Sri Krishna Matha (Udupi)
Udupi Sri Krishna Matha: The Divine Abode of Lord Krishna
Udupi Sri Krishna Matha is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India, dedicated to Lord Krishna. Located in Udupi, Karnataka, this ancient temple is renowned for its unique Kanaka Dasa window (Kanakana Kindi), through which devotees get a darshan (sight) of Lord Krishna. The matha (monastic institution) is also a center for Dvaita Vedanta, the dualistic philosophy founded by Sri Madhvacharya, who established the temple in the 13th century.
Udupi is not just a spiritual center but also a hub of education, culture, and tradition, attracting thousands of devotees and visitors every year.
The Legend of Udupi Sri Krishna Temple
The history of the temple is closely associated with Sri Madhvacharya, a great Hindu philosopher and the founder of the Dvaita (dualism) school of Vedanta. According to legend:
- A sailor from Dwarka (Gujarat) was transporting a murti (idol) of Lord Krishna made of a special black stone called Shaligrama.
- A severe storm struck the ship near the Udupi coast, and Sri Madhvacharya miraculously calmed the sea with his divine powers.
- In gratitude, the sailor offered the Krishna idol to Madhvacharya, who consecrated it at Udupi and established the Krishna Matha.
The idol depicts Lord Krishna as a child holding a churning rod and rope, symbolizing his love for butter and his divine playfulness.
The Unique Worship Tradition: Darshan Through Kanakana Kindi
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Udupi Krishna Temple is the way darshan (viewing the deity) is offered to devotees. Unlike most temples, where the idol is directly visible in the sanctum, here it is seen through a small, silver-plated window called Kanakana Kindi (Kanaka Dasa's Window).
The Story Behind Kanakana Kindi
Kanaka Dasa, a great devotee of Krishna and a poet from the 16th century, was not allowed inside the temple due to his background. However, his unwavering devotion moved Lord Krishna, who is said to have turned the idol westward and created an opening in the wall so that Kanaka Dasa could see Him. Since then, all devotees get Krishna’s darshan through this sacred window.
The Udupi Krishna Matha System
Sri Madhvacharya not only established the temple but also founded the Ashta Mathas (Eight Monastic Institutions) to manage and preserve its traditions. These eight mathas take turns in performing the daily rituals and administration of the temple in a system called Paryaya, which changes every two years.
The Eight Mathas
Each matha is named after a village and follows the teachings of Madhvacharya:
- Palimaru Matha
- Adamaru Matha
- Krishnapura Matha
- Puttige Matha
- Shirur Matha
- Sodhe Matha
- Kaniyooru Matha
- Pejavara Matha
Every two years, one of these mathas takes charge of the temple administration in a grand Paryaya Festival, which includes processions, Vedic rituals, and cultural events.
Daily Worship and Sevas
The temple follows strict rituals in accordance with Madhva traditions. The idol of Krishna is worshipped with six main daily poojas, including:
- Nirmalya Visarjana Pooja (Early morning)
- Ushakala Pooja (Morning)
- Madhyana Pooja (Noon)
- Aparahna Pooja (Afternoon)
- Sandhya Pooja (Evening)
- Ratri Pooja (Night)
Special Sevas (Offerings):
- Anna Dana (Feeding Devotees) – The temple offers free meals to thousands of visitors daily.
- Rathotsava (Chariot Festival) – A grand procession of Lord Krishna on a beautifully decorated chariot.
- Vasanta Pooja and Navaratri Celebrations – Held with great devotion.
The Tradition of Udupi Cuisine
The Udupi Krishna Matha is famous not only for its spiritual significance but also for its vegetarian cuisine, known as Udupi Cuisine. The temple follows a sattvic diet, and its prasadam (sacred food) includes:
- Kosambari (Lentil Salad)
- Majjige Huli (Buttermilk Curry)
- Rasam and Sambar
- Chakli and Kodubale (Savory Snacks)
- Payasa (Kheer)
This temple cuisine has influenced Udupi restaurants worldwide, known for their delicious vegetarian dishes like Masala Dosa, Idli, and Sambar.
How to Reach Udupi Sri Krishna Temple?
Udupi is well-connected by road, rail, and air.
- By Road: Regular buses and taxis are available from Mangalore (60 km), Bangalore (400 km), and Goa (300 km).
- By Train: Udupi Railway Station is 4 km from the temple and is well-connected to major Indian cities.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport (60 km away).
Best Time to Visit
Udupi can be visited year-round, but the best time is October to March, when the weather is pleasant. Major festivals like Krishna Janmashtami and Paryaya Utsava are the most vibrant times to experience the temple’s grandeur.
Nearby Attractions
- Malpe Beach (6 km away) – A beautiful beach with golden sand and water sports.
- St. Mary’s Island (8 km away) – A unique island with basalt rock formations.
- Kaup Beach & Lighthouse (15 km away) – A scenic coastal spot with a historic lighthouse.
- Manipal (5 km away) – A well-known educational hub with museums and cultural centers.
Udupi Sri Krishna Matha is not just a temple but a spiritual powerhouse that has preserved the traditions of Bhakti (devotion) and Dvaita Vedanta for centuries. The unique Kanakana Kindi darshan, the Ashta Matha system, the rich temple rituals, and the delicious Udupi cuisine make it a must-visit destination for both spiritual seekers and travelers.
A visit to Udupi is an experience of divine grace, peace, and devotion, where Lord Krishna continues to bless His devotees with eternal love and wisdom.