Temple Guide

Dress Code

Traditional Indian attire is expected. Men can wear dhoti or pajama with kurta, and women can wear saree or salwar kameez. Shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops are not allowed. Devotees are required to remove footwear before entering the temple complex.

Rituals

• Kanakana Kindi Darshan — The primary darshan ritual where devotees view Lord Krishna through the nine-holed silver window, believed to be the spot where the wall moved for Kanaka Dasa. This is the central devotional act of the temple.
• Paryaya — A grand ceremony held every two years (in January) where the administrative and worship rights of the temple are transferred from one ashta matha to the next. The outgoing and incoming swamis (monks) lead a procession, and the new swami performs the first puja.
• Madhva Navami — The death anniversary of Madhvacharya, observed with special pujas, discourses, and a chariot procession (ratha yatra) of the Utsava murti (processional idol).
• Krishna Janmashtami — The birthday of Lord Krishna, celebrated with great fervor. The temple is decorated, and special pujas and abhishekams are performed. Devotees fast and break it after midnight, the traditional birth time.
• Daily Sevas (Pujas) — The daily ritual schedule includes multiple pujas such as the early morning 'Ushakala Puja', 'Madhyahna Puja' (noon), and 'Ratri Puja' (evening), along with aarti and naivedya (food offering). The deity is also dressed in different alankarams (decorations) for different times of the day.

Darshan Guide

Administration

• •The temple is administered by the ashta mathas – eight Madhva monasteries founded by Madhvacharya.
• •Each matha takes turns managing the temple for a two-year period, known as Paryaya.
• •The swami (head) of the incoming matha assumes the role of the administrator and chief priest, overseeing daily rituals and temple affairs.
• •This unique rotational system ensures that all eight mathas have equal participation in the temple's worship and governance.

Festivals

History

• •Sri Krishna Matha was established by Madhvacharya (1238–1317 CE), the founder of Dvaita philosophy.
• •According to tradition, Madhvacharya discovered a large lump of gopichandana (sandalwood paste) on the shore near Malpe.
• •When he split it open, he found within it a beautiful idol of Lord Krishna holding a churning rod and rope, now known as Bala Krishna.
• •He installed the idol in the matha he had founded.
• •The temple's administration was later divided among eight monasteries (ashta mathas) to ensure continuous worship.
• •The famous Kanakana Kindi window is linked to the devotee Kanaka Dasa, a Haridasa saint and poet, who was denied entry due to his low caste.
• •Legend says the temple wall miraculously moved to give him a view of the deity through a small window, which is now the main darshan point.

Architecture

• •The temple complex is built in the typical South Indian style, with a gopuram (tower) and a large courtyard.
• •The sanctum houses the Krishna idol facing west, unusual for most temples.
• •The most distinctive architectural feature is the Kanakana Kindi, a nine-hole silver-plated window on the outer wall of the sanctum, through which devotees view the deity.
• •The temple also has a golden flagstaff (dwajasthamba) and a large pond called Madhva Sarovar.
• •The complex includes the eight mathas (monasteries) that surround the temple, each with its own shrines and halls.
• •The roofs are traditionally tiled, and the interiors feature wooden pillars and carvings.

Temple Layout

• •The temple complex is a rectangular walled enclosure.
• •The main sanctum (garbhagriha) is in the center, with the Krishna idol facing west.
• •In front of the sanctum is the Kanakana Kindi window on the outer wall.
• •The complex includes a large courtyard with a central flagstaff (dwajasthamba).
• •Around the main temple are the eight mathas, each with its own entrance and shrines.
• •The Madhva Sarovar (temple tank) is located near the entrance.
• •There are also dining halls, kitchens, and administrative offices within the complex.

Tips

• Arrive early in the morning (around 5:00 AM) to avoid long queues and witness the ritual of 'Ushakala Puja'.
• Keep your mobile phones and cameras in lockers or bags, as they are not allowed inside the temple.
• Carry a small cloth bag for your footwear, as there is no dedicated shoe stand near the darshan queue.
• Taste the famous Udupi vegetarian meal at the temple's dining hall or nearby restaurants, but remember to sit on the floor and eat with your right hand as per tradition.
• If you want a closer view, purchase a special darshan ticket (around ₹50–100) from the counter near the entrance.
• During the Paryaya year, the temple is especially busy on the first day of the new administration; plan accordingly.

Nearby Attractions

• Malpe Beach — A lively beach and fishing harbor, about 5 km from Udupi. It's the departure point for boats to St. Mary's Island.
• St. Mary's Island — A small island famous for its unique hexagonal basalt rock columns, formed by volcanic activity. A short boat ride from Malpe, it is also associated with Vasco da Gama's landing in 1498.
• Manipal — An adjacent university town known for its educational institutions, including Manipal University. It also has a museum and scenic viewpoints.
• Udupi Sri Krishna Matha's eight mathas — The eight monasteries surrounding the main temple, each with its own history and shrines, are worth a walk around.
• Anantheshwara Temple — An ancient Shiva temple located within the Udupi temple complex, predating the Krishna Matha, and associated with Madhvacharya.

Quick Information