Kukke Subramanya, in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, is one of the most famous temples of Lord Subramanya, the serpent god, and people come from all over India for its snake related poojas.
The ordinary darshan is free. You book the special darshan, the sevas, the famous Sarpa Samskara pooja, and temple rooms on the official Karnataka government temple portal. You book on the government portal, so your money reaches the temple, not a reseller.
Free and special darshan
- The ordinary darshan is free and open to all.
- For a shorter wait you book a paid special darshan on the government portal.
- On weekends, festivals, and the Champa Shashti festival the crowds are very large, so book ahead and reach early.
[The exact darshan and seva types and prices are shown on the official portal. Last checked 14 September 2026.]
The Sarpa Samskara pooja
Kukke Subramanya is the main place in India for the Sarpa Samskara pooja, done to remove the sarpa dosha, the fault linked with harm to snakes. It is a serious, day long ritual, and it must be booked in advance because the daily numbers are limited. You book it on the official government portal, and you follow the rules the temple sets, such as a fast and a set dress. Many people also do the Ashlesha Bali and Nagaprathishta poojas here.
Sevas and rooms you can book officially
On the official portal you can also book:
- Sevas and abhishekams performed in your name.
- Temple accommodation, the guest rooms near the temple.
You pay on the government portal and keep the confirmation, then present it at the temple.
How to book, step by step
Open the official Karnataka government temple portal, itms.kar.nic.in, and pick Kukke Subramanya, then the darshan, the seva, or the Sarpa Samskara pooja. Add your details and pay online, then carry the confirmation. Book the Sarpa Samskara well ahead, because the daily numbers are limited. Reach the temple in good time. Carry the confirmation and your original identity, because staff check them.
Common mistakes to avoid
- The biggest trap is booking a Kukke pooja on a private website that adds a fee. You book only on the official government portal, itms.kar.nic.in. The next is leaving the Sarpa Samskara to the last minute, when the day is already full. Do not ignore the fast and the dress rule for the pooja. Do not come at Champa Shashti without a plan, into a heavy crowd.
Questions people ask
Is Kukke Subramanya darshan free?
Yes, the ordinary darshan is free. A paid special darshan gives a shorter wait, booked on the government portal.
Where do I book the Sarpa Samskara pooja?
On the official Karnataka government temple portal, itms.kar.nic.in. The daily numbers are limited, so book ahead.
What is the official Kukke website?
The Karnataka government temple portal, itms.kar.nic.in. Private pooja sites are not the temple.
Can I book a room?
Yes, temple rooms are booked on the government portal.
When is it busiest?
On weekends, festivals, and above all at Champa Shashti.