Kukke

Kukke, also known as Kukke Subramanya, is a town in Subrahmanya taluk of Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka, India. It lies in the Western Ghats and is best known as the site of the Kukke Subramanya Temple, a major pilgrimage center devoted to Subrahmanya (Kartikeya).

The temple is renowned for its tradition of Nagaradhane, serpent worship, and attracts devotees seeking protection from snake bites and relief from nagadosha. The temple complex contains sanctums for Subrahmanya and other deities, a sacred spring called Kumara Dhara, and a holy tank. Pilgrims perform purification rites and offer prayers and naivedya as part of their visit. The annual religious calendar features celebrations associated with Skanda Shashti and other festivals, drawing visitors from Karnataka and neighboring states.

According to local legend, Subrahmanya manifested here to protect the region from evil forces, and the temple grew up around this belief. The worship of snakes remains a distinctive aspect of Kukke’s religious life, with many families undertaking naga rituals and vows each year.

Kukke is accessible by road from Mangalore and other towns in the district. The nearest rail link is at Subrahmanya Road, and the closest airport is in Mangalore. The town’s economy historically revolves around pilgrimage-related services, such as lodging, guiding, and the sale of religious items, alongside agriculture in the surrounding region.