Udupi Sri Krishna Matha – A Complete Guide To Udupi Temple

Udupi Sri Krishna Matha – A Ultimate Udupi Temple Guide

This is a complete guide to the Udupi Sri Krishna Matha in Udupi, Karnataka, India. It includes the temple history, temple rituals, timings, and more.

Udupi Sri Krishna Matha

The Udupi Sri Krishna Matha presides over the district of Udupi in the coastal region of Karnataka, India, with its hallowed presence. It is one of the important temples of Krishna not only in South India but is also an important place to visit on the Krishna circuit for Krishna devotees across India and abroad. Udupi along with Dwarka, Mathura, Bhalka Tirth, Vrindavan, Puri, Nathdwara, and Guruvayoor, is one of the famous Lord Krishna temples in India.

The Udupi Sri Krishna Mutt is also referred to as Udupi Krishna Matha, Udupi Krishna temple, or simply as Udupi Matha or Udupi Temple. The district of Udupi is indeed synonymous with its most famous resident, the eponymous Sri Krishna who resides there in the form of an innocent and lovable child. The divine love of Krishna acts like a lodestone and draws thousands of visitors daily to the portals of the sacred Udupi Sri Krishna Matha. Udupi is one of the star attractions of when it comes to Karnataka Tourism.

Table of Contents

Udupi Sri Krishna Matha – Udupi Krishna Temple Guide | Udupi Krishna Temple

Udupi Sri Krishna Matha

Read on to know all that you wanted to know about the Udupi Sri Krishna Matha, the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple Story, Udupi Krishna Kanakana Kindi, Udupi Krishna Temple Dress Code, Udupi Sri Krishna Temple Sevas, Pooja, Udupi Temple Lunch Timings, Free Food, Udupi Sri Krishna Temple Anna Prasadam, and much more.

Udupi Sri Krishna Matha – Udupi Krishna Story | Udupi Sri Krishna Temple History | Udupi Krishna Temple Story | Udupi Krishna Temple

Udupi Sri Krishna Matha
Udupi Sri Krishna Matha – Chariot in front of Sri Krishna Matt

The history of the Udupi Krishna temple and the many legends and stories associated with it makes for fascinating reading. It is these wonderful narratives that lend a mystical aura to the temple and the town of Udupi itself.

Madhavacharya And The Advent of Krishna in Udupi 

Udupi Sri Krishna Matha
Udupi Sri Krishna Matha – Madhavacharya

It is widely known that the Udupi Krishna Matha was established by the philosopher saint, the Vaishnavite Saint Jagadguru Shri Madhvacharya during the 13th century, and the Krishna idol installed by him. However not many know about the circumstances of how the Krishna idol arrived in Udupi.

Udupi is believed to have attained the status of Vaikunta, the abode of Vishnu, as the Lord himself came to stay there, acquiescing to the desires of his staunch devotee, Madhavacharya.

There is a reference to the origins of the Udupi Krishna idol in Sri Madhava Vijaya ( Sumadhwa Vijaya ), a biography of Madhavacharya that is authored by Sri Narayana Panditacharya who was the son of Sri Trivikrama Panditacharya, a direct disciple of Madhavacharya himself.

Legend has it that one fine day, Madhavacharya who was then known as Anandatirtha, sat in meditation on the sands of a beach near Udupi, the same beach that is today known as Malpe. According to some accounts, Madhavacharya was in the act of composing his famous Dvadasha Stotra in praise of Lord Krishna.

A ship appeared on the horizon and it was quickly apparent that it had been caught in the eye of a storm and it was just a matter of time before the power of the wind and the water would crush it like a matchstick. Madhavacharya sensed the peril that the ship was in, and with a wave of his Angavastra, calmed the waves and the wind.

The ship had weathered the storm, and the grateful captain of the ship prostrated himself at the feet of Madhavacharya and offered him anything that he desired that was on his ship, as a token of gratitude. Madhavacharya asked for just a mound of clay or Gopichandana, which the crew of the ship had kept as ballast to steady the ship.

The captain eagerly agreed to Madhavacharya’s request and the mound of Gopichandana was hauled overboard and deposited on the shore. Soon about 30 of Madhavacharya’s disciples following the instructions of their master tried to hoist the mound of clay on their shoulders, but it proved too heavy for them. At this point, the mound of Gopichanda cracked revealing a beautiful image of Bala Krishna.

However, despite all the efforts of the disciples, the idol of Krishna did not budge from the sands of the beach. It was only when Madhavacharya lovingly lifted the statue of Bala Krishna like a child in his arms, was it possible to move the image. The image was bathed in the pond known as Madhava Sarovara by Poornaprajna, another name of Madhavacharya, like how a small child is bathed.

Madhava Sarovara at Udupi Krishna Matha
Madhava Sarovara at Udupi Krishna Matha

It was later installed as per prescribed rituals to the strains of the Dvadasha Stotra created by Madhavacharya.

Another version of the legend says that along with the idol of Krishna, an idol of his elder brother Balaram was also hidden in the mound of clay but fell off on the way from the beach. The idol of Balarama was installed at that spot itself. A temple known as Vadabhandeeshwara stands today at that very spot located about a kilometer from Malpe beach.

Udupi Krishna And The Dwarka Connection

Dwarkadheesh Temple
Dwarkadheesh Temple

Krishna in his child form arrived on the shores of Malpe Beach and went on to preside over Udupi as its most loved resident. It is believed that the essence of the Lord himself dwells in the stone image, and the radiant smile and innocent eyes of the Lord act like magnets drawing devotees from far and wide to immerse themselves in Krishna Consciousness.

But you must be wondering how How Krishna Came To Udupi? How did the Krishna idol end up in the mound of Gopichanda that served as a ballast for a ship? The ways of God are mysterious and work in a manner that is incomprehensive to mortals. To really understand the advent of Krishna in Udupi, one needs to travel back in time from the present Kaliyuga to the Dwapara Yuga, the Yuga that was graced by the glorious Krishna Avatar of Vishnu.

Devaki, Krishna’s mother, the woman who gave birth to the Lord, because of a travesty of fate was unfortunate to miss the antics and growing-up years of the innocent and mischievous Krishna. This always pained her and she yearned to hold the “little Krishna”, in her arms and clutch him to her bosom.

So one day, when Krishna was grown up and married to Rukmini, Devaki beseeched Krishna to bless her with the experience of nurturing him as a child. Krishna, an epitome of love and generosity, felt the pain of his mother, and immediately transformed himself into his child form.

He hugged his mother, climbed up onto her lap, ran all around her in glee, smeared himself with butter and made her chase him. It was an ecstatic experience for Devaki and at that moment she lived those moments that she had missed with her son, the Lord himself.

Lord Krishna soon returned to his normal form and Devaki thanked and blessed her son for the wonderful experience. Rukmini, Krishna’s wife and the queen of Dwarka had been a silent witness to this Leela of the Lord, and she fell in love with the child form of Krishna, her husband. She wanted to have the child form of the Lord always with her.

So she had an image of Bala Krishna made, it is said that Vishwakarma himself created a beautiful and divine statue of the child, Krishna, from black stone and presented it to Rukmini. This idol of Krishna was worshipped regularly by Rukmini.

The end of Lord Krishna’s sojourn on earth came about at Bhalka Tirth near Somnath in Gujarat. Krishna ascended to the heavens and reached Vaikunta from Dehotsargh on the banks of the Hiran River. It is believed that Rukmini who was an avatar of Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, also ascended to the Vaikunta at the same time.

Arjuna who did the final rites to the corporeal remains of the Lord found the idol of Bala Krishna and buried it in a forest known as Rukmini Vana.

Thousands of years later in the Kaliyuga, a mound of clay consisting of Gopichandana was loaded onto a ship leaving Dwarka, its sole purpose was to serve as ballast for the ship. The crew and captain of the ship were totally ignorant of the fact that they were transporting an embodiment of Lord Krishna himself from Dwarka to the faraway shores of Udupi.

The rest of course is history! and so the very idol of Krishna in the form of a child that was lovingly worshipped by Rukmini herself today stands on the sacred soil of Udupi.

Udupi Before the Advent of The Krishna Idol

Udupi was a center of Vedic learning much before the establishment of the Udupi Krishna Matha during the 13th century. Two ancient temples that today stand within the campus of the Udupi Krishna Matha bear silent testimony to the ancient status and heritage of Udupi. These are the Shree Ananteshwara Temple and the Shree Chandramoleeshwara Temple which date back to the 8th century.

The legends associated with these temples find mention in mythology and date back to the times of the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Shree Ananteshwara Temple ( Anantasana )

Shree Ananteshwara Temple
Shree Ananteshwara Temple

The ancient Shree Ananteshwara Temple that today stands in the shadow of the Udupi Shri Krishna Matha predates the Matha itself. The temple in its current form dates back to the 8th century.

This ancient temple is inextricably linked to the very genesis of the Udupi Shri Krishna Matha as it is with the life and times of Madhavacharya, in fact, the Shree Ananteshwara Temple and its deity played a crucial role in the life of Madhavacharya even before he was born on earth.

Madhyagehabhatta and his wife Vedavati did not have children, they were a pious Brahmin couple who worshipped at the Ananteshwara temple for 12 years. Legend has it that once on the occasion of Vijayadashmi, a mute man clambered up the flagpole of the Ananteshwara Temple and loudly proclaimed that a great and learned man would be born on earth soon.

So it was that Madhavacharya was born to Madhyageha and his wife Vedavati. Madhavacharya spent most of his life in the worship of Ananteshwara and gave birth to his many literary and philosophical treatises in the sacred portals of the temple. Finally, when it was time for him to leave his physical form, he disappeared from within the Ananteshwara temple itself while giving a discourse on the Aitareya Upanishad.

Vaishnavite Saint Jagadguru Shri Madhvacharya
Vaishnavite Saint Jagadguru Shri Madhvacharya

Such is the importance of the ancient and sacred Shree Ananteshwara Temple that it is a customary practice among devotees to first pray to Shree Ananteshwara at the temple before visiting the Krishna temple in Udupi.

The Shree Ananteshwara temple is by itself unique. Here Vishnu is worshipped in the form of a Linga. The deity here is a composite form of both Hari and Hara. According to legend, a king named Ramabhoja worshipped the Parashurama avatar of Vishnu at the place where the temple stands today. Lord Vishnu then manifested himself here as Ananteshwara.

It is believed that the village in ancient times was known as Shivalli, etymologically derived from the words Shiva and Belli ( Silver ). the Brahmins who lived here came to be known as Shivalli Brahmins

Shree Chandramouleeshwara Temple

Shree Chandramouleeshwara Temple
Shree Chandramouleeshwara Temple

Another ancient temple lies adjacent to the Ananteshwara Temple within the complex of the Udupi Shri Krishna Matha. This is the Shree Chandramouleeshwara Devasthaanam. Historically not much information is available about this temple, however, it is believed that this temple too is as old as the Ananteshwara temple if not older. Reference to this temple can be found in the Madhava Vijaya.

Legend has it that the Moon God who bore the curse of Daksha Prajapati did penance and prayed to Lord Shiva to redeem himself near this spot. Lord Shiva appeared before him and relieved him of his curse. The spot where Shiva manifested himself became the Shree Chandramouleeshwara Temple.

It is a practice to first visit the Shree Chandramouleeshwara Temple followed by the Shree Ananteshwara Temple before visiting the Krishna temple in Udupi. To this day the practice is followed and even during the Paryaya ritual, the new Swamiji of Udupi Shri Krishna Matha first takes darshan of Shree Chandramoleshwara followed by Shree Ananteshwara and then Shri Krishna before ascending the Paryaya throne and taking over the reins of the Udupi Sri Krishna Matha.

Sri Krishna Matt Layout | Udupi Krishna Temple Layout And Architecture

Udupi Shri Krishna Mutt

The Udupi Shri Krishna Mutt is actually an integrated campus that has temples and Ashrams or Mathas in its fold. This includes the main Udupi Krishna temple along with the ancient Shree Ananteshwara temple and the Shree Chandramouleeshwara temples. The Udupi Krishna Matha temple incorporates the elements of Drāviḍa Style architecture prevalent in those times.

The Ashta Mathas of Udupi

There are 8 Mathas located here that are collectively known as Ashta Mathas. Madhavacharya chose eight of his disciples for the worship of Udupi Krishna.

Kaniyoor Matha
Kaniyoor Matha in Udupi

In order to give each an opportunity to worshipping the Balakrishna of Udupi, he introduced a system of rotation whereby each disciple got a chance to worship the deity for two months. The legacy of those eight disciples lives on in the Ashta Mathas. These eight Mathas are:

  1. Admaru Matha
  2. Kaniyoor Matha
  3. Krishnapura Matha
  4. Palimaru Matha
  5. Pejavara Matha
  6. Puttige Matha
  7. Shirur Matha
  8. Sodhe Matha

The main Krishna temple stands with the Madhava Sarovara on one side. The seers first take a purification bath in the Madhava Sarovara before starting the ritualistic worship of the deity. The ancient temples of Ananteshwara and Chandramouleshwara are located very near the Krishna temple, and the Ashta Mathas too are clustered around the temple. The Car street or Rathabeedi leads to the temple. There are shops lining Car street.

Navagraha Kitki And Chandrashala Hall At Udupi Krishna Temple

The main deity of the Udupi Krishna temple is viewed through a nine-holed window which is embedded in a wall enclosing the main shrine. The window is known as Navagraha Kitki and is located in a hall named Chandrashala Hall. The hall is the place where you need to head to for Darshan of the idol of Udupi Krishna through the Navagraha Kitki.

There are statues of Hanuman and Madhavacharya that grace the Chandrashala Hall. After the darshan of the idol of Balakrishna through the Nagagraha Kindi. One can sit in the hall and join in the devotional bhajans being sung to Krishna or silently meditate on his eternal form.

Udupi Krishna Temple Miracles | Legends Of Krishna Mutt Udupi | Miracles at Udupi Sri Krishna Matha 

Udupi Sri Krishna Matha
Udupi Krishna Temple

Sri Krishna Mutt Udupi with its ancient associations and intriguing history has many a story hidden in its bosom. There are many legends and stories of miracles associated with the Krishna Matta Udupi, the idol of Balakrishna, as well as Madhavacharya who set up the Udupi Shri Krishna Matha – The Mathura Of Southern India.

One of the most popular of these miracles is associated with Kanaka Dasa, the famous musician, composer, poet, and philosopher. Legend has it that Kanaka Dasa came to Udupi and wanted to have darshan of Udupi Krishna, however in those days, caste discrimination was prevalent, and Kanaka Dasa was denied entry into the temple as he was deemed to be from a ‘lower caste”.

Kanaka Gopuram at Udupi Sri Krishna Matha
Kanaka Gopuram at Udupi Sri Krishna Matha

Kanaka Dasa set up camp outside the temple and sang paeans to Sri Krishna and meditated on his divine form. Lo and behold! the unflinching devotion of Kanaka Dasa had moved even the stone image of Krishna. The idol which was facing east turned westwards and a crack appeared in the temple wall through which, Kanaka Dasa could get a glimpse of his beloved Krishna.

Kanakana Kindi at Udupi Sri Krishna Matha
Kanakana Kindi at Udupi Sri Krishna Matha

Sri Vadiraja Swamy who was a true visionary known for his magnanimity, instead of closing the crack enlarged it and had a window made. That window came to be known as Kanakana Kindi, and the darshan of the Lord through it as Kanakana Kindi. Today even the Pithaadipatis of the Ashta Mathas, during the Paryaaya rituals have darshan of the Lord through the Kanakana Kindi before entering the temple.

Interesting Facts About Udupi Shri Krishna Matha

Krishna Temple Udupi
Krishna Temple Udupi
  • The  idol at the Krishna temple faces West contrary to general practice in most temples where the deities face the eastern direction, this is seen in all the temples of the Udupi Krishna Matha
  • The main deity, Bala Krishna in the Udupi Krishna temple is viewed through an ornate inner window which has 9 viewing holes and is known as Navagraha Kindi and the Darshan is called Navagraha Kindi Darshana. The Nagagraha Kindi is located in a hall known as the Chandrasala Hall
  • There is another window on the outer wall of the temple which is now covered with a Gopura, this window with peepholes is known as Kanakana Kindi and is associated with the legend of Kanakadasa and gives visitors an opportunity for a fleeting Darshan of Udupi Krishna without entering the temple.
  • It is believed that the idol of Krishna was originally facing east but the devotion of Kanakadasa who sang praises to the Lord from outside a wall on the western side made the idol turn westwards, and a crack appeared in the wall through which Lord Krishna gave darshan to Kanakadasa
  • The Udupi Sri Krishna Matha is headed by one of the pontiffs of the Ashta Mathas on a rotational basis, the changeover occurs every 2 years through a religious ritual called Paryaya when the transition of the responsibility of doing Puja to Udupi Sri Krishna and the administration of the Udupi Krishna Matha changes hands
  • A vessel to cook rice along with a ladle is a legacy of the Udupi Shri Krishna Matha that dates back to the time of Sri Madhavacharya, this is known as Akshaya Patra, the handing over of the ladle and vessel is a ritual during the Paryaya that symbolically signifies the handing over the rights for the worship and the administration rights of the Udupi Sri Krishna Matha
  • The Udupi Shree Krishna Matha is the center of the doctrines and theory of Dwaita Philosophy, it was here that Madhavacharya formed and expounded his tenets of Dvaita philosophy

Festivals Celebrated In Krishna Temple | Udupi Sri Krishna Matha Festivals

Udupi Sri Krishna Matha Festivals
Udupi Sri Krishna Matha Festivals

The Udupi Sri Krishna Matha is known for the various colorful events and rituals that are an integral part of its sublime ethos. All Hindu festivals are celebrated with grandeur and devotion at the Udupi Sri Krishna Matha. These include Yugadi which is the Kannada New Year, Matsya Jayanti, Rama Navami, Hanuman Jayanthi, Akshaya Tritiya, Upakarma, Krishna Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Deepavali, and others.

Paryaya At Udupi Sri Krishna Matha

Paryaya At Udupi Sri Krishna Matha
Udupi Sri Krishna Matha        PC: Udupi Krishna Matha

Paryaya is the single most important ritual of the Udupi Sri Krishna Matha and takes place once every two years. This ritual is solemn in nature and involves the transition of the rights to do Puja and administration of the Udupi Krishna Matha from the Swamiji of one of the Ashta Mathas to the Swamiji of another.

However, the ritual transcends solemnity and becomes a joyful celebration with the entire town participating in a colorful, carnival-like atmosphere. Colorful processions and cultural tableaux are a hallmark of the Paryaya ritual. The preparations for the Paryaya begin as early as a year before the event.

It may be noted that before the actual Paryaya ritual four other supplementary programs that are termed as Muhurtas take place, these are as under:

Baale Muhurta

A year before the Paryaya, Banana saplings are planted so that they would yield Banana leaves to be used for serving food during the Paryaya ritual, as thousands of leaves would be required. The ritualistic planting of the Banana saplings to the accompaniment of Vedic chantings is called Baale Muhurta.

Akki Muhurta

Udupi Temple Food - Annadanam at Udupi Krishna Matha
Udupi Temple Food at Sri Krishna Matt – Annadanam at Udupi Krishna Matha

Annadanam is a daily ritual at Sri Krishna Matha In Udupi. With thousands partaking of the Udupi Krishna Temple Prasadam, many tonnes of rice are required daily and the quantity goes up manifold on special occasions like the Paryaya. The Matha pools its own resources along with the donation from the general public. The first pile of rice is gathered at an auspicious moment and this is called Akki (Rice) Muhurta.

A complete, traditional and sattvic meal is served daily free of charge to devotees in the big dining halls at the Udupi Sri Krishna Matha.

Kattige Muhurta

Fuel is another big requirement during the Paryaya. Six months before the Paryaya wood for fuel is collected and neatly arranged in the form of a chariot at the North-Eastern corner of the Madhavasarovara. The first pile of wood is picked up at an auspicious moment and this is termed as Kattiga Muhurta.

Bhatta Muhurta

Large quantities of rice are required during the second year of the Paryaya too. However, for this instead of rice, paddy is procured. Those who were not able to offer rice during Akki Muhurta offer paddy now. The beginning of the collection of paddy is called Bhatta Muhurta and this happens a few days before the Paryaya.

Before assuming the responsibilities of the Krishna Matha, the Swamiji who would ascend the Paryaya Peetha goes on a Teertha yatra visiting all the holy places in India and then returns to Udupi. A grand procession escorts him as he does the Pura Pravesha in Udupi.

Rice, Paddy, vegetables, and other offerings are donated by organizations and people from different strata of society. This is referred to as Horakanike or Hasiruvaani.

The Paryaya rituals begin with an early morning procession at 2.00 AM on the first day. The heads of all the Ashta Mathas excepting the incumbent head of Udupi Krishna Matha are taken in a procession from a place called Jodukatte to the beginning of the Car Street. The procession has all the elements of a carnival and has musicians, puppets, dancers, and colorful floats depicting the cultural heritage of the region and scenes from mythology.

At the entrance to Car street, the pontiffs of all the Ashta Mathas alight and first take darshan of Udupi Krishna through the Kananakana Kindi below the Kanaka Gopura. They then proceed for the darshan of Chandramouleeshwara followed by the darshan of Ananteshwara. Only after this do the seers enter the Shri Krishna Matha.

The current head of the Udupi Sri Krishna Matha receives the seers and escorts the seer who is to ascend the Paryaya Peetha for darshan of Udupi Krishna. After this, the symbolic handover of the reins of the matha is done by the handing over of the Akshaya Patra, after which the new head of the Matha sits on the Sarvajna Simhaasana which is a silver throne placed at the very spot where Madhavacharya used to sit on a stone slab.

Udupi Sri Krishna Temple Timings | Udupi Krishna Temple Darshan Timings

The daily activities at Udupi Sri Krishna Matha begin at 4 am. The temple is open until 9 – 9.30 pm. The various Pujas / Sevas start at 5.30 am and go on till 9 – 9.30 pm. People can visit the shrine for Udupi Krishna Temple Darshan during this time.

Daily Puja And Rituals At Sri Krishna Temple | Daily Rituals At Udupi Sri Krishna Matha | Krishna Temple Udupi Rituals And Puja/Sevas 

Daily Rituals At Udupi Sri Krishna Matha
Daily Puja At Udupi Sri Krishna Matha       PC: Udupi Sri Krishna Matha

As in all Hindu temples, there are many pujas and rituals that take place at the Krishna temple in Udupi that starts from the early morning and goes on till night. Here is a list of the daily pujas and rituals to the Balakrishna of Udupi.

Daily Puja And Rituals At Sri Krishna Temple

Name of Seva/Puja at Udupi Krishna Matha

Name of Seva/Puja at Udupi Krishna Matha

Udupi Temple Lunch Timings & Dinner Timings – Free Food | Annadanam

Udupi Krishna Temple Lunch Timings is from 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm and dinner time is from 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm.

Udupi Krishna Photos | Udupi Krishna Temple Images | Udupi Sri Krishna’s Darshan | Images of Udupi Krishna

Udupi Krishna Photos | Udupi Krishna Temple Images | Udupi Sri Krishna's Darshan | Images of Udupi Krishna
Udupi Krishna Photos | Udupi Krishna Temple Images | Udupi Sri Krishna’s Darshan | Images of Udupi Krishna     PC: Udupi Krishna Mathas

Karnataka Tourism – Udupi Tourism

Read on to plan your trip to Udupi in Karnataka, India.

How To Reach Udupi Sri Krishna Temple Karnataka | Sri Krishna Temple Udupi Location And Address With Map

Udupi Sri Krishna Temple
Udupi Sri Krishna Temple

Udupi Sri Krishna Matha Location

Location Map

Udupi City Map

Udupi City Map

Bangalore To Udupi Route Map / Directions

Bangalore To Udupi Route Map – Directions

Mangalore To Udupi Route Map / Directions

Mangalore To Udupi Route Map / Directions

Udupi Shri Krishna Matha Address:

Temple Car Street,
Sri Krishna Temple Complex,
Thenkpete, Maruthi Veethika,
Udupi – 576101
Karnataka

Udupi Sri Krishna Temple Contact Number

Mutt No. 0820-2520598

  • The Udupi Sri Krishna Matha is located in Udupi, Karnataka, India
  • The address of the temple is Temple Car St, Sri Krishna Temple Complex, Thenkpete, Maruthi Veethika, Udupi, Karnataka 576101
  • Udupi is well connected by rail, road, and air
  • The nearest airport to Udupi is the Mangaluru International Airport at a distance of about 59 kilometers
  • Udupi has a railway station and is well connected
  • Udupi is well connected to Bengaluru, Mangaluru, and other cities and towns in Karnataka. There are lots of State-run buses as well as private buses
  • Udupi is at a distance of about 404 kilometers from Bengaluru (Bangalore)
  • Within Udupi, one can commute using buses, auto-rickshaws, and cabs

Reaching Udupi Krishna Temple By Air

The nearest airport to Udupi is in Mangalore which is at a distance of about 59 kilometers. One can fly to Mangalore which is well connected by air to major cities. One can fly to Mangalore from cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, etc..

Reaching Udupi Krishna Temple By Rail

Udupi Railway Station is about 4 kilometers from the Udupi Sri Krishna Matha. The station is on the Konkan Railway line and connects Udupi to various cities across India. These include Mumbai, Vadodara, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Chandigarh, Jodhpur, etc..

Reaching Udupi Krishna Temple By Road

Udupi is well connected by road. Private buses, as well as KSRTC buses, ply to Udupi regularly from Bangalore. Udupi can also be easily accessed from other places by road.

So, do the images of Udupi Sri Krishna Matha haunt you and you want to get there soon? If you are thinking of a trip to Udupi. you can book your flights right here! You can book a cheap flight right here through TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline and come to Udupi. If you are thinking of a road trip to Udupi or anywhere in India check out the rental car and bus options.

Udupi Sri Krishna Temple Devasthanam Accommodation

Hotels In Udupi
Hotels In Udupi

The Shri Krishna Matha Udupi is managed by 8 Mathas ( Mutts) Some of these Mathas run a few guesthouses like Admar Mutt Guest House.

There are many options of accommodation in Udupi very near the Udupi Sri Krishna Matha temple as well as in the surrounding area. The choices range from budget accommodation to luxury hotels and resorts based on your choice and preferences.

If you are planning a visit to Udupi for a darshan of Lord Sri Krishna, you can book your accommodation right here:

hotel near Udupi Sri Krishna Matha through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip or Priceline conveniently right here!

Click to book the best hotels and best resorts in Udupi City or in Mangalore

Other Udupi Temples to Visit Apart From Krishna Temple

  • Sri Ananteshwara Temple
  • Sri Chandramouleeshwara Temple
  • Sri Indrani Panchadurga Parameshwar Temple
  • Ananta Padmanabha Temple

Udupi Sri Krishna Matha – Good To Know Information

  • Though there is no Dress code for general Darshan, it is prudent to dress modestly as befits a religious place
  • The temple opens early morning around 4.00 AM and closes around 9.00 PM, do check for actual Darshan timings as these may vary if there is a festival happening
  • One can book various Pujas and Rituals / Sevas to Lord Krishna at the Seva counter
  • The temple feeds around 30,000 people a day through Annadanam, the food served is partaken as Prasadam at the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple, Udupi Krishna Temple Lunch Timings is from 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm and dinner time is from 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm
  • The best time to visit the temple is around the Chamara and Aarthi Seva times, especially the evening Aarti At Udupi Sri Krishna Temple is a great time to visit
  • The evening Maha Mangala Arti starts around 7 pm and goes on till 7.30 pm. One must not miss this Udupi Krishna Aarti
  • Sri Krishna of Udupi is dressed up as Devi in various forms during the Navratri festival
  • Ensure to take bath before visiting the temple
  • Cigarettes, Tobacco, Gutkha, chewing of betel leaves, bubble gum, chewing gum inside the temple is not allowed
  • Do not smoke or spit in the Sri Krishna temple
  • Footwear is not allowed inside the Sri Krishna Math

Udupi Sri Krishna Matha – FAQ

How can I reach Udupi Krishna Temple?

The temple is in Udupi which is well connected by rail, road, air, and public transport like KSRTC and private buses are easily available.

What is the best time to visit the Udupi Krishna Temple in Udupi, Karnataka?

The Winter season between October to February is ideal when the weather is quite cool. The best time to have darshan at Udupi Krishna Matha is during the mornings and evenings.

Why Udupi Krishna is famous?

Udupi is famous as a center of Krishna worship and being a center for the Tatvavada or Dvaita philosophy of Madhavacharya.

Why is Udupi known as Anna Brahma Kshetra?

Thousands of people are fed on a daily basis right from the time of Madhavacharya at the Udupi Sri Krishna Matha. The Bhojanashala or Dining hall was constructed in 1915 by Shri Lakshmi Samudra Thirtha Swamiji in 1915. Thousands are blessed daily with the Annadanam at the Udupi Krishna temple. This is the reason why Udupi is called Anna Brahma Kshetra. It may be noted that Tirupati is known as Kanchana Brahma Kshetra and Pandharapur is known as Nada Brahma Kshetra.

How many mutts are there in Udupi?

There are 8 Mathas in Udupi and hence it is known as Ashta Matha.

Why Udupi Krishna is seen through a window?

Udupi Krishna is seen through a window with 9-openings known as Navagraha Kindi.

Is there a Udupi Krishna Temple Prasadam Counter?

Yes, there is a Prasadam counter within the complex of Shri Krishna Matha Udupi.

Udupi Krishna Temple Prasadam
Udupi Krishna Temple Prasadam Counter

Why did Krishna come to Udupi?

Krishna never came to Dwarka in his physical form, legend has it that the Krishna idol came in a ship from Dwarka.

Are jeans allowed in the Udupi temple?

As such, there is no restriction on the dress but one needs to be dressed moderately as befitting a religious place.

Is there Aarti Darshan Of Udupi Sri Krishna?

Yes, Udupi Krishna Aarti is a nice time to visit the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple In Karnataka.

Is there Udupi Krishna Temple Online Seva?

Though there is no Udupi Sri Krishna Temple Official Website, the Mathas have websites, and details of this as well as Udupi Krishna Temple Online Donation can be obtained there.

Is there a Udupi Sri Krishna Temple Contact Number?

There is no official contact number that is available for the public, the best option is to contact the Mathas. The number is 0820-2520598.

How did Udupi get its name?

Udupi gets its name from Udupa, another name for Shiva.

Is it possible to Pull the Chariot Of Udupi Sri Krishna?

It is during the festivals.

What are the Legends Of Krishna Mutt Udupi?

There are many myths and legends around the temple, please refer to our article above.

We hope that you liked reading about the Udupi Sri Krishna Matha and our Udupi Krishna Matha blog post is helpful to you when visiting Udupi. Do share your thoughts with us through the comments section or through any of our social media handles. Subscribe to our blog for updates about new posts. Follow us on our social media channels to follow our journeys.

Reference: Sumadhva Vijaya, a biographical account of Madhavacharya’s life by Sri Narayana Panditacharya( English Translation)

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Udupi Sri Krishna Matha

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TA CJUdupi Sri Krishna Matha - A Complete Guide To Udupi Temple

30 thoughts on “Udupi Sri Krishna Matha – A Complete Guide To Udupi Temple”

  1. Very detailed and informative blog. It not only covers the historical aspects, but also details on services performed, how to reach the temple and many other useful points on making your trip a memorable one.

  2. Thanks for sharing detailed information about this temple. It looks awesome with wonderful architecture. Nice to know about this temple. And thanks for finding out this gem and sharing with us all. The accommodation also looks neat and clean.

  3. This blog deserves a mention just for the efforts you’ve put to make it so informative. History has always bored me, but this is the first time it caught my attention. My learning was huge. And definitely the guide to travel is also such a job well done.

  4. Wow. Such a detailed post. I mean it covers everything & all that would be required to visit properly. It will surely benefit travellers & devotees a lot.

  5. It’s interesting that Udupi means Shiva. And the Krishna math is such a draw. It’s really interesting to see how the two deities are intertwined . I would like to see this some day.

  6. I have been to Udupi with my friend a long time ago when we were doing a coastal travel. Even though I am not a religious person, I still loved visiting this temple because of the architecture and the devotion people carry when they visit, it is interesting to watch these people.

  7. That is such a detailed post, Sandy and Vijay. I could see that you have shared all the information related to the temple and even way to reach there, shopping around and hotels to stay as well. Thats what I like best about your blog as it has everything in one place.

  8. I heave heard about Udupi before but didn’t know about its history. But what a beautifully detailed article I must say.

  9. A very detailed blog. We are vaishbav’s and worship lord Krishna in the baby idol form- Bal Krishna or Thakorji as we say. Dwarka and Nathdwara are our main places to go every year. So I throughly enjoyed reading about the history of the child idol of krishna and how the udupi temple came up. My mom has traveled the entire length and breadth of India for darshans and I am sure she must have been here too. She has been to so so many places that I also dont remember where all she has been.

  10. A very detailed and informative post. I loved reading about all the legends and myths associated with the Udupi Sree Krishna temple and all the temples that share close bonds with it. I never knew that was how the idol of Bala Krishna landed in Udupi! Very informative post.

  11. Wow… brilliantly compiled post.8 could see the efforts you must have put in compiling this post. I wasn’t aware of any of it. Thanks a lot for educating me.

  12. this is such a beautiful and detailed post about Udupi Sri Krishna Matha.. I love the majestic beauty and the facts are also amazing, specially the legacy of rice vessle

  13. More than the pictures I enjoyed reading about the history and detailed information about the temple. Just when I was thinking how Krishna arrived there, you answered it.

  14. the infrastructure of udupi matha temple looking really amazing and I would love to visit this place someday in future with my family. loved the detailing in your post and you have covered all aspect of visit including history and important facts so well in this post.

  15. I just loved the way you have covered all the details in this article. Thanks for sharing as now I am so much interested to visit!!

  16. Awesome, what a piece of extensive information sharing about Sri Krishna Matha Udupi Temple; indeed, this post is no less than a perfect guide; one can get all the related information once he/she plans to visit the temple.

  17. Wow such a detailed post and this temple looks so calm and must to visit!! Thanks for sharing every single detail!!

  18. Thiis sure is an ultimate temple guide of Udupi. Saving this post, will come in handy whenever we plan a visit to this place.

  19. That’s yet another wonderful piece of gem written by you guys. Love dreading about the Udupi Sri Krishna matha and other Ashta Mathas Of Udupi. Great read on our history and mythology.

  20. My maa loves visiting such places and I have promised her that our first trip will be to Karnataka this time. Thank you for mentioning everything in such a detailed format.

  21. The Other Brain Inc.

    Oh I didn’t know of this temple nor did I know that Udupi means Shiva. Thanks for sharing these insightful details about the temple. The accommodation looks comfy.

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