Krishna Temple (Sri Krishna Matha)
The 13th-century Krishna temple founded by the philosopher Madhvacharya, ritually unique for the devotion offered through its famous Kanaka Kindi window. Consecrated by the Dvaita philosopher Madhvacharya in the 13th century, the temple’s Krishna idol is worshipped not through its main door but through the Kanaka Kindi, a silver-plated window pierced with nine holes, said to have opened miraculously so the low-caste saint-poet Kanakadasa could view the deity when he was barred from entering.
Krishna Temple (Sri Krishna Matha) at a Glance
Essential information about Krishna Temple (Sri Krishna Matha).
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Overview
Consecrated by the Dvaita philosopher Madhvacharya in the 13th century, the temple’s Krishna idol is worshipped not through its main door but through the Kanaka Kindi, a silver-plated window pierced with nine holes, said to have opened miraculously so the low-caste saint-poet Kanakadasa could view the deity when he was barred from entering. The temple is administered in strict eight-year rotation by the eight Madhva monasteries (Ashta Matha) built around it, and its adjoining choultries feed thousands of pilgrims daily from a kitchen that has run continuously for centuries. Krishna Temple (Sri Krishna Matha) sits at an elevation of 18 m and is typically explored in about 1-2 hours. The most favourable months to visit are November, January, December, and February, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Chaturmukha Basadi, Madhva Sarovar, and Vasuki Teertha. Other notable highlights include kanaka Kindi window for sacred darshan, morning puja with traditional Madhva rituals, and silver-plated idol of Lord Krishna. It falls within Udupi, Udupi district, and Karnataka, India.
Highlights
- Kanaka Kindi window for sacred darshan
- Morning puja with traditional Madhva rituals
- Silver-plated idol of Lord Krishna
- Carved wooden chariot for Rathotsava procession
- Temple’s rooftop view of Udupi town
- Prasada of sweet pongal and payasa
Getting There
Things To Do
Darshan of Lord Krishna through the Navagraha Kitiki (nine-hole window)
Stand in the main queue to view the deity of Lord Krishna through the silver-plated window with nine small holes, a unique feature where the idol is seen from the back. This is the most sacred ritual of the temple, offering a direct and intimate glimpse of the deity.
45 minutes to 1 hour (including queue time)
Listen to the Vedic recitation and Bhajans (devotional songs) in the afternoon
Sit in the outer hall during the scheduled chanting of the Vedas and group singing of bhajans, led by the temple’s resident priests. This is a serene, meditative experience, with the acoustics of the stone hall enhancing the sound.
1 hour (check daily schedule at the entrance)
Observe the Kanu (offering of food) at the temple kitchen
Watch the traditional preparation of the daily prasadam (sacred food) in the temple’s huge kitchen, which has been run by the same method for centuries. You can see large brass vessels cooking rice, sambar, and sweet payasa, which is later distributed to devotees.
20 minutes (viewing from the designated visitor area)
Receive the temple’s prasadam (blessed food) and sandalwood paste tilak
After the main darshan, collect the small portion of sweet rice and a smear of sandalwood paste offered by the priest at the exit. This is a simple but meaningful act, symbolising the deity’s blessing and is a must-do for every visitor.
10 minutes
Walk around the temple courtyard and see the Madhva Sarovar (sacred tank)
Take a leisurely stroll around the inner courtyard, which houses a large stone water tank believed to have healing properties. Observe pilgrims performing ritual dips and the ancient pillars that support the temple’s carved wooden roof.
30 minutes
Attend the morning Mangala Aarti (auspicious ritual)
Arrive before dawn to witness the first offering of the day, where priests wave camphor lamps and chant hymns to wake the deity. This is a deeply moving experience, with the temple bells and conch shells echoing through the sanctum.
30 minutes (arrive 15 minutes early)
Travel Tips
Visit Early Morning to Avoid Crowds and Heat
Arrive before 6:00 AM to witness the morning puja and darshan with minimal queues, as the temple gets very crowded by mid-morning. Seniors should also carry a light shawl or scarf, as the marble floors can be cool in the early hours.
Hire a Local Guide for Group Narration and Step-Free Routes
Instead of reading signboards, hire a registered guide at the temple office (nominal fee) who can explain the history and rituals in your preferred language, and also lead you through the less crowded, step-free exits. This is especially helpful for groups of 5 or more, as the guide can keep everyone together and manage pace.
Plan for the Prasadam and Meal Timings at the Temple Hall
The temple serves free prasadam and a simple lunch from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, but seating is on the floor—if that is difficult for your group, ask for the elevated bench area near the back hall. For seniors with dietary restrictions, carry your own water and a few glucose biscuits, as the meal is simple and may not suit everyone.
Use the Designated Senior and Wheelchair Assistance
The temple provides separate queues and wheelchair help for elderly and differently-abled visitors—ask the security staff at the main entrance for the "senior citizen darshan" pass. This will greatly reduce standing time, and a family member can accompany you in this queue.
Keep Footwear in the Paid Cloakroom, Not the Free Racks
Free shoe racks near the entrance get chaotic and are easy to lose track of in a group. Pay a small fee at the official cloakroom just outside the west gate, which gives you a token and safer storage, especially useful when many in your group are wearing similar sandals.
Good to Know Nearby
Practical essentials close to Krishna Temple (Sri Krishna Matha) — handy for senior and group travellers.
Hospitals
- Mitra Hospital0.5 km
- J M J Diagnova Hospital0.5 km
- TMA Pai Hospital1.1 km
- C.S.I. Lombard Memorial Hospital1.3 km
- District Hospital1.3 km
Pharmacies
- ESI Dispensary0.2 km
- Apollo Pharmacy0.3 km
- NMysore Aurvedic Medicals0.5 km
- Radha Medicals0.5 km
- Royal Chemists0.7 km
ATMs
- ICICI Bank4.6 km
Restaurants
- Mitra Samaj Hotel0.1 km
- Woodlands Restaurent0.2 km
- Udupi Residency0.4 km
- Tamboola0.6 km
- Kediyoor0.6 km
Frequently Asked Questions
Early morning, around 5:30 AM to 7:00 AM, is the calmest time, as the temple opens with the Mangala Aarti, and you can witness the deity being bathed and dressed. The evening aarti at 7:30 PM is also special, but it is very crowded, so if you prefer a peaceful experience, attend the morning darshan and then explore the nearby Krishna Mutt and its museum.
Yes, the Kanakana Kindi is a key highlight, and you can view Lord Krishna’s idol through this small window from the outer courtyard, as it is believed the deity turns to face this direction. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple sanctum and the main prayer hall, but you can take photos in the outer courtyard and temple complex.
The temple offers free prasadam (typically sweet pongal or rice-based dishes) inside the complex, which is hygienic and safe, but it is served in limited quantities, so you may want to carry your own water. Outside the temple, the Udupi main street has many vegetarian restaurants serving authentic Udupi cuisine, including the famous masala dosa and sambar, and these are highly recommended for a full meal.
The temple is open from early morning around 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM, with a break in the afternoon from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM for rituals. There is no strict dress code, but men are expected to remove their shirts before entering the inner sanctum, and it is respectful to wear modest, traditional attire like a saree or salwar kameez for women and a dhoti or trousers for men.
The temple has a general queue that can take 30 to 60 minutes during peak hours, but there is a separate, quicker darshan line for senior citizens and those with mobility issues, which usually takes less than 10 minutes. For group visits, it is advisable to inform the temple office in advance, as they can arrange a guided darshan without extra charges, though donations for special entry are optional.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in Krishna Temple (Sri Krishna Matha)
Day 1
Begin your Udupi journey with a peaceful morning visit to the Sri Krishna Matha, where you can witness the unique darshan of Lord Krishna through the silver-latticed back window (Navagraha Kitiki). After the temple, spend the afternoon exploring the bustling Udupi Sri Krishna Temple street, known for its traditional shops selling idols, incense, and local snacks. End the day with a relaxed evening walk around the nearby Chandramouleshwara Temple and the temple tank, soaking in the spiritual atmosphere.
- Morning darshan at Sri Krishna Matha, including the special offering of Madhva tradition and viewing the Utsava Murti from the silver window
- Visit the adjacent Chandramouleshwara Temple and Anantheshwara Temple, two ancient Shiva shrines connected to the Krishna Matha complex
- Stroll through the temple bazaar street, sampling local halwa (like Udupi's famous banana halwa) and buying small brass lamps or tulsi malas as souvenirs
Day 2
Start early with the morning puja and the famous "Ksheera Abhisheka" (milk offering) at the Krishna Matha, if you wish to participate, followed by a quiet moment at the temple's inner courtyard. Then, take a short drive to Malpe Beach (about 5 km away), where you can enjoy the sea breeze and watch fishermen bring in their catch. For the adventurous, a boat ride to St. Mary's Island (basalt rock formations) is a highlight, but if you prefer a relaxed day, simply sit by the beach and visit the nearby Vadabhandeshwara Temple.
- Attend the morning ritual at Sri Krishna Matha and observe the priests performing the daily sevas, including the offering of naivedya (food) to the deity
- Visit Malpe Beach for a leisurely walk, and if weather permits, take a short ferry to St. Mary's Island (check local boat timings and availability)
- Explore the Vadabhandeshwara Temple on the Malpe beach shore, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and enjoy fresh coconut water or local fish curry at a beachside shack
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