Historical information

The Udupi is said to have attained the status of Vaikuntham, kingdom or abode of God. The town is famous place of pilgrimage in Karnataka and among Hindus because of this temple of Lord Sri Krishna and Sri Krishna Matha.

Udupi Krishna : The Krishna Matha was founded by the Vaishnavite saint Sri Madhwacharya in 13th century. He was the founder of the Dwaitha School of Vedanta. It is believed that Saint Madhwacharya found the Murty of Lord Sri Krishna in large ball of gopichandana.

As informed by Saint Sri Madhwacharya, in his Tantrasara Sangraha, the Murty is placed in West Pashchimabhimukha. All the other Murthy in other Astha mutts are facing Western as well. Once Sant Kanakadasa, pious worshipper and devotee of Lord Krishna, was staying in makeshift hermitage in front of Krishna mutt. Despite him being an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna, he was not allowed to enter the temple as he was an untouchable. He started to offer prayers to Lord Sri Krishna who pleased with his devoutness Lord Krishna Idol facing the direction of east turned to west and there was an opening in the wall wide enough for Kanakadasa to have darshan of Lord Sri Krishan, Even today all devotees worship Lord Krishna through this window. It is known as Kankana Kindi, which is decorated by an arch named after him. His statue has also been erected. Similar window covers the immediate front of the Lord Sri Krishna and is called Navagraha Kindi. It is often mistaken to be Kankana Kindi.

The daily sevas (offerings to god) and administration of Krishna Mutt which are managed by the Astha Mathas (eight monasteries). Each of these Astha Mathas performs temple management activities for two years in cyclical order. They are collectively known as the Ashta Mathagalu in Kannada language.

The Krishna Matha is known throughout the world for its religious customs, traditions, and learning in Dwaitha or Tatvavaada philosophy. It is also the center of Dasa Sahitya which is form of literature originated in Udupi.These eight Mathas are Pejavara, Puttige, Palimaru, Adamaru, Sodhe, Kaniyooru, Shirur and Krishna Pura

Temple traditions

Sri Krishna is worshipped fourteen times in day by Swamiji. View of these rituals stating from the worship of dawn to the night.

1. nirmalya visarjana puja
2. ushakala puja
3. aksayapatra-gopuja
4. pancamrtabhiseka
5. udvartana puja
6. kalasa puja
7. tirtha puja
8. alankaara puja
9. avasara kanakadi puja
10. maha puja
11. camara seva puja
12. ratri puja
13. mantapa puja
14. sayanootsava puja

Of these the first ten are conducted in the forenoon. The remaining four are conducted as evening services. Thus this Lord of fouteen worlds accepts fourteen types of pujas everyday.

Recommended Practices

All the Swamji's take bath in Madwa sarovara before commencing worship to lord Krishna

Do's & Dont's

Men :
Men: Traditional/ Dhithi or Mundu are Allowed. Devotees wearing Pants and shirts are not allowed inside this temple People weraing Lungi are also Not allowed inside Sanctum Sanctorum.

Women :
must be attired in Saree, Set Mundu, Salwar Kameez, Skirts with Blouses are allowed to visit this temple.

Traditional Practice

The milk drawn from cow inside the temple premises are only used for abhishekha of Sri Lord Krishna.

The Nandadeepa( lamp) which was light up sri Madhwacharya, has never been extinguished till date , keeps lighted for time Immemorial

Temple management will be offered and changed once two years on the basis of Paryaya of Asta mathas.

Temple Timings

• Morning 5:00 AM to Night 10:00 PM

Darshan Timings

• Morning 5:00 AM to Night 10:00 PM

Special Entry Timings

• Seva Holders are allowed for a separate entry

Prasad Timings/Details

Parimala prasada

Seva Timings

1. Nirmalya visarjana Pooja 4:50 AM
2. Ushakala Pooja 5:30 AM
3. Akshya patra-Gopooja 5:35 AM
4. Vishwaroopa Darshana 5:40 AM
5. Panchamritabhisheka 5:45 AM
6. Udvartana Pooja 6:15 AM
7. Kalasha Pooja 6:20 AM
8. Teertha Pooja 6:30 AM
9. Alankara Pooja 8:00 AM
10. Avasara Sanakadi Pooja 9:30 AM
11. Mahapooja 9:45 AM
12. Chamara Seva 7:00 PM
13. Ratripooja 7:30 PM
14. Rangapooja 7:35 PM
15. Utsava 7:45 PM (From Uttanadwadashi to Bhagirathi Janmadina)
16. Thottilu Pooja 8:15 PM
17. Kolalu Seva 8:40 PM
18. Ekanta Seva 8:50 PM
19. [All above poojas are personally performed by the Pontiffs of the Eight Mathas]

The main Utsavas performed to Sri Krishna

1. Paryaya Mangala
2. Paryaya Prarambhotsava
3. Akhanda Saptotsava
4. Santarathotsava
5. Laksha Deepotsava
6. Sri Krishna Jayantyutsava
7. Swarna Rathotsava
8. Brahma Rathotsava
9. Vajra Kireeta Alankarotsava
10. Vasanthotsava
11. Rajatha Rathotsava
12. Golden Mantapa Festival
13. Garuda Rathotsava
14. Golden Palanquin Festival
15. Mahapooja Rathotsava
16. Sarva Seva
17. Annadaana
18. Ksheeraabhisheka
19. Nandadeepa of Ghee
20. Nandadeepa of Oil
21. Godaana
22. Sahasranaamarchana
23. Ashottaarchana
24. Milk and butter offering
25. Karpoora Mangalarathi
26. Hastodaka to Sri Madhwa
27. Pavamana Paarayana
28. Vaayustuti Paarayana

Location

Sri Krishna Matha,
Car Street, Udupi - 576101
Karnataka State, India

Directions

Udupi Railway Station (Konkan Railway) with direct trains arriving to Udupi from Mumbai, Delhi, Rajkot and Ahmedabad. Nearly 30-40 buses run daily from Mumbai, (18 - 20 hours of journey) - via Ankola, Kumta, Bhatkal, Dharwad and Belgaum. There are 2 flights daily from Mumbai and from Bangalore. Mangalore Airport - Located at Bajpe 60 kms away from Udupi. Taxis are available and is One hour journey from this airport to Udupi.

Travel Mode

By Road :
The temple is situated on National Highway No.7. Regular buses runs to Udupi, from Mangalore, Bangalore, Mysore, Mumbai, Goa and other places within Karnataka.
By Rail :
Udupi has a railway station on Mangalore - Udupi line.
By Air :
Nearest airport is Bajpe Airport, Mangalore (60 km).

Nearby Temples

1. Shri Durga Temple at Indrali.
2. shri Mahisha Mardini Temple at Bailur circa 12th -13th C.A.D.
3. shri Durga Temple at Kannarpadi circa 11th C.A.D.
4. Shri Durga Temple at Puttur circa 12th -13th C.A.D.
5. Shri Janardana & Mahakali Temples at Ambalpadi Circa 10th C.A.D.
6. Shri Mahishamardini Temple at Kadiyali Circa 7th -8th C.A.D.
7. Shri Mahisha Mardini Temple at Kunjar Near Pajaka Kshetra.
8. Panatha Padmanabha Temple, Near M.G.M. College, Paniyadi.
9. Shri Venkataramana Temple at Udupi.
10. Shri Shankaranarayana Temple at Udupi.
11. Shri Venugopala Temple at Manipal.
12. Shri Vadabhadeshwar Temple at Malpe.
13. Shri Sharada Temple at Udupi.

Surrounding Places to Visit

1. 1.Malpe Beach
2. Bahadurgad Fort
3. Kaup Beach

Food Details

Temple provides Food as Prasadam to the devotees everyday.

Accomodation

Available

Private Accomodation

Available

Function Hall

Asta Mathas

Other Amenities

Available

Lockers / Cloak rooms

Available

Sevas

Annual Uthsavas

1. Ratha Saptami
2. Bhismatami
3. Madhwanavami
4. Holy Kamadahana
5. Aradana of Sri Vadiraja Swamiji
6. Aradana of H.H. Sri Vyasaraja :
   Chandrikacharya or Sri Vyasaraja authored the famous classic also known as Vyasashrayas, Chandrika, Tarkatandava and Nyayamratha the last magnum opus of the great saint of supreme merit Sri Vyasaraja Swamy. The aradana of the revered saint is held at Udupi in a befitting manner. One moves upwards spiritually with the mere memory of the great sage Sri Vyasaraja, who was an eminent scholar, great tapasvi and highly colossal in Jnana, Bhatki and Vairagya.
7. Sri Ramanavami Celebrations
8. Hanuman Jayanthi
9. Saura Yugadi
10. Vasanthotsava
11. Akshaya Thadige :
    Akshaya Thadige falls due on Vaishaka Shudda third day. Holy Parashurama Jayanthi is also celebrated on the same day. The aradhana of the holy saint Sri Vijayadwaja Theertha of Sri Pajawar Mutt and H.H. Sri Surothama Theertha (the younger brother of Sri H.H. Vadiraja Theertha of Sode Mutt, Udupi) of Bhandarakeri Mutt, Barkur are also held on the same day. One earns countless merits from a holy dip, followed by Japa, tarpana to elders/Lord Parashurama and giving Jaladana on this holy day. Listening to the glories of H. H. Sri Vijayadwaja, reciting Bhagwatha are also considered as quite holy.
12. Vedavyasa Jayanthi
13. Narasimha Jayanthi
14. Anthya Pushkrani :
    When the ocean of milk was churned, Nectar (Amrutha) emerged on Vaishaka Shukla 11th; It was preserved and stored on 12th Dwadashi). Srihari distributed this among the celestials on 13th. The demons were destroyed on 14th (Chaturdashi) and the celestials attained their kingdom on 15th viz. Vaishaka Shukla Paurnami. All these good five days are known as Anthya Pushkarani and are considered as quite holy. If Vaishaka masa-dharma as explained in the scriptures is performed atleast during these five days, one gets the merit of having celebrated the same during the entire Vaishaka Masa. During Vaishaka, the mass-purana is recited in Madhwa Sarovara, in front of Mukyaprana and at Simhasana. The celebrations conclude with Vyasa-Puja on the eve of Vaishaka Paurnami.
15. Bhagirathi Janma Dina
16. Mahabjisheka
17. Prathamaikadashi :
    Ashada Shukla Ekadashi is known as Prathamaikadashi or Shayani Ekadashi. The next four months are considered as Chauturmasya Kala (Term). It is believed that Srihari will have Yoganidra upon Shesha during this period. Prathama Ekadashi is considered as quite holy to the Vaishnavas, as the tapta (hot) mudradharana is held on that day at Sri Krishna Mutt, Udupi for the devotees. On this holy day Sudarshana Homa is performed at Sri Krishna Mutt. Silver Chakra and Shanka Mudras are rendered hot to the recitation of the mantras and then accepted on the bodies by the Swamijis and the devotees. It is a tradition that the Madhwas take this hot mudras Chakra & Shanka from their Gurus at least once a year. All the devotees who are both near & far away from Udupi come to Udupi and take Mudras from the Gurujis. Apart from men, women and even children as well participate in this holy eve.
18. Chaturmasya :
    On Ashada Shudda Dashami, Swamiji has to pray before God, to observe/sit for Chauturmasya in a particular place, by offering Arghya through a conch. In Sharavana masa Shaka-Vratha (Vegetables), in Bhadrapada-curds, in Ashwayuja - milk, in Kartika masa cereals (Dwidala) are to be avoided. Travelling has been prohibited for Swamijis during Chaturmasa, as it is likely to result in the killing of earthly creatures, which nature produces abundantly during the period. In all the four Vrithas viz. (1) Shaka (2) Dabhi (3) Kshira (4) Dwidala things are to be avoided in that order for a month. In fact Chaturmasa is worth observing by all, even from one’s health point of view. In each Vritha consumption of certain items is prohibited. Each Vritha has to be started with due prayer and offered to Sri Krishna at the end. Some Pitadhipathis observe Chaturmasa from Aashada Paurnami or latest by Ashada Bahula Panchami; on the holy eve of the aradana of the revered saint H.H. Sri Jaya Theertha Swamiji. The Grihastas extend full support to Swamijis in this regard.
19. Aradana of Teekacharya :
    The aradana of Sri Jayatheertha Swamiji falls due on Ashada Bahula Panchami. Sri Jayatheertha came to be known as Teekacharya as he wrote commentaries for Acharya Madhwa’s work known as Tathva Prakashika, Nyaya Sudha etc. People listen to the glory to Teekacharya and his works on this day to earn his grace. As tradition has it, Chaturmasya also commences on this holy eve.
20. Aati Amavase :
    On the eve of aati amavasye, the Kashaya (juice) prepared from the Pala-tree which has high medicinal value has to be consumed, after offering the same to God in order to maintain good health throughout the year.
21. Nagara Panchami
22. Upakarma :
    Upakarma (Wearing a new holy thread by replacing the old) is held as below :
    Upakarma (Wearing a new holy thread by replacing the old) is held as below :
    • For Rigvedis in Simha Masa - Shravana Nakshatra
    • For Yajurvedis it is held on Simha Masa - Paurnami
    • For Samavedis it is held on Simha Masa - Hasta Nakshatra

    If the Upakarma for the Rugvedis and Yajurvedis come in the month of Shravana, Upakarma for Samavedis comes in Bhadrapada Masa. Upakarma (thread changing ceremony) is held at Sri Krishna Mutt for all the followers of all the 3 branches of the Vedas. Hundreds of Vaishnavas living in and around udupi, come to Sri Krishna Mutt to wear the new Yajnopavithas discarding the old ones. Apart from Sri Krishna Mutt, Rujupakarma is also held at Sri Anantheshwar Temple, Udupi and Yajurupakarma is held at Chandreshwara Temple, Udupi. As the sacred thread of the Yathis are kept on their holy Danda, the holy new thread is exchanged for the old thread fixed on the holy stick. But the Swamijis are not required to participate in the Upakarma mela; but the holy thread is to be exchanged for the holy stick of the Swamijis only on the eve of Rugupakarma.

23. Dadhi Virtha :
    Dadhi Vritha i.e. non-consumption of the curds commences from Shravana Shudda Dwadashi duly taking Pancha-gavya and will be in force for one month.
24. Hayagriva Jayanthi
25. Aradana of Sri Raghavendra
26. Jagara Pooja
27. Sri Krishna Jayanthi
28. Ganesha Chathurthi
29. Dadhi Vamana Jayanthi :
    Dadhi Vamana Jayanthi is celebrated on Bhadrapada Shukla Dwadashi. On this day Dadhi Vritha (non-consumption of Curds) ends. Annasantharpana with Dadyanna (Curd Rice) is considered as quite holy. The Ksheera Vritham (non consumption of milk) will start on this day after duly consuming Panchagavya.
30. Yathi Dwadashi
31. Navarathri
32. Vidyadashami or Vijayasashami :
    As Sri Saraswathi (the goddess of learning vidya) was born on Ashwija Shudda Dashami, the day is known as Vidyadashami. Likewise we are expected to pray to Srihari for our success or vijaya. Hence, the day is also known as Vijayadashami. Newly harvested bunches of the paddy plants are taken in golden palanquins and they are fixed/inserted in different parts of the Mutt/Home after worship. Navanna Bhojana (eating of the cooked rice got from new paddy is also held on the same day). In the evening the priests worship the elephants of Sri Krishna Mutt and proceed in procession to Kadiyali Temple and perform Shami Pooja at Kadiyali. They then return to Udupi along with Shami-prasada offered to Mahalaxmi and submit the same to the Paryaya Swamiji. Every day during the night there will be different colourful cultural programmes at Vasantha Mahal/Rajangana adjacent to Sri Krishna Mutt. Navarathri and Vijayadashami are thus held in a colourful and Dharmic atmosphere.
33. Dwidala Virtha :
    The non consumption of Dwidala Dhaanya or cereals will start on Ashwija Shudda Dwadashi after consuming Panchagavya and concludes on Kartika Shudda Dwadashi (known as Uthana Dwadashi).
34. Paschima Jagarana Pooja
35. Kojagars Vritha :
    The non consumption of Dwidala Dhaanya or cereals will start on Ashwija Shudda Dwadashi after consuming Panchagavya and concludes on Kartika Shudda Dwadashi (known as Uthana Dwadashi).
36. Yama Deepa :
    
37. Naraka Chaturdashi
38. Deepavali Amavasya
39. Aaksha Deepa :
    Akasha Deepa is made out of several long thin wooden sticks tied together in a particular shape of a box or case, which will be then wrapped/covered outside, from coloured paper or cloth.
    A lamp lit from tila oil will be kept inside the Akasha Deepa and the same will be hanged outside, on the top of a tall wooden pillar during night time for one month from Ashwija Amavase to Kartika Amavase. This is considered holy and expected to result in affluence and good luck to the keepers.
40. Gopooja :
    
41. Tulasi Pooja :
    
42. Laksha Deepothsava :
    
43. Chandreshwara Temple
44. Subramanya Srasti
45. Dhanupooja
46. Mokkoti Dwadashi :
    The holy Mukkoti Dwadashi falls due on the holy eve of Dhanurmasa Shukla Dwadashi. According to scriptures three crore celestials will have their holy dip at Swami Pushkarani in Thirumala. Hence, the holy day is known as Mukkoti Dwadashi signifying the sacred bath of three crore gods in the Swami Pushikarani. Likewise 3 Crores of thirthabhimani gods are present in the holy Madhwa Sarowara, on the auspicious day. Hence the Darshan of Sri Krishna and Mukyaprana, after a holy dip in Madhwa Sarovara will shower all grace upon the performer.