Mythological Background of
Kukke Subramanya Temple
Pilgrims
going to the temple have to cross the Kumaradhara River and take a holy dip in
the river before entering the temple for their darshan holy viewing of the Lord.
The
devotees enter the courtyard from the doorway at the back, and circumambulate
the deity. Between the sanctorum and the portico entrance, there is the Garuda pillar covered with silver.
Devotees circumambulate this pillar. It is believed that this pillar was
enchanted and planted there to shield devotees from the poisonous flames
arising from the breath of Vasuki, who resides inside. Beyond the pillar is the
outer hall, the inner hall, and then the sanctorum of Sri Subrahmanya. At the
centre of sanctorum is a pedestal. On the upper dais stands the deity of Sri Subrahmanya and the deity of Vasuki
and, at a somewhat lower level, the deity of Shesha. Ritual worship is offered to these
deities every day.The temple is slowly increasing in popularity, owing to its
religious significance and importance.
According
to one Mythology, after killing the demon rulers Tharaka, Shurapadmasura and
their followers in a war, Lord Shanmukha reached Kumara Parvatha with his
brother Ganesha and others. He was received by Indra and his followers. Indra
being very happy prayed Lord Kumara Swamy to accept and marry his daughter Devasena
for which the Lord readily agreed. The divine marriage took place on Margashira
shudha shashti at Kumara Parvatha. Gods like Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra and many
other deities assembled for the marriage and coronation ceremony of Shanmukha
for which waters of several holy rivers were brought. With these waters of
Mahabhisheka fell down to form a river which was later known by the popular
name Kumaradhara. The great Shiva Bhakta and Serpent king Vasuki was performing
tapas for years in the Biladwara caves of Kukke Subrahmanya to avoid the attack
of Garuda. Following Lord Shiva`s assurance Shanmuka gave darshan to Vasuki and
blessed him that he would stay with his parama bhakta in this place forever.
Hence the poojas offered to Vasuki or Nagaraja are
nothing but the poojas to Lord Subrahmanya.
Sarpa Samskara / Sarpa Dosha
See
Sarpa Samskara / Sarpa Dosha is one of the poojas performed by devotees at this
temple to get rid of the Sarpa Dosha (according to belief, a person, either in
this birth or in any of his previous births, could be afflicted by the Sarpa
(serpent) Dosha (curse) either knowingly or unknowingly, through many ways).
Persons who are afflicted with this dosha are advised by astrologers/horoscope writers
to perform this pooja for their own wellbeing. Pooja can be done either by the
afflicted person himself if he is male and married, or through a priest. This
is because the pooja involves rituals similar to those done while performing
shraadha (tithi) (funeral rites). Sarpa Samskara seva devotees are required to
be present for two days. The seva is performed during the daytime, with no
particular poojas in the evening. Food arrangements will be made for these
devotees by the devasthana, for up to four persons per seva.
Due to
the widespread belief in the snake god in Tulunad region of Karnataka and
Kerala, this pooja is performed by people of all faiths. Made Snana is the
important and most favourite Seva to Lord Subramanya. Beedi Madesnana is also
an important and most favourite Seva to Lord Subramanya.
Sarpasamskara pooja is done very ritual and doing this pooja here
in Kukke Shree Subramanya temple is very powerful.
Ashlesha
Bali Puja or Ashlesha Bali pooja is one of the important
Kaalasarpa dosha pujas performed at Kukke Subramanya temple. Lord Subramanya is
known as the protector from Kaalasarpa dosha and Kuja dosha. Kukke Sri Kshetra
temple is the most popular for Sarpadosha puja. Aslesha Bali puja is performed
on Aslesha nakshatra in each month.
Aslesha
Bali puja in Kukke Subramaya temple will be performed in two shifts – 7:00
am and 9.15 am. Those who want to perform this puja need to report for sankalpa
with Purohita inside the temple either at 7:00 am or 9.15 am. After the
completion of Homa Poornahuthi Puja, devotees will get prasada. Devotees
believe Shravana masa, Karthika masa, and Margashira masa are the most auspicious
months to perform Aslesha bali puja at Kukke temple.
The Holiness of
Kumaradhara River
The pristine pure water of Kumaradhara is one of the main attractions to
the pilgrims visiting the temple. Mythology and history say that Subramanya
washed his weapons after conquering the demons. Also, Kumaradhara is said to
have taken its origins fromt eh holy waters brought by gods from heavens to
anoint Subramanya after the wars with demons.
Parasurama
bathed here to get rid of the sins of vanquishing the princely clans. Sambha,
the son of Krishna got rid of leprosy after having a dip in this water.
Devotees believe that Kumaradhara water is endowed with miraculous powers and
medicinal properties and therefore take a great interest in bathing in this
river.
I
have been twice to Kukke Subramanya temple and in July I had done Sarpa
Samskara, Ashlesh Bali and Maha Panchamrutha Abhishekam.
I
can give you full details more..if you need any help...
