Kukke Subramanya - 386 Kms from Bangalore/ 151 Kms from Karwar

Kukke Subramanya is one of the beautiful and religiously auspicious place, located amidst hills of western ghats. Lord Subramanya is the deity worshiped in the form of a Cobra in the temple of Kukke Subramanya.

Kukke Subramanya is on the bank of river Dhara. According to Hindu Mythology Lord Kumaraswamy came to this place after killing the demon rulers Taraka, Shoorapadmasura and others in a war; and Lord washed his Shakti Ayudha (a battle-axe in the shape of a bayonet) in this river. From this onwards the river is famous as Kumaradhara. After his battle with the demons Lord Kumaraswamy came to the top of Kumara Parvatha along with his brothers Lord Ganesha, Veerabahu and other aides. He was received by Lord Indra along with other Gods; pleased by the success of the war Indra prayed the Lord to be kind enough to marry his daughter Devasena. This was agreed upon courteously and the marriage took place on the banks of Kumaradhara on 'Margashira Shudda Shashti'. Lord Kumaraswamy also gave darshan to Vasuki the head of nagas, who was making a penance here.

Vasuki prayed to the Lord to stay along with him permanently at this place and the Lord granted him this boon. From that time it is believed that the Lord has made his spiritual presence in this shrine along with his wife Devasena and Vasuki. Every year a famous car festival is being held here on 'Margashira Shuddha Shashti' with special poojas to the Lord.