...

Udupi Sri Krishna Matha

Udupi, Karnataka, India
Udupi Sri Krishna Matha is a world-renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, established in the 13th century by the great saint Jagadguru Shri Madhvacharya. This temple is the center of the Dvaita school of Vedanta and is the most important pilgrimage site in Udupi. The temple is unique beca use the deity is worshipped through a silver-plated window with nine holes, known as the Kanakana Kindi. According to legend, the great devotee Kanaka Dasa was denied entry, so the Lord turned his back and created a hole in the wall to give him darshan. The temple complex is surrounded by eight monasteries, or Ashta Mathas, which manage the temple's administration in rotation every two years, a system known as Paryaya. The idol of Lord Krishna is believed to have been recovered from a ship by Madhvacharya at Malpe. The temple is famous for its daily rituals, which have been followed strictly for centuries without interruption. Thousands of devotees are fed free meals daily through the "Anna Brahma" program, reflecting the temple's hospitality. The architecture is traditional Tuluva style, with intricate wood carvings and a golden chariot used during festivals. The atmosphere inside is deeply spiritual, filled with the chanting of hymns and the smell of incense. The temple is not just a religious site but also a center for Sanskrit learning and classical arts. The Car Street surrounding the temple is always bustling with activity and religious processions. It is often referred to as the "Mathura of the South." Visitors must follow a strict dress code to enter the inner sanctum. The temple’s history is intertwined with the cultural fabric of Karnataka. It stands as a symbol of devotion and the timeless philosophy of Madhvacharya. :

General information

  • ...

    Ideal Duration:

    2 to 3 Hours
  • ...

    Place Type:

    Pilgrimage / Heritage
  • ...

    Entry Fees:

    Temple Entry: Entry for Darshan is free of charge.

    Special Seva: Various rituals have fixed prices ranging from INR 50 to INR 5000.

    Meal: The Maha Prasada lunch is free for all devotees.

    Read More
    Temple Entry: Entry for Darshan is free of charge.

    Special Seva: Various rituals have fixed prices ranging from INR 50 to INR 5000.

    Meal: The Maha Prasada lunch is free for all devotees.

    :
  • ...

    Timing:

    Regular Timings: 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

    Ideal Visit Time: 5:00 AM for the Nirmalya Viswarupa Darshan or 7:00 PM for the chariot procession.

    Lunch Time: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM for the free meal.

    Read More
    Regular Timings: 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

    Ideal Visit Time: 5:00 AM for the Nirmalya Viswarupa Darshan or 7:00 PM for the chariot procession.

    Lunch Time: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM for the free meal.

    :
  • ...

    Special Events:

    Paryaya Festival: The biggest event occurring every two years in January, marking the change of the presiding matha.

    Vittal Pindi: A grand celebration of Krishna Janmashtami with processions and breaking of earthen pots.

    Read More
    Paryaya Festival: The biggest event occurring every two years in January, marking the change of the presiding matha.

    Vittal Pindi: A grand celebration of Krishna Janmashtami with processions and breaking of earthen pots.

    :
  • ...

    Best Photo Spots:

    The Kanakana Kindi: Photograph the iconic window from the outside of the temple.

    Madhwa Sarovara: The reflection of the temple gopuram in the holy tank.

    The Chariots: The massive wooden chariots parked in th...
    The Kanakana Kindi: Photograph the iconic window from the outside of the temple.

    Madhwa Sarovara: The reflection of the temple gopuram in the holy tank.

    The Chariots: The massive wooden chariots parked in the Car Street are very photogenic.

    :

Photo Gallery

...
Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

  • ...
    Lord Krishna Darshan: View the deity through the sacred nine-holed window.

    Temple Dining: Partake in the traditional free lunch (Maha Prasada).

    Chariot Watching: Witness the evening chariot procession in the Car Street.

    Temple Exploration: Visit the surrounding eight mathas and the Anantheshwara temple.

    Shopping: Buy local handicrafts and spices from the temple bazaar.

    Ritual Observation: Watch the intricate poojas performed by the priests.

    Photography: Capture the architecture of the Car Street from outside.

    :...
    Lord Krishna Darshan: View the deity through the sacred nine-holed window.

    Temple Dining: Partake in the traditional free lunch (Maha Prasada).

    Chariot Watching: Witness the evening chariot procession in the Car Street.

    Temple Exploration: Visit the surrounding eight mathas and the Anantheshwara temple.

    Shopping: Buy local handicrafts and spices from the temple bazaar.

    Ritual Observation: Watch the intricate poojas performed by the priests.

    Photography: Capture the architecture of the Car Street from outside.

    :

Resturants

Show All

Information

  • ...

    Why Famous:

    Spiritual Significance It is the birthplace of the Dvaita philosophy and one of the holiest shrines for Lord Krishna followers. The unique "Kanakana Kindi" darshan is world-famous. Annadana Tradition The temple is legendary for providing free, high-quality vegetarian meals to thousands of visitor...
    Spiritual Significance It is the birthplace of the Dvaita philosophy and one of the holiest shrines for Lord Krishna followers. The unique "Kanakana Kindi" darshan is world-famous. Annadana Tradition The temple is legendary for providing free, high-quality vegetarian meals to thousands of visitors every single day. Paryaya Festival The biennial transfer of power between the eight mathas is a massive cultural event attracting millions.

    :
  • ...

    Architecture:

    Architecture of Matha: Traditional Tuluva Style The temple features a unique Kerala-influenced coastal architecture with sloping tiled roofs and heavy woodwork. The main sanctum is built of stone and wood, housing the Balakrishna idol. The Navagraha Kitiki The silver-plate...
    Architecture of Matha: Traditional Tuluva Style The temple features a unique Kerala-influenced coastal architecture with sloping tiled roofs and heavy woodwork. The main sanctum is built of stone and wood, housing the Balakrishna idol. The Navagraha Kitiki The silver-plated window with nine holes is a masterpiece of metalwork. It allows devotees to view the deity from the outside, following the "Kanakana Kindi" tradition. Temple Complex Dimensions The temple covers a vast area including the "Ratha Beedi" (Car Street), several gopurams, and the large "Madhwa Sarovara" holy tank where devotees perform ablutions.

    :
  • ...

    How To Reach:

    By Air: Mangalore International Airport is 60 KMs away.

    By Train: Udupi Railway Station is just 3 KMs from the temple.

    By Road: The temple is in the heart of Udupi city, easily accessible via NH 66.

    ...
    By Air: Mangalore International Airport is 60 KMs away.

    By Train: Udupi Railway Station is just 3 KMs from the temple.

    By Road: The temple is in the heart of Udupi city, easily accessible via NH 66.

    By Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws and city buses are readily available from all parts of Udupi.

    :
  • ...

    Weather and Best Time to Visit:

    Winter Season: October to March is comfortable for long queues.

    Festive Season: January (Paryaya) or August (Janmashtami) for cultural richness.

    Time of Day: Early morning or late evening for rituals.
    Winter Season: October to March is comfortable for long queues.

    Festive Season: January (Paryaya) or August (Janmashtami) for cultural richness.

    Time of Day: Early morning or late evening for rituals.

    :
  • ...

    Near Tourist Places:

    Anantheshwara Temple (0. 1 KMs), Chandramouleshwara Temple (0. 1 KMs), Malpe Beach (6 KMs), St. Mary's Island (12 KMs), Manipal (5 KMs), Pajaka (12 KMs), Kaup Beach (15 KMs), Delta Beach (15 KMs), Ambalpady Temple (3 KMs), Coin Museum (5 KMs)

Tourism Tips

  • ...
    Health & Safety: Follow the queue system. Men must remove shirts to enter the inner sanctum.

    Packing: Wear traditional Indian attire; avoid shorts or sleeveless clothes.

    Cash: Many ATMs are available in th...
    Health & Safety: Follow the queue system. Men must remove shirts to enter the inner sanctum.

    Packing: Wear traditional Indian attire; avoid shorts or sleeveless clothes.

    Cash: Many ATMs are available in the Car Street area.

    Connectivity: Mobile phones are not allowed inside the inner temple.

    :

Reviews

FAQs

Udupi Itineray And Cost:-

Information about New and Updated Locations() of Karnataka Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle

Note:-

Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.

Near Places
...
Anegudde Vinayaka Temple

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Barkur

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Delta Point

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Karkala

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Kaup Beach & Lighthouse

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Kodi Beach

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Kodi Bengre Beach

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Koodlu Theertha Falls

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Malpe Beach

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Manipal

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Maravanthe Beach

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Padubidri Beach

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Pajaka Village

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
...
Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary

Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.

Go somewhere
in Other Cities