Udupi Sri Krishna Matha: A Center of Dvaita Philosophy and Devotion
Opening Hours
6:00 AM - 9:30 PM (Subject to change; confirm before visiting)
Best Time To Visit
October to March (Pleasant weather), During Krishna Janmashtami
Aarti Timing
Morning Aarti (Kakadarati) : 5:30 AM - 6:00 AM (Approximate)Noon Aarti : 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM (Approximate)
Udupi Sri Krishna Matha is a renowned Hindu temple and monastery located in Udupi, Karnataka. Founded by the great philosopher Sri Madhvacharya in the 13th century, it is a major center for the Dvaita (dualistic) school of Vedanta. The Matha is known for its unique Kanakana Kindi, its daily rituals, and its vibrant cultural traditions, offering a profound spiritual experience for devotees.
Expectations for Pilgrims
A **darshan (auspicious viewing)** of Lord Krishna through the Kanakana Kindi (window).
Participating in the **daily prayers and rituals**, including the colorful Rathotsava (chariot festival) if the timing aligns.
Experiencing the **Anna Dana (free meal)**, a tradition of serving sanctified food to all visitors.
Sanctified Offerings: Prasad from Lord Krishna
Prasad at Udupi Sri Krishna Matha is a vital part of the experience, symbolizing the blessings of Lord Krishna. It consists primarily of sanctified vegetarian food prepared with meticulous care and offered to the deity before being distributed to devotees.
Prasad / Prasadam :
Note : Prasad is readily available within the Matha premises. Boondi Ladoo and Chakkuli are often sold near the entrance. The Anna Dana is served in the dining hall at specified times throughout the day. Special arrangements may be made for larger groups. Check with Matha authorities for details.
What to Offer: Expressing Devotion to Lord Krishna
Devotees visiting Udupi Sri Krishna Matha can offer various items to express their devotion and seek the blessings of Lord Krishna. These offerings range from simple gestures to more elaborate rituals.
Devotee's Offerings
Offerings should be made with a pure heart and sincere devotion. Consult with the priests or Matha authorities for guidance on specific offerings or rituals.
Essential Experiences: Immersion in Krishna Bhakti
Activities:
Darshan through Kanakana Kindi
Participating in Rathotsava
Sacred Rituals & Pujas: Connecting with Krishna's Grace
Udupi Sri Krishna Matha is renowned for its elaborate daily rituals and pujas (worship ceremonies), reflecting the strict adherence to Dvaita philosophy. These rituals offer devotees a direct connection with the divine.
Attending Pujas:
Morning Prayers (Kakadarati)
Afternoon Prayers (Mahapooja)
Evening Prayers (Ratri Pooja)
Non Attending Pujas:
Attending regular prayers is free and open to all. For sponsoring specific Seva offerings, contact the Matha authorities in advance. Information can usually be found on their official website or by contacting them directly. Advance booking might be required for certain Sevas.
Historical Roots & Profound Meaning: The Legacy of Sri Madhvacharya
Udupi Sri Krishna Matha is deeply rooted in the teachings of Sri Madhvacharya, a prominent philosopher who established the Dvaita school of Vedanta in the 13th century.
Significance: A Paramount Spiritual Beacon
Udupi Sri Krishna Matha holds immense significance as a center of Dvaita philosophy, a place of profound devotion, and a cultural hub in Karnataka.
Key Aspects:
- Center of Dvaita Philosophy The Matha is a primary center for the study and propagation of the Dvaita philosophy, which emphasizes the distinction between the individual soul (Atman) and the Supreme Soul (Brahman).
- Preservation of Traditions The Matha plays a vital role in preserving ancient Hindu traditions, rituals, and practices, ensuring their continuity for future generations.
- Spiritual Guidance and Community Service The Matha provides spiritual guidance to devotees and engages in various community service activities, reflecting its commitment to both spiritual growth and social welfare.
Opening Hours
Sunday : 4:30 AM – 9:30 PM Monday : 4:30 AM – 9:30 PM Tuesday : 4:30 AM – 9:30 PM Wednesday : 4:30 AM – 9:30 PM Thursday : 4:30 AM – 9:30 PM Friday : 4:30 AM – 9:30 PM Saturday : 4:30 AM – 9:30 PM
User Review
Total Reviews : 43173
- Star Rating :
Author Name : Hari 97
Review Time : a month ago
Review : Udupi Shri Krishna Matha is not merely a temple—it is a profound spiritual experience wrapped in history, devotion, and divinity. Nestled in the coastal town of Udupi in Karnataka, this sacred shrine exudes an aura of serenity and timelessness. As you step into its precincts, the rhythmic chanting of mantras and the fragrance of incense instantly transport you to a realm of inner peace.
Founded in the 13th century by the great saint Sri Madhvacharya, the Matha is home to a unique idol of Lord Krishna, richly adorned and worshipped through the Kanakana Kindi—a small window through which the Lord is believed to have given darshan to the saint Kanakadasa. This rare tradition of viewing the deity through a window adds a touch of mysticism and humility, emphasizing that divine grace transcends caste, creed, and status.
The temple’s architecture is simple yet profoundly spiritual, with traditional wooden carvings, a stone-clad sanctum, and tranquil surroundings that echo the chants of devotion. The daily rituals, especially the naivedya (food offering), are deeply rooted in tradition and draw hundreds of devotees, all of whom are served the famous Anna Prasada—a wholesome, soul-satisfying meal in the temple dining hall.
What truly sets Udupi Shri Krishna Matha apart is its unwavering sense of continuity—a spiritual lineage that has preserved the teachings of Dvaita philosophy while embracing devotees from all walks of life. Whether you seek solace, culture, or divine inspiration, the temple opens its doors with grace and warmth.
A visit to Udupi Shri Krishna Matha leaves you with a quiet joy and a deep connection to something eternal. It is not just a destination, but a sacred journey into the heart of devotion. - Star Rating :
Author Name : Shankar Mahadevan
Review Time : a week ago
Review : This temple is one of the finest divine places I have visited, showcasing a blend of both North and South Indian architectural styles..😊😇
The temple tends to be quite crowded on weekends; it is advisable to purchase special Darshan tickets if you are accompanied by elderly individuals.. 👍🏻
There are numerous parking facilities and accommodations available in close proximity to the temple.. 🙂
Witnessing the vision of Krishna through the nine openings of a window provides a distinct and divine experience, particularly in contrast to other temples.. 🥹☺️ - Star Rating :
Author Name : Sambit Tripathy
Review Time : 2 weeks ago
Review : The Pratima in the mandir is really majestic and adorable. The way the Lord Krishna stares at you in the temple you will feel mesmerized as if the Lord may himself just come out of the place as soon as you open the door of the temple. There is a huge parking lot infront of the main temple so you can park your vehicles there. Restrooms and washrooms are also available for the travellers outside the temple. Well you can get a bit confused about the entrance of the temple if it's your first time because the temple entrance isn't very prominent so read the instructions and directions. The floor and stairs leading to the hall are always wet and slippery so please be cautious enough. Depending on the amount of rush and people you have to be prepared to stand in long queue. Special entry tickets are also available which may shortened your queue. The place got a very divine and sacred environment. The chanting of the Lord Krishna name will feel your heart with devotion. After the darshan of the Lord you can check the other temple in the premises and then head back to the Dining hall to get some prasadam. The floor of the dining hall is always wet and sticky and you have to sit on it to have prasadam. You will be served the prasad on steel plates so to be honest it didn't feel very hygienic to me but as we say everything works in the temple. There is also a geeta temple outside the main temple and some small shops offerings you shoppings stuffs incase you wish to buy souvenirs as well as the minor drinks and snacks shop. You can buy prasad at the exit gate with appropriate payment. Overall it was good experience. - Star Rating :
Author Name : DEEPI ASHOK
Review Time : a week ago
Review : Udupi Sri Krishna Matha temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna.
The history of Udupi Krishna Temple dates back to the 13th century when it was established by Madhvacharya, one of the greatest saints and philosophers of his time.
The temple complex is not just a place of worship but also a center for spiritual learning and enlightenment. It houses the Ashta Mathas, which are eight monasteries dedicated to different aspects of Lord Krishna.
The Udupi Krishna Temple is steeped in mythological stories and mystical miracles. One such story is that of the Kanakana Kindi, a small window through which Lord Krishna is said to have given darshan to his devotee, Kanakadasa, who was denied entry into the temple due to his lower caste.The sight of the beautiful Muddu Krishna is available to everybody through the Kanakanakindi.
There are also stories of hidden treasures within the temple.
The architecture of the Krishna temple complex in Udupi is a perfect blend of Dravidian, Hoysala&Vijayanagara styles.
The Udupi Krishna Temple is open to devotees from early morning 05:00 am to 11:00 am& 06:00 pm to 09:00 pm.
Udupi Sri Krishna Temple offers free meals to devotees during lunch (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM) and dinner (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM). These meals are part of the temple's Anna Dana program
Udupi is well-connected by road, rail& air. The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport, which is approximately 60 kilometers away. Udupi has its own railway station, and several trains connect it to major cities in India. Buses and taxis are also available for convenient transportation. - Star Rating :
Author Name : Venkatesh Srinath
Review Time : a month ago
Review : The Udupi Krishna Temple is a very spiritual and peaceful place. I visited on a public holiday, and it was extremely crowded, but it was worth waiting in the long queue to get a glimpse of Lord Krishna and receive blessings. However, I feel the temple management could take more steps to better control the crowd and make the experience smoother for devotees.