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

Where is the Udupi Krishna temple?

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.  

History of the temple

Chariots at Sri Krishna temple in UdupiIt is the seat of Dvaita followers. Madhvacharya the founder of the Dvaita Philosophy organized the 8 mutts and established the Paryaya method of ruling. The Udupi town is called as the temple city.

Shri Krishna temple is the important among the temples. The place is also called as "Rajatha Peeta". Renowned saints like Purandara Dasa, Kanaka Dasa, and Chaithanya Maha Prabhu visited this temple.

The golden chariot and Madhwa Sarovara in the temple of Shri Krishna adds to the fame of Udupi.  

(Photo credit - tudorache)

Ashta Mathas or the Eight Mutts  

The daily sevas (offerings to god) and administration are managed by the Ashta Matas (Eight Mutts). Each of the Ashta Matas performs temple management activities for two years in a cyclical order.

During the Paryaya festival, held every two years, the temple management is handed over to the next Mata. Each of the Matas is headed by a Swamiji, who will be in charge of the temple during his Paryaya. These eight Matas are Pejavara, Puttige, Palimaru, Adamaru, Sodhe, Kaneyur, 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. 

Useful Links to other websites 

- Learn more about the Krishna temple at Udupi from Dvaita (website). It talks about the background, festivals and the customs conducted here

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or See Tourist Places near Udupi