Udupi Sri Krishna Temple is a well-known Vaishnavite temple located in Udupi, Karnataka devoted to Lord Krishna, one of Lord Vishnu’s avatars. The Sri Krishna Temple in Udupi is a popular pilgrimage destination in South India. Thousands of devotees flock to this temple town to pray to Lord Krishna. The Krishna statue here is regarded to be the most magnificent Krishna idol in the world. Lord Krishna is shown as a little kid (Balakrishna) in this image.

The idol is seen only via a 9-holed window known as the Navagraha Kitiki. Udupi is known as the “Mathura” (birthplace of Lord Sri Krishna, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh) in South India. Sri Madhwacharya (famous Vaishnava Saint) founded the Udupi Sri Krishna temple and Matha (Monastery) in the 13th century.

Legend about Udupi Sri Krishna Temple

This temple was constructed over a thousand years ago. Around the 13th century, Shri Madhavacharya, a divine Vaishnava saint, established the hermitage and reformed the temple. Saint Vishwakarma, the celestial architect, is said to have built the temple, which was discovered by Saint Madhavacharya. He once prayed on Malpe Beach, which is close to Udupi. He noticed a ship sailing against the strong winds and high tide. He used his divine power to save the ship and discover the sandalwood-smeared idol of Lord Krishna. He constructed a temple and oriented the idol “Paschimabhimukha” to the west, as opposed to the common practice of orienting the idols to the east.

Surprisingly, the Lord is worshipped through holes in the walls. This is because of a legend about an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna who was denied darshan in the 16th century. He went into the woods and began to meditate as a protest. Lord Krishna was moved by his devotee’s devotion, so he made nine holes in the walls and shifted his position from east to west to bless him and demonstrate that only pure love and devotion win.

History Of  Udupi Sri Krishna Temple

According to history, a popular legend is associated with Udupi Krishna Temple. Kanaka Dasa, a devout follower of Lord Krishna, arrived in Udupi in the early 16th century. According to ancient texts, Udupi was also known as Sivalli or Rajathapeetapuram.

Due to the presence of the Anantheshwara Temple and the Chandramouleeshwara Temple, the area was pious even before the construction of the Krishna Temple.

Architecture of Udupi Sri Krishna Temple

The deity is worshipped through a silver-plated window with nine holes (Navagraha Kindi), which is a unique feature of the temple.
This temple houses an enthralling idol of Lord Krishna, richly adorned with jewels and a famous golden chariot. According to legend, the famous architect Vishwakarma created an idol of Lord Krishna, which Madhvacharya later discovered.

The saint was performing his daily morning prayer on the shore of Malpe Beach when he was informed that a ship sailing in the sea was in danger due to bad weather. Shree Madhwacharya used his divine powers to save the ship and recover the idol of Krishna wrapped in a ball of gopichandana. The deity is positioned facing west (Paschimabhimukha), as opposed to the usual orientation of God’s idols, which is east. Devotees can always see Lord Krishna through the inner window called the Navagraha Kindi and the outer window called the Kanakana Kindi or the Window of Kanakadasa.

Facts about Udupi Sri Krishna Temple

• Sri Krishna Temple is a Hindu temple in Udupi, Karnataka, located 3 kilometres from Udupi Railway Station.
• Shri Madhvacharya, a Vaishnavite saint, founded the Krishna Temple in the 13th century CE.
• The temple is a very beautiful structure, which attracts devotees in large numbers.
• The Lord is only worshipped through a window with nine holes called the Navagraha Kindi, which is unique to this temple.
• Devotees either sit in silent meditation or try to peer through the 9-holed window to catch a glimpse of the Lord. The shrine of Lord Hanuman in a meditative pose is located in one corner of the hall.
• This divine temple is well-known for its stunning architecture, cleanliness, and serene atmosphere.
• The story related to Lord Krishna is beautifully depicted with stunning paintings all around the temple complex’s walls.
• This temple’s chariot is also very unique and draws a lot of attention. The temple is known as the “Maha Prasada” because it feeds a large number of devotees.
• This temple hosts a number of festivals throughout the year. Ugadi is the Kannada New Year, which is celebrated in March or April according to the Gregorian calendar.
• The Krishna temple area in Udupi is similar to a functioning ashram; it is a sacred space for daily worship and pious living.

Famous Festivals In Udupi Sri Krishna Temple

• Saptotsava – Saptotsava or the Seven Utsavas celebrated in January is considered the annual festival of Sri Krishna Temple
• Ramanavami – Sri Ramanavami, the birth of Lord Rama, is one of the important festivals.
• Krishna Janmashtami – Lord Krishna was born on Ashtami, the eighth day of the Hindu month of Bhadra. The celebrations at the Dwarkadhish Temple begin early in the morning and continue until late at night.
• Holi – This festival is celebrated in the month of  Phalgun (Feb – March). During the celebration, people celebrate with colours and also celebrate and enjoy in temples complex.

Best Time to Visit Udupi Sri Krishna Temple

This place is heavenly and spiritual; you can visit it all year. However, the best time to visit this temple is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

How To reach Udupi Sri Krishna Temple

By Air: The nearest Airport near Udupi is in Mangalore. It is better to resort to road transport from Mangalore airport to reach the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple

By Rail: Udupi Railway Station is very close to the temple premises, which are situated almost three kilometres from the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple

By Road: The KSRTC and private buses run frequently between Mangalore and Udupi. To get here, you can take private taxis or cabs.

Also Read –  Jagannath Temple Hyderabad