Traveling between Subrahmanya and Dharmasthala in Karnataka offers several notable attractions.
While the direct route between Subrahmanya and Dharmasthala is approximately 55 kilometers and primarily rural, the journey offers scenic views of the Western Ghats and the lush greenery of Karnataka's countryside. Travelers can enjoy the natural beauty and serene landscapes along the way. Kokkada is a small town located between Subrahmanya and Dharmasthala in Karnataka. It is known for its natural beauty and religious significance.
The Sree Vaidyanatheshwara Temple is a revered Hindu temple located in Kokkada, a town in Belthangady Taluk of Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka. Often referred to as the "Doctor's Temple," it is renowned for its believed healing powers, attracting devotees seeking cures for various ailments, including skin diseases and conditions like Chikungunya.
Historical Significance: The temple is believed to be over 2,600 years old. It houses three main idols: Sree Vishnumurthy, Sree Vaidyanatheshwara, and the Bali Murthy of Sree Vaidyanatheshwara. It is also believed that Sree Madhwacharya consecrated the idol of Sree Vishnumurthy and wrote the book "Krishnamruthamaharnava" here.
Unique Practices: Devotees often offer tender coconuts, known locally as "Seeyala Abhisheka," as a votive offering, especially when seeking relief from ailments. The temple's water body is believed to possess special healing properties, and many claim to have experienced miraculous recoveries after visiting.
Festivals and Events: The temple hosts an annual Car Festival, which is a significant event for devotees.
Location and Contact: The temple is situated in Kokkada, Karnataka 574198.
Visitors are encouraged to check the temple's current timings and any specific guidelines before planning their visit.
The Southadka Shri Mahaganapathi Temple is a unique and revered Hindu shrine located near Kokkada in Belthangady Taluk, Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka. Unlike traditional temples, the idol of Lord Ganesha here is enshrined in an open field, without a conventional sanctum sanctorum or temple structure, allowing devotees to offer prayers under the open sky.
Historical Significance: According to local legends, over 800 years ago, a temple managed by a royal family was destroyed by enemies. To protect the idol of Lord Ganesha, local cowherds relocated it to a field abundant with cucumbers. In the Tulu language, "Southe" means cucumber and "Adka" means field, leading to the name "Southadka." The deity expressed a desire to remain in the open, accessible to all devotees at any time, a tradition that continues to this day.
Temple Features:
Festivals and Sevas: The temple celebrates various rituals and services, with the annual festival occurring during "Maagha Shuddha Chouthi." Devotees can participate in numerous sevas (services), including:
For certain sevas, especially those requiring elaborate preparations, it's advisable to inform the temple authorities in advance.
Visiting Information:
Visitors are encouraged to check the temple's official communications for any updates on timings or special events before planning their visit.
Shishila is a remote village about 7 kilometres away from Kokkada and it comes under the jurisdiction of Beltangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada District. It has a significant place for its sheer natural beauty coupled with healing powers of God Shishileshwara. The Shishileshwara temple is situated on the banks of Kapila River in Shishila village.
History
The history of Shishileshwara temple dates back to 700 years. This place is also referred as Matsya Theertha. The Mahashir (in Tulu ‘Peruvelu’) fish is found in huge numbers in the Kapila river.
The fish in the Kapila River at Shishila are believed to be sacred and Naivedyam is offered to them after offering daily pujas. It is also believed that one can get rid of all types of skin disease after worshipping at Shishileshwara temple and feeding the fish in Kapila River.
There are two rocks in the river. While one is ‘Huli Kallu’ (rock named after tiger), the other is called as ‘Dana Kallu’ (rock named after cow). According to mythology, a tiger and a cow reached the river when tiger chased the cow. But God did not want violence. Hence, he converted tiger and cow into rocks. The rocks do wear the looks of cow and tiger. These rocks are also worshipped during the annual festival.
According to the temple sources, pilgrims throng in big numbers from January and May. Many devotees come here with offerings for fulfilling their wishes. They also enjoy watching fish in the river and feed them with rice, beaten rice and puffed rice. While watching these fishes and natural beauty here, one can forget all the miseries of life. Shishila indeed has that power. The freedom, love and care experienced by fish here perhaps is something which is very unique to this place only.
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Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Dharmasthala, Karnataka, India. It is dedicated to Lord Manjunatha (Shiva) and is a significant pilgrimage site known for its unique blend of Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Jain traditions.
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Kukke Shree Subrahmanya Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Subrahmanya, Karnataka, dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya (Kartikeya), the deity of serpents (Nāga Devata). It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in South India, especially for those seeking relief from Sarpa Dosha (afflictions related to serpents in astrology).
Presiding Deity: Lord Subrahmanya (Murugan/Kartikeya), worshipped in the form of a serpent deity (Nāga Devata).
Location: Nestled in the Western Ghats, on the banks of the Kumaradhara River.
Sacred Significance: The temple is believed to be the place where Lord Subrahmanya gave protection to Vasuki (the serpent king) from Garuda (the eagle deity).
Religious Rituals: Special pujas and homas are performed for Sarpa Dosha Nivarana, Naga Dosha, and Rahu-Ketu Dosha.
Annadana (Free Meals): The temple provides free meals to thousands of devotees daily.
Spiritual Atmosphere: The temple is surrounded by lush greenery and misty mountains, adding to its divine aura.
Sarpa Samskara Pooja – A powerful ritual to remove the effects of Sarpa Dosha (ancestral serpent-related afflictions).
Ashlesha Bali Pooja – Conducted on Ashlesha Nakshatra days to appease the snake gods.
Naga Pratishta – Installation of snake idols to remove serpent-related curses.
Kumara Swamy Seva – Devotees perform this seva to seek the blessings of Lord Subrahmanya for protection and prosperity.
Didupe is a beautiful waterfalls situated in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. It is located near to Emrai waterfalls which is also known for the beautiful surroundings. The trail to Didupe waterfall is full of lush greenery. The cold waters fall from magnificent heights which makes swimming in the pond quite a task. Didupe falls also called as Anadka falls is located nearly 3 km away from Didupe village. It is a cozy and unexposed place, which has not yet grabbed the attention of the tourists. Didupe town is 40 mins ride from Ujire town near Dharmastala. No frequent bus services, so it is always better to hire a jeep from Ujire. If you are heading to this destination in your own vehicle, be careful as roads are not in great condition. You have to take a left turn before Mundaje village in the Kajake route for 15 Km. The right season to visit the falls is between November-March as the water quantity is reduced during the month of April.
Gadaikallu, also known as Narasimha Gada or Jamalabad Fort, is a 1,800-foot-tall rock hill near Belthangady in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. The term “Gada” refers to border in this context, and the location is rich in cultural and historical value. It is also home to Jamalabad Fort, built by Tipu Sultan in the 18th century. Surrounded by the picturesque Western Ghats (Kuduremukh Range), Gadaikallu draws both hikers and history buffs, offering stunning views and an insight into the region’s rich heritage.
