Located in Sullia, Dakshina Kannada, the Kukke Subrahmanya temple is the richest one in Karnataka.
| Photo Credit: file photo
The Karnataka government has drafted a comprehensive master plan for the integrated development of Kukke Subrahmanya temple, the State’s highest revenue-generating temple managed by the Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Department. The redevelopment initiative is estimated to cost ₹254 crore and aims to enhance infrastructure and facilities for devotees.
Minister for Muzrai and Transport Ramalinga Reddy recently held a meeting with department officials to discuss the master plan. “The temple and its surroundings require significant development as it is the highest revenue-generating and most visited temple in the State. Hence, we have prepared the master plan. A supervisory committee comprising 15 officials and non-official members, along with three additional members, has been formed to oversee its implementation. The Commissioner of the Muzrai Department will serve as the chairperson of this committee,” Mr. Reddy told The Hindu.
Architectural and infrastructure developments
As part of the redevelopment, the temple’s outer tower will be redesigned to align with the local culture and traditional temple architecture. The construction will commence once all necessary approvals are obtained, according to officials.
“Additionally, a site has been identified within the temple’s tulasi garden for ashlesha bali and puja mandira. The temple administration will prepare cost estimates and blueprints following local traditions. If donors come forward, they will be granted permission to fund the project; otherwise, the temple will undertake the construction,” official added.
Officials have also stated that the existing annadana (free meal) facility will either be expanded or a new and larger annadana hall will be built if necessary. The Ratha Beedi (Chariot Street) will be developed to reflect the temple’s cultural heritage, with improved seating arrangements for devotees.
The Kukke Subrahmanya temple attracts a large number of devotees from Karnataka and other States, with many visiting to perform the sarpa samskara and the ashlesha bali. The temple also sees frequent visits from actors, politicians, and cricketers.
Key facilities
The master plan accessed by The Hindu states the significant enhancements to accommodation facilities. Four blocks, each containing 200 rooms, will be constructed, totaling 800 new rooms to cater to the growing number of devotees. Additionally, modern sanitation and bathing facilities are planned to be developed.
“Given the temple’s year-round influx of devotees, a commercial complex will be constructed along the road leading to the temple. This development aims to accommodate shops and other necessary amenities for pilgrims. Proper parking arrangements will also be made to accommodate personal vehicles, with necessary land acquisition measures being undertaken to expand parking capacity,” stated in the master plan.
“To address the needs of budget-conscious devotees, a 50-room dormitory will be built, providing affordable accommodation options. Furthermore, a modern queuing system will be developed to streamline darshan procedures. The queue complex will be upgraded with modern infrastructure and amenities to facilitate a smoother experience for devotees waiting for their turn,” the master plan states.
“The redevelopment initiative aims to improve the overall experience for devotees while preserving the temple’s rich heritage. With increasing footfall, the proposed infrastructure will ensure a more comfortable and organised pilgrimage experience,” Mr. Reddy said.
Located in Sullia, Dakshina Kannada, the temple is the richest temple in Karnataka. In the 2023-24 fiscal year, it recorded a revenue of ₹146 crore, an 18% increase from the ₹123 crore earned in the previous year. The temple’s revenue primarily comes from hundi donations, including money, silver, and gold, as well as seva fees, rental income from its buildings and accommodation facilities, arecanut plantation earnings, and interest on bank deposits and investments.
Published – February 23, 2025 10:17 pm IST
