Heritage · Faith · Tradition
About the Temple
Introduction
Udupi Sri Krishna Matha in Udupi, Karnataka, is one of the most celebrated Krishna temples in India and the spiritual centre of the Dvaita (Madhva) tradition. It was founded in the 13th century by the great philosopher-saint Sri Madhvacharya. More than a temple, it is a matha – a living monastic institution – where worship, learning, music and the daily feeding of thousands of devotees go on together. Udupi is also the home of the famous Udupi style of vegetarian cooking.
Main Deity – Bala Krishna
The presiding deity is Sri Krishna as a child (Bala Krishna), holding a churning rod in one hand and a rope in the other – the young Krishna of Gokula. According to tradition, the idol was found by Sri Madhvacharya inside a block of sacred gopichandana clay carried by a ship that he saved from a storm off the coast near Malpe. He brought the idol to Udupi and installed it, composing hymns in the Lord's praise.
The Kanakana Kindi
Devotees have darshan of Sri Krishna through a small window with nine openings, called the Kanakana Kindi (Kanaka's window). It recalls the devotion of the saint-poet Kanaka Dasa, who, according to tradition, was not allowed into the temple and stood outside, singing to the Lord with all his heart. Moved by his devotion, the Lord is said to have turned to face him, and the wall cracked open so that Kanaka Dasa could see Him. To this day, the Lord faces west, and devotees take darshan through this sacred window – a lasting reminder that true devotion matters more than anything else.
The Ashta Mathas and the Paryaya System
Sri Madhvacharya entrusted the worship of Sri Krishna to his disciples, who founded the eight mathas (Ashta Mathas) of Udupi: Pejavara, Puttige, Palimaru, Adamaru, Sodhe, Kaniyooru, Shiroor and Krishnapura.
Under the Paryaya system, these eight mathas take turns to conduct the worship and administration of the Sri Krishna Matha. Each matha's swamiji holds the Paryaya for a period of two years, and then hands over to the next matha in a fixed order. The handover takes place around mid-January in a grand celebration, the Paryaya Mahotsava, which draws lakhs of devotees. The present two-year cycle has been followed since the time of the saint Sri Vadiraja Tirtha.
Annadanam
The Krishna Matha is famous for its annadanam: thousands of devotees are served a free, traditional meal every day as prasadam, a tradition the mathas consider an essential part of the Lord's service.
Festivals
- Sri Krishna Janmashtami (August–September): celebrated as Sri Krishna Leelotsava, with the famous Vittal Pindi festivities, colourful processions and folk performances.
- Paryaya Mahotsava (around mid-January, every two years): the handover of the Paryaya to the next matha.
- Makara Sankranti (January): grand chariot festivals on the car street around the Matha.
- Madhva Navami: honouring Sri Madhvacharya.
The Car Street
The Krishna Matha stands on the Car Street (Ratha Beedi), together with the ancient Sri Ananteshwara and Sri Chandramouleshwara temples and the eight mathas. The temple chariots are drawn around this street during festivals.
Temple Timings
- The Matha is open from early morning until night, with a sequence of daily poojas.
- Timings change on festival days and during the Paryaya Mahotsava. Please check locally before your visit.
How to Reach
By Train: Udupi railway station, on the Konkan Railway, is a short distance from the Matha.
By Road: Udupi is about 60 km from Mangaluru and is on the coastal highway. KSRTC and private buses connect it with Mangaluru, Bengaluru, Kundapura and other towns.
By Air: the nearest airport is Mangaluru International Airport (IXE), about 60 km away.
Visitor Information
- Dress code: traditional, modest dress is recommended; men may be asked to remove their shirts for certain sevas.
- Annadanam: plan your visit around meal time to receive the prasadam meal.
- Best time to visit: October to February; Janmashtami and the Paryaya Mahotsava for the festive experience.
- Nearby places: Malpe beach and St. Mary's Island, the Kukke Shri Subrahmanya Temple, the Sri Sharadamba Temple, Sringeri, the Shri Murudeshwara Shiva Temple, and – another great Krishna shrine – the Sri Guruvayurappan Temple, Guruvayur.
