Karnataka | Udupi Shree Krishna

Udupi Shree Krishna

Overview

The Udupi Sri Krishna Matha in coastal Karnataka was established by Sri Madhvacharya in the 13th century. Krishna is worshipped here as a child (Bala Krishna), and devotees view him through a silver-plated window with nine holes. Eight monastic orders (Ashta Mathas) manage the temple in rotation, with the Paryaya handover every two years.

History & Mythology

Historical Timeline

The temple is traditionally dated to the 13th century, when the Dvaita philosopher-saint Sri Madhvacharya (born at Pajaka near Udupi) installed the Krishna idol and set up the Ashta Mathas to carry on its worship. Tradition holds that the idol was retrieved from a ship’s cargo of gopichandana (sacred clay,often used in place of bhasma by Vaishnavites). It is also said to be the very idol that Rukmini once worshipped at Dwaraka. Udupi has remained the main centre of Madhva Vaishnavism ever since.

Mythology (Puranic Significance)

According to tradition, the idol came from Dwaraka, where it was worshipped by Rukmini, and was later covered in gopichandana clay. Madhvacharya is said to have recovered it from a ship in distress, and the ship’s captain offered it to him in gratitude. Long later,when Saint-Poet Kanakadasa,a great devotee of Shri Krishna was denied entry into the temple due rigid caste norms,he sang his poems of devotion to Krishna"Bagilanu Thaeredhu" to which the idol of Udupi Shree Krishna is said to have turned to the direction (west) from which the saint was singing.(Originally the idol was placed facing the east).The place till today is celebrated as Kanakana Kindi(Kanaka`s Window),the spot from which Kanaka dasa had sung.

Kings & Dynasties

Udupi was under the Alupas, then the Vijayanagara Empire, the Keladi Nayakas and later Mysore rulers. Local rulers and Vijayanagara patrons supported the temple, and the Ashta Mathas have kept it running independently of any ruling house.

Associated Saints

Sri Madhvacharya: Founder of the Dvaita school, who installed the idol and created the Ashta Mathas. Sri Vadiraja Tirtha: Saint of Sode Mutt who reorganised temple administration and is credited with formalising the Paryaya system. Kanakadasa: Devotee-poet linked to the Kanakana Kindi window. Purandaradasa: Haridasa composer connected to Udupi’s devotional tradition. Sri Raghavendra Swamy: Saint of the Madhva lineage.

Architectural Marvels

The temple is in the Kerala-influenced coastal Karnataka style, with sloped tiled roofs, wooden carvings and a spacious courtyard. The sanctum holds the Bala Krishna idol, viewed through the Navagraha Kitiki, a silver-plated window with nine holes. Features include the Madhva Sarovara tank, the Kanaka Mantapa, the Kanakana Kindi(The very palce from where Saint-Poet Kanakadasa had the divine Darshan of Udupi Shri Krishna who had title from east to west diresction in Sanctum Santorum of the Matha), a golden chariot (Suvarna Ratha) (First Navarathna Ratha of Bharath and the nearby ancient Chandramouleshwara and Anantheshwara temples. Unique Point: At Udupi Shree Krishna Temple,the darshan is taken from a window with 9 holes.

Cultural Tapestry

Festivals

1.Paryaya Mahotsava: January of even years. 2.Krishna Janmashtami and Vittal Pindi: August or September, with the Vittal Pindi folk festival the day after. 3.Makara Sankranti: Mid-January. 4.Madhva Navami: Marks the disappearance of Saint Madhvacharya. 5.Ratha Utsava and Laksha Deepotsava: Chariot festival and festival of lamps.

Culture & Traditions

Worship follows the Madhva Vaishnava tradition, with several pujas daily. The priests are Shivalli Brahmins. Dasa sahitya, Yakshagana performances and bhajans are part of temple culture. Annadana (free meals) is central to its identity, and the Paryaya ritual honours that duty.

Handlooms & Textiles

Local Textiles

Udupi’s handloom weaving tradition (the Shivalli and Kaipady weaves) produces cotton sarees and other cloth. Weavers’ cooperative societies sell them locally, though the industry has shrunk in recent years.

Visitor Information

  • Best Time to Visit

    October to February has pleasant weather. January is ideal for the Paryaya in even years, and August or September for Janmashtami. The monsoon (June to September) brings heavy rain.

  • Temple Timings

    The temple is open from early morning (around 5:30 AM) to evening (around 9:00 PM), with breaks between pujas. Timings can vary on festival days, so please confirm with the temple office.

How to Reach

Land Commute

Udupi lies on NH-66, about 60 km from Mangaluru and a short drive from Manipal and Kundapura. From the railway station or bus stand, autos and taxis reach Car Street in 10-15 minutes. Vehicles are usually restricted on the narrow streets around the temple, so use the parking areas near Car Street and walk the last stretch.

Explore Nearby

Food Exploration

Udupi is the home of Udupi cuisine, famous worldwide. Look for masala dosa, idli-vada, Udupi sambar, Mangalore buns, kori rotti and local Konkan-style seafood. The Krishna Matha serves free meals with the authentic traditional sambar/rasam daily in its dining halls.

Public Choultries and Bhijanshala (5km radius)

The Sri Krishna Matha runs the Annabrahma dining hall with free meals, and the Ashta Mathas and temple trusts run guest houses and choultries around Car Street.

Other Temples (100km radius)

1.Chandramouleshwara and Anantheshwara Temples (adjacent) 2.Kollur Mookambika Temple (about 80 km) 3.Kaup Mariyamma and Lighthouse area (about 15 km) 4.Kateel Durgaparameshwari Temple (about 50 km) 5.Udupi’s Ashta Mathas, in and around Car Street