India GO
Champa Shashti at Kukke Subramanya: the serpent temple's great day
A dawn bath in the river, then a chariot for a god worshipped as a snake
Kukke Shashti, or Champa Shashti, is the main festival of the Kukke Subramanya temple in Dakshina Kannada, where Subramanya is worshipped as a serpent, merged with Vasuki, king of the snakes. The festival lasts about seventeen days around Shashti, the sixth lunar day of the bright half of Margashirsha, and its high point is the morning when the deity rides the great temple chariot, the Brahmaratha. Dates: 5–21 December 2026 (expected); the temple publishes the programme about two weeks ahead.
The temple publishes the programme and the list of rituals (sevas) suspended for the festival about two weeks ahead.
The legend
Legend says the serpent Vasuki took refuge here from Garuda, and Subramanya promised to dwell here with him forever.
After defeating the asuras near Kumara Parvatha, Subramanya married Devasena, Indra's daughter, on the bank of the Kumaradhara on Shashti.
So worship of Subramanya here also reaches Vasuki, king of serpents, and Shashti became the great day of the temple year.
Customs
The Brahmaratha
On Panchami night a smaller chariot goes out, and on Shashti morning the deity rides the great temple chariot, the Brahmaratha.
How the festival runs
For most of the two and a half weeks Kukke Shashti is a temple festival with daily rituals, and the crowd builds towards the end. The two nights that matter are Panchami and Shashti. On Panchami night a smaller chariot is taken out around the temple. On Shashti morning the festival image of Subramanya rides the Brahmaratha, the great chariot, pulled by devotees. Many pilgrims begin the day with a bath in the Kumaradhara river before going up to the temple.
This is a day of devotion rather than a show. Karnataka Tourism notes that the temple is busiest on the days of Ashlesha Bali, one of its best-known rituals, and Shashti adds a festival crowd on top. The setting is part of the draw: the temple stands by the Kumaradhara, near the foot of Kumara Parvatha.
Why Subramanya is worshipped as a snake
The temple's legends tie the place to two stories. In one, the serpent Vasuki, hunted by Garuda, the eagle who carries Vishnu, took refuge here, and Subramanya promised to stay with him. That is why worship of Subramanya at Kukke also reaches the serpent king, and why people come here for rituals against naga dosha, the afflictions linked with the serpent deities. In the other, Subramanya (Kumaraswamy) defeated the demons Taraka and Shurapadma at Kumara Parvatha and then married Devasena, Indra's daughter, on the bank of the Kumaradhara on Shashti. The festival marks that day.
The temple is run by the Karnataka endowment department; its priests are Shivalli Madhva Brahmins, and the rituals follow Madhvacharya's Tantra Sara Sangraha.
Sevas, dress and stay
What to sort out before you go.
- Check which sevas are suspended — The temple publishes the list of rituals (sevas) suspended for the festival about two weeks ahead. If you are coming for a particular seva, such as Ashlesha Bali or Sarpa Dosha Parihara, check this list first.
- Book sevas online — Karnataka Tourism advises booking the rituals online in advance.
- Dress modestly — Modest, respectful clothing inside the temple premises.
- Where to stay — Budget hotels around the temple, temple-run dharmashalas (pilgrim lodges) and local homestays.
How to reach Kukke Subramanya
The temple is in the village of Subramanya, Kadaba taluk, Dakshina Kannada, on the bank of the Kumaradhara.
- Train: Subramanya Road is the nearest station, about 12 km from the temple.
- Air: Mangaluru airport is about 105 km away.
- Road: Bengaluru is about 280 km away; bus services from Mangaluru and Bengaluru are limited.
Dharmasthala is about 55 km away, and its festival of lamps falls in the same season: Laksha Deepotsava, 4–8 December 2026 (expected).
FAQ
When is Kukke Shashti?
Next: 5–21 December 2026 (expected). The festival runs about seventeen days around Champa Shashti, the sixth lunar day of the bright half of Margashirsha; the chariot is pulled on Shashti morning.
Why is Subramanya worshipped in snake form at Kukke?
By the temple legend, the serpent Vasuki took refuge here from Garuda and Subramanya promised to stay with him, so the deity here is worshipped as a snake, merged with Vasuki.
Which railway station is closest to Kukke Subramanya Temple?
Subramanya Road, about 12 km from the temple. The nearest airport is Mangaluru, about 105 km away.
What happens on Champa Shashti?
On Panchami night a smaller chariot is taken out, and on Shashti morning the deity rides the great temple chariot, the Brahmaratha. Many pilgrims bathe in the Kumaradhara first.
Can I book Ashlesha Bali or Sarpa Dosha puja during the festival?
Some sevas are suspended for the festival. The temple publishes the list about two weeks ahead; check it before booking online.
Sources (4)
Facts checked: 22 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.