Krishna
Udupi Sri Krishna Matha: The Silver Window Darshan, Ashta Mathas & History
- Deity
- Kadagolu Krishna (Child Krishna with Churning Rod)
- Location
- Car Street, Udupi, Karnataka
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Udupi Sri Krishna Matha in coastal Karnataka is a venerated bastion of Dvaita Vedanta philosophy, founded in the 13th century by Saint Madhvacharya. Unique across the Hindu world, Lord Krishna is never viewed directly from the front; instead, devotees receive darshan through the 'Kanakana Kindi'—a sacred nine-holed silver-plated window commemorating the miraculous devotion of Saint Kanakadasa. The shrine is famous for lavish daily Anna Daanam feeding thousands unconditionally.
History
According to legend, Madhvacharya saved a merchant ship stranded in a storm off Malpe coast. In gratitude, the captain gifted him a heavy block of Gopi Chandana clay, within which Madhvacharya discovered the divine Kadagolu Krishna idol, originally crafted by Vishwakarma and worshipped by Rukmini in Dwarka.
Architecture
Traditional Tulunadu and Dravidian wooden monastery design around the sacred water tank 'Madhwa Sarovara'. The central shrine features the golden-plated tower and silver-embossed Kanakana Kindi window.
Best time
October to March. The Paryaya festival (celebrated on January 18 in even calendar years) presents extraordinary traditional pageantry.
Timings
General Darshan runs continuously from 05:00 AM to 09:30 PM. Grand afternoon Mahapuja and Anna Daanam prasadam distribution occur between 11:45 AM and 02:00 PM.
Darshan
Men are required to remove shirts and vests before stepping into the inner sanctum courtyard. Free, unlimited meals (Bhojana Prasadam) are served daily in the massive dining halls.
How to reach
Udupi Railway Station (Kankanadi line) is 4 km from Car Street. Mangalore International Airport (IXE) is 58 km away with prompt taxi services.
Nearby
- Anantheshwara Temple (Oldest temple in Udupi)
- Chandramouleshwara Temple
- Malpe Beach
- St. Mary's Island
- Anegudde Vinayaka Temple
Frequently asked questions
Why is Krishna worshipped through a window (Kanakana Kindi) at Udupi?
When the great low-caste saint-poet Kanakadasa was forbidden entry by orthodox priests, he prayed intensely from behind the western wall. Pleased with his devotion, the deity spontaneously turned 180 degrees westward and cracked the wall open so Kanakadasa could see him.
What is the Paryaya festival of Udupi?
Paryaya is a biennial handover ceremony occurring every two years in mid-January, where worship responsibilities rotate strictly among the Pontiffs of the Ashta (eight) Mathas established by Madhvacharya.