Popular Temple
Udupi Sri Krishna Matha
Udupi, Karnataka
Where devotees glimpse Krishna through a window — a matha founded by the saint Madhvacharya
At a glance
- Location
- Udupi, Karnataka
- Presiding deity
- Lord Krishna (as a child)
- Temple type
- Popular Temple
- Tradition
- Vaishnava
- Nearest railway station
- Udupi railway station (~3-3.2 km)
- Nearest airport
- Mangalore International Airport (~58 km)
- Best time to visit
- October to February; Janmashtami and the biennial Paryaya festival (marking the change of the presiding swami) are especially grand.
History
The Udupi Krishna Matha was founded in the 13th century by Madhvacharya, the propounder of Dvaita Vedanta. Its most distinctive tradition is the "Kanakana Kindi" (Kanaka's Window) — legend holds that the saint-poet Kanakadasa, once denied temple entry on caste grounds, was granted a vision when the idol miraculously turned to face him through a rear window; devotees still view the deity through this same window today.
Spiritual significance
Udupi is also world-famous for its distinctive vegetarian cuisine, and "Udupi-style" cooking has become synonymous with restaurants across India.
Plan your visit
Darshan timings
5:30 AM to 9:00 PM, with several daily puja sessions.
Timings change on festivals and special occasions. Confirm with the temple's official source before you travel.
Udupi railway station lies on the Konkan Railway line, connected to Mumbai, Goa, and Mangalore; autos and taxis easily cover the route from the station to the temple.
Continue your Krishna bhakti
Devotional texts for this deity, already on the site.