Start Planning Your Journey
All About the Temple / Religious & Cultural Festivals / Festival Calendar & Festival Alerts / Location Map / Hotel Booking / How to Reach / Air, Train, Bus & Taxi Booking / Reviews / Nearby Pilgrim Places & Other Places of Interest / Donations / Volunteers
Introduction
Udupi Sri Krishna Matha is one of the most revered and iconic temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, located in the temple town of Udupi in the Indian state of Karnataka. A spiritual beacon in southern India, this temple is not only a significant pilgrimage site but also a vibrant center of Dvaita Vedanta philosophy, founded by the 13th-century saint and philosopher Sri Madhvacharya, the proponent of the dualistic school of Vedanta.
The temple is famed for its rich history, unique architectural features, and deeply rooted traditions. At the heart of the temple lies the idol of Lord Krishna as a young boy (Bala Krishna), holding a churning rod and a rope – a form said to have been worshipped by Rukmini Devi, the consort of Krishna, in Dwaraka.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Udupi Sri Krishna Matha is the Navagraha Kindi, a small silver-plated window with nine perforations through which devotees offer their darshan. This tradition began after the temple’s sanctum sanctorum was sealed off from direct public access to preserve the sanctity of the inner shrine. Through this window, devotees experience the divine gaze of the charming child Krishna.
The temple’s daily activities are marked by rich rituals, music, and offerings. It follows a strict and detailed code of conduct, with daily poojas (rituals), chariot processions, and the serving of prasadam (blessed food). The Anna Dana (free meal service) is a major charitable activity, drawing thousands of pilgrims and visitors each day.
What makes this temple especially unique is its association with the Ashta Mathas (eight monasteries), which were also established by Madhvacharya. These mathas are managed by his direct disciples and take turns (through a system called Paryaya) every two years to manage the temple’s administration and rituals. This rotational system has continued unbroken for centuries, preserving the sanctity and vibrancy of the temple’s traditions.
The temple complex also houses shrines of Hanuman, Garuda, and Madhvacharya, adding to its spiritual significance. Rich in legend, the temple is also associated with miraculous tales, including how the Krishna idol was discovered by Madhvacharya in a lump of gopichandana (sandalwood paste) brought by sailors from Dwaraka.
Today, Udupi Sri Krishna Matha stands not only as a sacred space of worship but also as a cultural and philosophical nucleus for Vaishnavites across the world. The chants of Krishna bhajans, the fragrance of incense, and the sounds of temple bells together create an atmosphere that transports visitors into a world of divine grace and devotion.