About Udupi Krishna Temple
The Udupi Sri Krishna Matha is a celebrated Krishna temple in Udupi, coastal Karnataka. The deity is Bala Krishna, the child Krishna, holding a churning rod and rope. The temple was founded in the thirteenth century by the philosopher-saint Sri Madhvacharya, founder of the Dvaita school. It is unusual in that devotees view the Lord through a small window, and the temple is managed by eight Madhva mathas in rotation. Udupi's famous vegetarian cuisine is closely linked to its temple kitchens.
Tradition says Madhvacharya received the Krishna idol from a ship caught in a storm off the coast, where it was hidden within a lump of gopichandana clay. He installed it at Udupi and set up eight mathas to care for the worship. A beloved story tells of the poet-saint Kanakadasa, who was denied entry; the Lord is said to have turned to face him through a crack in the wall. That window, the Kanakana Kindi, is still used for darshan today.
The Lord faces west and is seen through the Navagraha Kindi, a silver-plated window with nine openings, near the Kanakana Kindi. The temple sits by the Madhva Sarovara tank and is surrounded by Car Street (Ratha Beedi), lined with the eight mathas and the ancient Anantheshwara and Chandramouleshwara temples. Large wooden chariots used in festivals stand along the street.
Udupi Krishna Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning (around 5:00 AM) until about 9:00 PM, with darshan through the window through most of the day. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Nirmalya Visarjana Pooja | Early morning, around 5:00–5:30 AM |
| Maha Pooja | Late morning to midday |
| Ratri Pooja | Evening |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Udupi Krishna Temple
By air
Mangaluru International Airport – about 60 km.
By train
Udupi railway station on the Konkan Railway – about 3 km.
By road
Udupi is on the national highway along the Karnataka coast, with frequent buses from Mangaluru, Bengaluru and Goa; the temple is near the city bus stand.
Festivals at Udupi Krishna Temple
- Paryaya (every two years)Jan
- Sri Krishna JanmashtamiAug/Sep
- Makara Sankranti RathotsavaJan
- Madhva NavamiJan/Feb
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing recommended; men are generally asked to remove their shirts in the inner area of the temple.
- Entry
- Darshan is free and open to all devotees. Free meals (prasada bhojana) are served to visitors at lunchtime.
- Darshan is through the window, so the view is small; be patient and let the queue move.
- Try the free lunch prasada served in the temple dining hall.
- Walk around Car Street to see the eight mathas and the old Anantheshwara temple.
- Taste local Udupi dishes at traditional restaurants nearby.
- Combine your visit with Malpe Beach or Manipal.
Places to visit near Udupi Krishna Temple
- Anantheshwara and Chandramouleshwara TemplesAncient Shiva temples on Car Street, a short walk
- Malpe BeachBeach with boats to St Mary's Island, about 6 km
- ManipalUniversity town with gardens and museums, about 5 km
- Kollur Mookambika TempleFamous goddess temple in the Western Ghats, about 80 km
Frequently asked questions
What are the Udupi Krishna temple timings?
The temple usually opens around 5:00 AM and stays open until about 9:00 PM. Timings may change on festival days.
What is the Kanakana Kindi?
It is the small window through which Lord Krishna is said to have given darshan to the saint Kanakadasa. Devotees still view the Lord through windows on this side.
What is the Udupi Paryaya festival?
Paryaya marks the handover of temple management from one of the eight Madhva mathas to the next, held every two years in January.
Is food served at Udupi Krishna temple?
Yes, the temple serves free prasada meals to devotees, usually at lunchtime.
Which is the nearest airport to Udupi?
Mangaluru International Airport, about 60 km away.
What is the aarti time at Udupi Krishna Temple?
Nirmalya Visarjana Pooja: Early morning, around 5:00–5:30 AM; Maha Pooja: Late morning to midday; Ratri Pooja: Evening. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Udupi Krishna Temple?
Modest traditional clothing recommended; men are generally asked to remove their shirts in the inner area of the temple.
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