ಉಡುಪಿ (Udupi) - Sri Krishna Matha

Udupi Shri Krishna Temple - The main tourist attraction in this Hindu Pilgrimage center.

60 kms north of Mangalore is the famous temple town of Udupi. It is here that the Saint Madhvacharya lived and preached 700 years ago.

The Krishna Matha was founded by the Vaishnavite saint Shri Madhvacharya in the 13th century. He was the founder of the Dvaita school of Vedanta. Legend has it that once

Kanakadasa, a dalit worshipper who was so pious and devoted to Lord Krishna, was not allowed entry into the temple. It didn't upset him, but instead made him pray with intense devotion. Lord Krishna was so pleased to allow the disciple to gaze upon his heavenly form through a small window at the back of the mutt (monastery). Till today, devotees still worship Lord Krishna by praying through the same window that Kanakadasa was blessed with a view.

The daily sevas (offerings to god) and administration of the Krishna Mutt are managed by the Ashta Mathas (eight temples). Each of the Ashta Mathas performs temple management activities for two years in a cyclical order. They are collectively known as the Krishna Matha.

The Krishna Matha is known throughout the world for its religious customs, traditions, and learning in Dvaita or Tatvavaada philosophy. It is also the centre of Daasa Sahitya, a form of literature that originated in Udupi.

These eight Mathas are Pejavara, Puttige, Palimaru, Adamaru, Sodhe, Kaniyooru, Shirur and Krishnapura.

The Main Attraction - Kanakana Kindi
There is no front door to the Sanctorum. Instead, you need to see through a window to get a darshan of the idol from outside. The main entrance to the temple is on the southern side.

The main attraction of this temple is the "Kanakana Kindi"- a small window through which Krishna is believed to have given darshan to his ardent devotee, Kanakadasa.

Lord Krishna, the deity of this temple, is richly adorned with jewels. The Krishna Temple is known throughout the world for its religious customs, traditions, and learning in Dvaita or Tatvavaada philosophy. It is also the centre of Daasa Sahitya, a form of literature that originated in Udupi.