Udupi Shri Krishna Matha
Consecrated in the 13th Century by Jagadguru Sri Madhvacharyaru.
The sacred abode of Kadagolu Bala Krishna, worshipped through the revered Navagraha Kindi.
೧೩ನೇ ಶತಮಾನದಲ್ಲಿ ಜಗದ್ಗುರು ಶ್ರೀ ಮಧ್ವಾಚಾರ್ಯರಿಂದ ಪ್ರತಿಷ್ಠಾಪಿತವಾದ ಪವಿತ್ರ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರ. ಪವಿತ್ರ ನವಗ್ರಹ ಕಿಂಡಿಯ ಮೂಲಕ ಪೂಜಿಸಲ್ಪಡುವ ಕಡಗೋಲು ಬಾಲಕೃಷ್ಣನ ದಿವ್ಯ ಸನ್ನಿಧಿ.
Darshana Timings / ದರ್ಶನ ಸಮಯ
Nitya Anna Dasoha / ನಿತ್ಯ ಅನ್ನ ದಾಸೋಹ
Wholesome satvik meals served free of cost to thousands of visiting pilgrims daily in the Annabrahma Bhojana Shale.
Sacred Tradition / ದರ್ಶನದ ಕ್ರಮ
Pilgrims traditionally take a dip at Madhva Sarovara, visit Sri Chandramouleshwara and Sri Anantheshwara first, before receiving darshana of Lord Krishna through the Kindi.
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Kadagolu Krishna (ಕಡಗೋಲು ಕೃಷ್ಣ)
Lord Krishna holds a churning rod (kadagolu) in His right hand and a cord in His left, depicting the tender childhood pastime of churning butter that captivated mother Yashoda and Rukmini Devi.The Legend of Gopichandana & Consecration by Sri Madhvacharyaru
The sacred Saligrama idol of Sri Krishna worshipped in Udupi has a celestial origin. Sculpted by the divine architect Vishwakarma in the Dvapara Yuga, it was cherished and worshipped daily by Lord Krishna's queen consort, Rukmini Devi, in Dvaraka.
In the 13th century, a merchant ship carrying ballast of Gopichandana (sacred sandal clay) was caught in a fierce sea tempest near the Malpe coast. Absorbed in deep meditation on the shore, Sri Madhvacharyaru perceived the danger through divine insight. He waved his ochre shawl (angavastra), pacifying the violent storm and guiding the vessel safely to port.
Declining all wealth offered in gratitude, Sri Madhvacharyaru requested only the heavy lumps of Gopichandana. Upon washing the clay in the sacred Madhva Sarovara, the breathtaking murthi of Lord Kadagolu Krishna emerged. Acharya Madhva carried and consecrated the deity on the auspicious festival of Makara Sankranti, establishing the eternal Udupi Shri Krishna Matha.
Kanakana Kindi & Navagraha Kindi
Why the Lord of Udupi faces westward and is beheld exclusively through a nine-holed silver window.
The Sacred Navagraha Kindi (Kanakana Kindi)
The historic silver window through which all pilgrims receive darshana of Lord Krishna.
The Devotion of Kanakadasaru / ಕನಕದಾಸರ ಅನನ್ಯ ಭಕ್ತಿ
During the 16th century, the celebrated saint-poet Sri Kanakadasaru visited Udupi longing for darshana of Lord Krishna. Excluded by contemporary social barriers from entering the sanctum, Kanakadasaru took refuge outside the western outer wall, singing his immortal prayer:
“ಬಾಗಿಲನು ತೆರೆದು ಸೇವೆಯನು ಕೊಡೊ ಹರಿಯೇ...” (Baagilanu teredu seveyanu kodo Hariye...)
Moved by the purity of his surrender, Lord Krishna's idol miraculously turned 180 degrees westward, splitting the stone wall to bestow direct, joyous darshana upon Kanakadasaru.
The Sacred Navagraha Kindi / ಪವಿತ್ರ ನವಗ್ರಹ ಕಿಂಡಿ
Witnessing this divine miracle, the revered seer Sri Vadiraja Teertharu instituted a silver-plated window containing nine sacred apertures (representing the Navagrahas) at the opening.
He established that henceforth, all devotees—whether pontiffs, kings, or pilgrims—would view the deity solely through this sacred window, affirming that pure devotion transcends all external divides.
The 14 Daily Poojas (Nitya Shodasha Poojas)
Instituted by Sri Madhvacharyaru, these 14 elaborate pujas are performed consecutively from dawn to night by the reigning Paryaya Swamiji with absolute sanctity.
Nirmalya Visarjane Pooja / ನಿರ್ಮಾಲ್ಯ ವಿಸರ್ಜನೆ ಪೂಜೆ
Removing previous day's floral adornments. Devotees receive the first holy Viswaroopa Darshana at auspicious Brahma Muhurtha.
Ushakala Pooja / ಉಷಃಕಾಲ ಪೂಜೆ
Dawn worship with fresh fragrant water, sandalwood paste (chandana), Tulasi archana, and morning Naivedya.
Akshaya Patra & Go Pooja / ಅಕ್ಷಯಪಾತ್ರ ಮತ್ತು ಗೋಪೂಜೆ
Reverence to the sacred Akshaya Patra vessel gifted by Sri Madhvacharyaru and worship of Gomata for universal food abundance.
Panchamrita Pooja / ಪಂಚಾಮೃತ ಪೂಜೆ
Divine abhisheka of the Saligrama idol with milk, curds, clarified butter (ghee), honey, and sugar candy.
Udwartana Pooja / ಉದ್ವರ್ತನ ಪೂಜೆ
Cleansing the deity using herbal green gram powder and warm water, reflecting intimate motherly care (Vatsalya Bhava).
Kalasha Pooja / ಕಲಶ ಪೂಜೆ
Consecration of holy river waters (Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari) inside golden and silver Kalashas with Vedic hymns.
Teertha Pooja / ತೀರ್ಥ ಪೂಜೆ
Maha Abhisheka performed with the sanctified Kalasha waters, accompanied by resonant conch shell and bell chimes.
Alankara Pooja / ಅಲಂಕಾರ ಪೂಜೆ
Adorning child Krishna in silken peetambara, antique jewellery, diamond crowns, and fragrant Tulasi garlands.
Avasara Sanakadi Pooja / ಅವಸರ ಸನಕಾದಿ ಪೂಜೆ
Worship performed on behalf of the four celestial Sanakadi sages who visit the sanctum in invisible spiritual form.
Maha Pooja / ಮಹಾ ಪೂಜೆ
The pinnacle forenoon ritual conducted personally by the Paryaya Swamiji with Sahasranama archana, naivedya, and Maha Mangalarathi.
Chamara Seva Pooja / ಚಾಮರ ಸೇವಾ ಪೂಜೆ
Twilight sandhya adoration featuring Vedic recitation, burning incense, oil lamps, and royal yak-tail chamara fanning.
Ratri Pooja / ರಾತ್ರಿ ಪೂಜೆ
Nocturnal puja surrounded by hundreds of glowing oil lamps, naivedya, and the vibrant Car Street chariot procession.
Mantapa Pooja / ಮಂಟಪ ಪೂಜೆ (ರಂಗಪೂಜೆ)
Rangapooja in the Teertha Mantapa celebrating Ashtavadhana Seva: classical music, dance, sankeertana, and Vedic chanting.
Shayanotsava (Ekanta Seva) / ಶಯನೋತ್ಸವ
Gently rocking child Krishna in a golden cradle (Swarna Tottilu) to soothing Haridasa lullabies, bringing the day's worship to quiet rest.
The Sacred Paryaya System & The Akshaya Patra
To ensure uninterrupted worship, Sri Madhvacharyaru initiated eight disciples into sannyasa, founding the Ashta Mathas. Originally, each pontiff served a two-month term.
In 1522 CE, the visionary seer Sri Vadiraja Teertharu reformed this tradition, establishing the biennial 2-year Paryaya cycle celebrated during Makara Sankranti every even year, during which the historic Akshaya Patra is ceremonially transferred to the incoming pontiff.
Anna Brahma Kshetra
"Udupi is Anna Brahma" — feeding visiting pilgrims is worshipped as the supreme devotion to Lord Krishna.
Dwandva Matha System
The 8 monasteries are paired into 4 sister pairs for close spiritual and administrative collaboration.
Madhva Sarovara
The sacred rectangular stepped tank sanctified by Sri Madhvacharyaru with holy Ganga presence every 12 years.
The Suvarna Gopura
The resplendent golden dome adorning the sanctum sanctorum, gifted through universal devotee offerings.
Guidelines & Sacred Etiquette for Pilgrims
Dress Code / ವಸ್ತ್ರಸಂಹಿತೆ
Modest attire. Men wear dhotis or trousers and remove shirts before entering the inner sanctum. Women wear sarees or salwar suits.
Photography / ಛಾಯಾಗ್ರಹಣ
Cameras and phone photography inside the sanctum sanctorum and near the Navagraha Kindi are strictly prohibited.
Traditional Order / ದರ್ಶನ ಕ್ರಮ
Pilgrims traditionally visit Sri Chandramouleshwara and Sri Anantheshwara before taking darshana of Lord Krishna.
Pilgrim Inquiries & Darshana Guide
What are the general Darshana timings at Udupi Shri Krishna Matha?
The sanctum is open daily from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Maha Pooja takes place between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM.
What is the dress code for visitors entering the temple?
Men are requested to wear dhoti or formal trousers and remove shirts before sanctum entry. Women are requested to wear sarees or traditional Indian attire.
How does one have darshana of Lord Krishna?
Lord Krishna is viewed exclusively through the nine-holed silver window known as the Navagraha Kindi, situated behind the historic Kanakana Kindi.
What is the Nitya Anna Dasoha (Anna Brahma Prasada) schedule?
Free satvik meals are served to all pilgrims daily from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM (lunch) and from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM (dinner) in the Annabrahma Bhojana Shale.
Who founded the temple and instituted its traditions?
The temple was consecrated in the 13th century by Jagadguru Sri Madhvacharyaru, the founder of the Dvaita Vedanta school of philosophy.
Sacred Glimpses of Sri Krishna Matha / ಶ್ರೀ ಕೃಷ್ಣ ಮಠದ ಪಾವನ ದರ್ಶನ
Iconic sights, sacred waters, and daily traditions that define the spiritual heartbeat of Udupi.
Navagraha Kindi / ನವಗ್ರಹ ಕಿಂಡಿ
The silver-plated nine-aperture window of darshana.
Anna Brahma Dining Hall / ಅನ್ನ ಬ್ರಹ್ಮ
Thousands served wholesome free satvik meals daily.
Madhva Sarovara / ಮಧ್ವ ಸರೋವರ
Sacred water tank sanctified by Sri Madhvacharyaru.
Car Street Rathotsava / ರಥೋತ್ಸವ
Grand evening chariot procession illuminated by lamps.
Latest Updates from Social Channels / ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ ಜಾಲತಾಣಗಳಿಂದ ನವೀಕರಣಗಳು
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