Sooda Sri Subramanya Temple is located in Sooda village near Karkala, Udupi district, Karnataka. The main deity of this temple is Lord Subramanya (Kartikeya), the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Along with him, the temple also worships Vasuki Maha Nagaraja, the divine serpent. Lord Subramanya here is believed to protect devotees from serpent-related issues and bestows blessings of health, wealth, and happiness.
Sooda Subramanya Temple is an ancient shrine that was built several centuries ago. It was consecrated by Sage Bhargava, which is why it is called a Bhargava-pratishthitha kshetra. Over many generations, the temple has been a center for serpent worship and devotion to Lord Subramanya. It still serves as a place of spiritual refuge for people seeking healing and blessings.
The temple follows the traditional Tulunadu style of temple architecture. It has a simple yet divine design with a sanctum (garbhagriha), prayer hall, and beautifully carved wooden structures. The temple premises are neat, surrounded by nature, which enhances the peaceful atmosphere. The nagasthana (serpent shrine) is a special feature where rituals connected to serpent worship are performed.
Long ago, after the great war between the gods and demons, Lord Subramanya (Kartikeya), the son of Lord Shiva, became the commander of the celestial army. With his divine spear (Vel), he defeated the mighty demon Tarakasura, who had been troubling the world and the gods.
After this victory, Lord Subramanya blessed the gods and returned to live in harmony with the divine serpents (Nagas). Among them, Vasuki, the king of serpents, was a great devotee of Lord Subramanya. He prayed with deep devotion and asked the Lord to stay with him forever. Subramanya, pleased with Vasuki’s devotion, promised that wherever serpent worship (Naga Aradhana) is performed with sincerity, he would also reside there.
According to local belief, in Sooda village, sage Bhargava established this kshetra (sacred place) by consecrating Lord Subramanya along with Vasuki Maha Nagaraja. Since then, this temple has become a holy place where both Lord Subramanya and Vasuki are worshipped together.
The Sthalapurana also mentions that anyone suffering from Naga Dosha (a serpent curse resulting from past karma or neglected serpent worship) will find relief here. People facing delays in marriage, childlessness, health issues, or family problems are advised to perform special pujas at this temple. Rituals like Ashlesha Bali, Nagatambila, and Sarpa Samskara directly connect to this legend, as they honor Vasuki and invoke Lord Subramanya’s blessings.
Devotees believe that when worship is offered with pure devotion at Sooda, Lord Subramanya himself listens to their prayers and removes obstacles. At the same time, Vasuki Maha Nagaraja protects the family from serpent curses and ensures peace, prosperity, and fertility.
The main festival of Sooda Sri Subramanya Temple is Subramanya Shashti in November–December, celebrated with special pujas and large gatherings. Nagapanchami is also important, with rituals offered to Vasuki and other serpents. Along with these, the temple observes Skanda Shashti and annual Rathotsava, making these occasions vibrant and spiritually uplifting for devotees.
