History / Mythological Background / Mythic Background

Sri Kshetra is on the river bank of Kumaradhara. Born to annihilate the demonic forces. Kumaraswamy Killed Tarakasura and other Asuras in the battle to Kumaraparvatha with his from this sibling Ganapathi. Devendra had decided to give away his daughter Devasena to him on “Margashira Shudda Shasti”. Accordingly the marriage took place on the banks of Kumaradhara Thirtha. Bestowing his grace on “Sarpa Raja” Vasuki, who was doing Thapasya at that time. Kumaraswamy assured to dwell along with Devasena in him. Since then, it is behind that Lord Shanmukha (Skanda) in his spiritual presence is residing with Vasuki in the shrine.

Kukke Subrahmanya, one among the seven holy places created by Parashurama is mythologically and historically famous for “Nagaradhane”. Residing with Vasuki, God Subrahmanya showers his divine grace on devotees as the presiding deity of the Kshetra. It is also called “Guptha Kshetra”. “Mruthika Prasada” given here is regarded as sacrosanct. The devotees believe that the holy bath in the Kumaradhara Thirtha and Madesnana eradicate dreaded diseases like leprosy. Diseases related to skin, the devotees firmly believe, get cured here. God Subrahmanya has earned an honorific title “Annadana Subbappa”. Thousands of devotees receive Annadana everyday here. The devotees find solace here after performing “Sarpasamskara”, Naga Prathiste”, “Ashlesha Bali” for sarpa dosha, which causes barrenness / infertility, skin disease, blindness, bhoomidosha etc. God Subrahmanya is the destroyer of the sorrows f innumerable Janmas receives the Sevas of devotees done with devotion and dedication and fulfills their wishes and hence in Kaliyugh hi is behind as “Prathyaksha God” Devaru.

Five Thousand year old Temple: In the past Subrahmanya Kshethra, the edicts and Grantha inform, was known as Kukke Pattana. Shankara Vijaya authored by Ananda speaks about Sri Adi Shankaracharya visiting Subrahmanya during his philosophical conquest and his sojourn here. Reference to his sketra could be inferred from “Bhaje Kukkelinga” which forms a part of “Subrahmanya Bhujanga Prayatha Sthotra” composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya. According to Sthala Purana many Devarushis installed Shivalingas in this Kshetra. Reference to such Shivalingas should be understood as as Kukkelinga.

Sanathkumara Samhite in Sri Skanda Purana (a portion of it is called Sahyadri Khanda which dscribes pilgrimage places) informs that Subrahmanya Kshetra is on bank of Dhara. Sri Shanmukha Swamy after vanquishing Tarakasura and other Asuras washed his weapons of destruction in this thirtha and hence the name Kumaradhara is derived from this episode.

People affected by / suffering from Sarpadosha, whose diseases were not cured by medication, undertake sevas and these they are able to fulfill their wishes. During Subrahmanya Shasti the devotees participate in Beedhi Madesthana, the remover of their physical and mental problems. Not only that, the performing of Madesthana on Uchista of mass feeding and Uruluseva in the quadrangle are well known vows undertaken in this temple. “We bathed in Kumaradhara, Saw Kukkelinga, fed ourselves the food prepared in cauldron” (Kopparige) is a popular folk saying. Soil taken from anthill (Moola Mruthike) is the main Prasada here.