Shri Subrahmanya Temple is located in Bellippadi village, near Puttur town in Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka. The temple is dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya, Murugan or Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Lord Subrahmanya is worshipped here primarily in connection with serpent (naga) worship, as he is considered the protector from naga dosha (serpent curses) and other negative energies.
Shri Subrahmanya Temple, Bellippadi, is believed to be over 300 years old. It has been a spiritual and cultural hub for the surrounding villages for generations. The temple has been maintained by the Bellippady family, along with local devotees who play an active role in temple rituals and events.
The temple features traditional South Indian architecture, with a simple yet elegant design. The sanctum (garbhagriha) houses the main deity, Lord Subrahmanya, often depicted with a vel (spear) and standing on a peacock, his mount. The temple is constructed using stone and wood, with a tiled roof, and adorned with sculptures and carvings that reflect the style of coastal Karnataka temples. The premises also include a deepasthambha (lamp pillar) and a small courtyard used for rituals and gatherings.
Long ago, the land around Bellippadi village in Dakshina Kannada was covered with dense forests and inhabited by sages, serpents, and divine beings. The area was peaceful, but at times, it was troubled by the presence of dark energies and snake-related fears among the people.
During this period, the divine energy of Lord Subrahmanya (also known as Murugan or Kartikeya) is believed to have manifested in this place. Lord Subrahmanya is the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati and the commander of the celestial army. His role in Hindu mythology is to destroy evil and restore righteousness (dharma).
The legend says that Lord Subrahmanya defeated a powerful demon named Surapadma, who was troubling the worlds. After the battle, Surapadma was transformed into a peacock (which became Murugan’s vehicle) and a rooster (which became his flag symbol). After this victory, Lord Subrahmanya took a peaceful form and began protecting devotees from fear, diseases, and negative energies.
In Bellippadi, it is believed that a group of devotees or sages experienced divine visions of Lord Subrahmanya appearing with a powerful aura, blessing the land. People began to feel relief from naga doshas (serpent curses), infertility, and family troubles after praying in that area. Recognizing the sacredness of this land, the
locals built a temple in honor of Lord Subrahmanya, which has grown over time into the shrine we see today.
The temple also has strong connections to naga (serpent) worship. According to local belief, serpent deities found refuge at this spot when being pursued by Garuda, the eagle mount of Lord Vishnu. Lord Subrahmanya promised to protect them and took on the role of the serpent lord here. Hence, people suffering from serpent afflictions in their horoscopes, or those facing issues in marriage and childbirth, visit this temple to seek relief.
The temple celebrates many important festivals dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya. Among them, the most notable is Subrahmanya Shashti, which usually falls in November or December. It marks the victory of Lord Subrahmanya over the demon and is celebrated with special poojas, abhishekam (ritual bathing), homas (fire rituals), and cultural events. Other important days include Thaipusam and Nagapanchami, when special offerings are made to appease the serpent gods.
