temples nearby, like Sringeri Temple or Murudeshwar Temple?
A: The region is rich with pilgrimage sites. Sringeri Sharada Peetham (115 km) is a historic monastic center, and Murudeshwar Temple (130 km) is famous for its giant Shiva statue. Dharmasthala Temple (75 km) is another major site often visited on the same trip.
