The Udupi Sri Krishna temple and Matha (Monastery)

History

Udupi Sri Krishna temple was founded by the Vaishnavite saint Jagadguru Shri Madhvacharya in the 13th century. He was the founder of the Dwaita school of Vedanta. It is believed that Madhwacharya found the viagra of Shri Krishna in a large ball of Gopichandana. As told by Sri Madhvacharya, in his Tantrasara Sangraha, the Vigraha is placed in Pashchimabhimukha (facing west). All the other Vigrahas in other Ashta Muthas face west as well. Devotees always have a darshan of Krishna through the inner window, known as the Navagraha Kindi & the outer window known as the Kanakana Kindi, which is decorated by an arch named after the great saint Kanakadasa.

A statue has also been erected. A similar window covers the immediate front of the Vigraha and is called Navagraha Kindi. It is often mistaken to be the Kanakana Kindi. The unique feature of the temple is that the deity is worshipped through a silver-plated window with nine holes (Navagraha Kindi). The temple also offers prasada at noon and is popularly called Anna Brahma as it feeds a vast number of devotees.

Considered to be one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in South India, the Krishna Temple or the Udupi Sri Krishna temple is one of the most auspicious temples dedicated to Lord Krishna. The idol of Krishna is adorned with jewels and a golden chariot. What makes the temple unique, is its worshipping pattern. The prayers and process of the whole worship take place only through a silver-plated window with nine holes called the Navagraha Kitiki. A temple known as Udupi Anantheshwara Temple surrounds the Shree Krishna Matha. This temple traces back to 1,000 years.

Krishna Matha

The daily Sevas (offerings to god) and administration of the Udupi Sri Krishna temple are managed by the Ashta Mathas (eight monasteries). Each of the Ashta Mathas performs temple management activities for two years in a cyclical order. They are collectively known as the ‘Ashta Mathagalu’ in Kannada. Each Ashta Matha has its own deity which is called Pattada Devaru.

Udupi Sri Krishna temple is known for its religious customs, traditions, and tenets of Dvaita or Tatvavada philosophy. It is also the center of Daasa Saahitya, a form of literature that originated in Udupi.

These eight Mathas are:

• Palimaru Matha,
• Admaru Matha,
• Krishnapura Matha
• Puttige,
• Shirur Matha
• Sodhe Matha,
• Kaniyoor Matha,
• Pejavara,
• The expenses of Udupi Sri Krishna temple are borne by the voluntary contributions of the devotees and by the Ashta Mathas that manage the Krishna Matha. The contribution may be in cash or in kind. The Krishna Matha, which owned large tracts of land, lost it all in 1975 due to the enactment of the Land Reforms Act 1975 by the Government of Karnataka.
• The Pauli of Krishna Matha was renovated and the Brahmakalashotsava ceremony was held on 18 May 2017

The architecture of Udupi Sri Krishna temple

Udupi Sri Krishna temple complex consists of three different temples, one temple pond, a few mathas, a kalyana mantapa (reception hall) and a goshala (cow shed). If you keep the main Krishna temple in the center, all the other buildings are constructed around it. All these reflect a very Dravidian style of architecture. You can see it clearly on the temple gopurams and entrances.

The temple interiors are devoid of those intricately carved pillars that you might have seen in some of the Hampi temples or even the Brihadeeswarar temple. However, there are plenty of interesting things to see within – all of that coming up.

 Udupi Sri Krishna Temple Worship Timings

Morning Hours: 5 AM to 11 PM, Evening Hours: 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Festivals

During the Paryaya festival, held once every two years, the temple management is handed over to the next Ashta Matha, which has been entrusted with the responsibility of running the temple turn by turn. Each of the Mathas is headed by a swami, who will be in charge of the temple during his Paryaya. The Paryaya is held on even years The Paryaya tradition has completed 500 years as of 2021.

Presently, Admaru Math is administering the temple with Junior Pontiff Sri Eshapriya Teertha Swami ascending the post of Sarvajna or Paryaya Peetha. Festivals like Makara Sankranthi, Ratha Sapthami, Madhva Navami, Hanuman Jayanthi, Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Navaratri Mahotsava, Madhva Jayanti, Vijaya Dashami, Naraka Chathurdashi, Deepavali, and Geetha Jayanthi are celebrated by Paryaya Mutt every year.

Swamis of the Ashta Mathas

The Swamis of the Ashta Mathas and their successors are as follows.

How To Reach Udupi Sri Krishna temple?

By Air

The fastest way to reach from New Delhi to Udupi is flight to Goa International Airport, then cab to Udupi and takes 7h 12m.The distance between Delhi Airport (DEL) and Udupi is 1804 km.

By Train

12432 TVC RAJDHANI is the fastest train from New Delhi to Udupi. To reach Udupi, this train takes 28hr 24min hours. The train departs at 06:16:00 from New Delhi NDLS and arrives in Udupi UD at 10:40:00. Tues, Wed, Sun is when the 12432 TVC RAJDHANI operates.

By Cab/Bus

The Distance between Delhi to Udupi by road is 2317KM.The recommended way to reach from New Delhi to Udupi is train to Udupi and takes 39h 41m.

FAQ :-

Q)What is the dress code for Udupi Krishna Temple?

Ans)Nirmalya Visarjan Pooja is held at 5:30 AM. Men: Dhoti or pant and shirt. Lungi, Shorts and other modern outfits are not allowed. Women: Saree, half-saree, salwar-kameez, set-mundu or skirt and blouse.

Q)Which is the best month to visit Udupi?

Ans)Udupi is a Beach destination. The best time to visit Udupi is October, November, December, January, February and March. Since this is the peak season expect a little crowd during this time. June, July, August and September period experiences moderate weather.

Q)How far is Udupi Krishna Temple from railway station?

Ans)At a distance of 3 km from Udupi Railway Station, Sri Krishna Temple is a Hindu temple situated in Udupi, Karnataka.