Udupi Sri Krishna Temple
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📍 Udupi, Karnataka
⭐ Featured National SignificanceFounded by Saint Madhvacharya in the 13th century, Udupi Sri Krishna Temple is one of the most famous Krishna temples in India, known for its unique tradition of worshipping Lord Krishna through a silver-plated window called Navagraha Kindi.
🕒 Practical Information
🕉️ Spiritual Details
Lord Krishna (Bala Krishna)
Matha Temple
Bala Krishna, Udupi Krishna, Gopala
✨ Spiritual Highlights
The temple is believed to grant devotion, knowledge, and liberation through the path of Bhakti. Devotees believe that darshan through the Navagraha Kindi window provides special blessings and removes planetary doshas. The temple is said to fulfill wishes of devotees seeking spiritual growth, education, and family welfare.
The idol discovered by Madhvacharya in gopichandana is considered a divine miracle. Many devotees have reported experiencing spiritual visions and divine guidance. The temple is believed to protect devotees from negative planetary influences due to the Navagraha Kindi. Miraculous healings and life transformations have been attributed to the grace of Udupi Krishna.
Viewing darshan through the Navagraha Kindi window, offering butter and milk to the deity, participating in daily aartis, attending Harikatha sessions, listening to classical music concerts, taking holy bath in Madhva Sarovara tank, and consuming the sacred prasadam. Many devotees perform pradakshina around the temple complex.
Spiritual enlightenment through Dvaita philosophy, removal of planetary doshas, enhancement of devotion and knowledge, fulfillment of educational aspirations, family harmony and prosperity, purification of mind and soul, and attainment of divine grace.
📖 About Udupi Sri Krishna Temple
Udupi Sri Krishna Temple, also known as Udupi Sri Krishna Matha, is a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna located in the coastal town of Udupi, Karnataka. Founded by the saint and philosopher Madhvacharya in the 13th century (1250 CE), this temple is the epicenter of the Dvaita (dualistic) school of Vedanta philosophy. According to legend, Madhvacharya discovered the idol of Lord Krishna embedded in a large ball of gopichandana (sacred clay) which was being used as ballast in a ship. The temple is unique because devotees worship Lord Krishna through a silver-plated window with nine holes called the Navagraha Kindi, and the deity faces west instead of the traditional east direction. The temple complex is managed by eight mathas (monasteries) through a unique Paryaya system where each matha takes turns managing the temple for two years. The temple is renowned for its elaborate daily rituals, classical music performances, and the world-famous Udupi cuisine that originated here. The temple architecture combines Kerala and Dravidian styles, with beautiful wooden carvings and a sacred temple tank called Madhva Sarovara.
🏛️ Architecture & Heritage
Kerala and Dravidian Style (Medieval (13th century - 1250 CE))
Beautiful temple tank (Madhva Sarovara), intricate wooden carvings, silver-plated Navagraha Kindi window, traditional Kerala-style architecture, eight surrounding mathas, ornate gopuram, Car Street with traditional architecture
The main Bala Krishna idol discovered by Madhvacharya, the sacred Navagraha Kindi window, ancient manuscripts, the temple chariot, Madhva Sarovara tank, and footprints of Madhvacharya
🎉 Festivals & Celebrations
Janmashtami: August-September, Madhva Navami: October, Paryaya Festival: Every 2 years (January), Rathotsava: January, Navarathri: September-October
Paryaya ceremony when temple management changes between mathas, special abhishekam on Ekadashi, elaborate celebrations during Shravan month
Daily classical music performances, Harikatha sessions, temple car festival, monsoon season special pujas
🙏 Rituals & Traditions
Daily Suprabhata Seva, Panchamrita Abhisheka, multiple daily aartis (Aarati times: early morning, mid-morning, afternoon, evening), Ekadashi special pujas, elaborate decoration ceremonies, classical music offerings
Viewing Krishna through the Navagraha Kindi window, the unique Paryaya system of temple management, offering makhan (butter) to child Krishna, attending classical Carnatic music concerts in the temple, and consuming the famous Udupi prasada meals
Famous Udupi prasadam including temple meals (anna prasada), sweet pongal, puliyogare (tamarind rice), kosambari, holige, and various traditional Karnataka dishes served free to devotees
👕 Visitor Guidelines
Traditional Indian attire preferred. Men: Dhoti or traditional wear, no shirts required. Women: Saree or traditional dress. Modest clothing required. Remove shoes before entering.
Wheelchair accessible with some assistance. Ramps available in most areas. Special arrangements for elderly and disabled devotees.
🎥 Videos
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Lord Krishna (Bala Krishna)
Matha Temple
5:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Udupi, Karnataka
Car Street, Udupi, Karnataka 576101, India
✈️ How to Reach
Mangalore International Airport (60 km)
Udupi Railway Station (5 km)
Udupi Bus Stand (2 km)
By Road: Well connected via NH-66 from Mangalore and Bangalore. By Train: Udupi railway station connects to major cities. By Air: Mangalore airport is the nearest. Best time to visit: October to March. Visit during Paryaya festival for special experience. Try the famous Udupi prasadam.
🏨 Accommodation
Numerous accommodation options including temple-run guesthouses, hotels, and dharamshalas. The eight mathas also provide accommodation for pilgrims.
🗺️ Nearby Attractions
Malpe Beach, St. Mary's Island, Manipal, Kollur Mookambika Temple, Anegudde Vinayaka Temple, Kapu Beach and Lighthouse, Hanging Bridge, and Krishna Mutt temples in surrounding mathas
🙏 Associated Deities
🎧 Audio Guide Available
Audio guide is available for this temple to enhance your spiritual experience.