Sri Krishna Temple in Udupi is an important pilgrimage site in South India. Thousands of devotees throng this temple town to offer prayers to Lord Krishna. It is said that the Krishna idol here is the most beautiful idol of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna is depicted here as a small boy (Balakrishna). The idol is not seen directly, but through a 9 holed window called the Navagraha Kitiki. Udupi is referred to as ‘Mathura (birthplace of Lord Sri Krishna, situated in Uttar Pradesh state) of South India.
Udupi Sri Krishna temple and Matha (Monastery) were set up by Sri Madhwacharya (popular Vaishnava Saint) during the 13th century.
Highlights of Udupi Sri Krishna Temple
Kanakana Kindi
A small window through which Lord Krishna is believed to have given darshan to his ardent devotee, saint Kanakadasa. According to legend, Kanakadasa was of a low caste and was not allowed entry to the temple. Undaunted, he went behind the temple and prayed to the Lord through a small crack in the wall. Pleased, the statue of Lord Krishna turned around and gave him darshan. Just adjacent is the Kanakadasa Mantapa, which houses a statue of the saint.
Golden Chariot of the temple can be seen by visitors.
Udupi Paryaya Utsava
This is a popular festival celebrated once in two years. Paryaya Utsava marks hand over of temple management from one Matha to another, among Udupi’s 8 Mathas.
Anna Dana
Sri Krishna temple offers free meals to every devotee
Goshale (Cow Shed)
Temple Chariot (Brahma Ratha)
Timing
Udupi Sri Krishna temple is open from 4.30 AM till 9.30 PM on all days
Nearby
Malpe, Kapu beach, St Mary’s Island are some of the attractions within 5 to 10 kms of Udupi town.
How to reach
Udupi is 400 kms from Bengaluru. Mangaluru is the nearest airport (60kms). Udupi is well connected via rail and road network with several government and private buses connecting Udupi to other parts of the state. Sri Krishna temple is walking distance away from Udupi city centre.
Stay
Several luxury and budget accommodation are available in Udupi town.