Udupi Sri Krishna Temple

Nestled in the coastal town of Udupi in Karnataka, the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple stands as an epitome of spiritual significance and architectural brilliance. This sacred shrine is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is revered as Lord Udupi Krishna by devotees worldwide. The temple’s rich history, cultural heritage, and religious practices have made it an essential pilgrimage destination for Hindus. In this blog, we will delve into the captivating charm of the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple, its historical roots, intricate architecture, religious customs, nearby attractions, and how it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of devotees.

1. History

The history of the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple dates back to the 13th century when it was established by the saint Madhvacharya, the founder of the Dvaita school of philosophy. The temple’s existence is intricately linked to the legend of Kanakadasa, a devout devotee who experienced the divine grace of Lord Krishna through an extraordinary miracle.

The Udupi Sri Krishna Temple boasts exquisite Dravidian-style architecture, featuring intricately carved wooden structures, intricate pillars, and majestic gopurams (towers). The unique feature of this temple is the “Kanakana Kindi,” a small window through which devotees can have darshan (divine glimpse) of the Lord. This window is said to have been created for Kanakadasa, allowing him to view the idol, as he was not allowed inside the temple due to his lower caste.

2. How to Reach

Reaching Udupi Sri Krishna Temple from Airport, Railway Station, and Bus Stand:

Mangalore International Airport

The Mangalore International Airport, also known as Bajpe Airport, is the nearest airport to Udupi Sri Krishna Temple, situated at a distance of approximately 60 kilometers. To reach the temple from the airport, you have the following options:

By Taxi/Cab: Taxis and cabs are readily available at the airport. The journey from Mangalore Airport to Udupi takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
By Bus: Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private bus operators provide regular bus services between Mangalore Airport and Udupi. You can board a bus from the airport to Udupi Bus Stand and then take a short auto-rickshaw ride or walk to the temple.

Udupi Railway Station

Udupi Railway Station is well-connected to major cities and towns in India. To reach Udupi Sri Krishna Temple from the railway station, you have the following options:

By Auto-rickshaw or Local Taxi: Auto-rickshaws and local taxis are readily available outside the railway station. The temple is approximately 5 kilometers away, and the journey takes around 15-20 minutes.
By Local Bus: Udupi has a well-developed local bus network. You can board a city bus from the railway station to Udupi Bus Stand and then take an auto-rickshaw or walk to the temple.

Udupi Bus Stand

Udupi has a centrally located bus stand that connects it to various cities and towns in Karnataka and neighboring states. To reach Udupi Sri Krishna Temple from the bus stand, you have the following options:

By Auto-rickshaw or Local Taxi: Auto-rickshaws and local taxis are readily available at the bus stand. The temple is approximately 2 kilometers away, and the journey takes around 10-15 minutes.
By Walking: If you prefer to enjoy a leisurely walk, you can walk to the temple from the bus stand. The temple is approximately a 20-minute walk from the bus stand.

Note: It is advisable to confirm the routes and fares with the respective transport providers before commencing your journey.

3. Udupi Temple Timing

The Udupi Sri Krishna Temple follows a structured daily schedule to accommodate the spiritual needs of its devotees. The temple opens its doors for darshan (divine viewing) at specific timings throughout the day. The typical temple timings are as follows:

Morning Timings:

5:00 AM to 6:30 AM: Suprabhatha Seva and Mangalarati
6:30 AM to 7:00 AM: Panchamrita Abhishekam
7:00 AM to 7:45 AM: Morning Darshan
7:45 AM to 8:30 AM: Nirmalya Visarjane and Alankara
9:30 AM to 10:00 AM: Udvartana Seva (Thomala Seva)
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM: Morning Darshan Continues

Afternoon Timings:

11:30 AM to 12:20 PM: Raja Bhoga (Maha Mangalarati and Anna Santharpane)
12:20 PM to 4:00 PM: Temple Remains Closed (Temple Opens for Darshan from 4:00 PM)

Evening Timings:

4:00 PM to 6:00 PM: Evening Darshan
6:00 PM to 6:30 PM: Sandhya Mangalarati
6:30 PM to 7:00 PM: Temple Remains Closed
7:00 PM to 7:30 PM: Sandhya Alankara and Darshan

Note: The temple timings may vary during festivals and special occasions. It is advisable to check the official temple website or contact the temple authorities for the most up-to-date schedule

4. Nearby Attractions

Malpe Beach: Located around 6 kilometers from Udupi Sri Krishna Temple, Malpe Beach is a beautiful and serene coastal destination. It is famous for its golden sands, clear blue waters, and thrilling boat rides to St. Mary’s Island, known for its unique hexagonal basalt rock formations.
St. Mary’s Island: Accessible by a short boat ride from Malpe Beach, St. Mary’s Island is a geological wonder with distinctive columnar basalt rock formations. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of this uninhabited island, making it a popular spot for photography and relaxation.
Manipal: Approximately 5 kilometers from Udupi, Manipal is a renowned educational hub and home to several prestigious institutions. The town’s vibrant atmosphere and modern amenities make it an interesting place to visit.
Anegudde Vinayaka Temple: Situated around 30 kilometers from Udupi, the Anegudde Vinayaka Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesh and is one of the important pilgrimage sites in the region.
Karkala: Located about 35 kilometers from Udupi, Karkala is known for its massive 42-feet monolithic statue of Bahubali, an important Jain pilgrimage site.
Maravanthe Beach: Approximately 48 kilometers from Udupi, Maravanthe Beach is famous for its scenic beauty, with the Arabian Sea on one side and the Sauparnika River on the other, separated only by a narrow stretch of land.

5. Eat around

1. Mitra Samaj: Situated close to the temple, Mitra Samaj offers a range of South Indian vegetarian dishes. Their menu is known for its authenticity and flavor.

2. Hotel Kidiyoor: This restaurant serves a variety of South Indian delicacies, including traditional Udupi cuisine. From dosas to idlis, you’ll find the essence of the region’s flavors here.

3. Woodlands: If you’re looking for a diverse menu, Woodlands is a popular choice. Their vegetarian offerings span a variety of cuisines, catering to different preferences.

4. Udupi Krishna Bhavan: Embrace the essence of Udupi cuisine at this restaurant. The flavors of their meals are known to resonate with the traditions of the region.

5. Dosa Plaza: For dosa lovers, Dosa Plaza offers a creative twist on this classic South Indian dish. Their extensive dosa menu is a must-try.

6. Hotel Diana: This eatery is famous for its Udupi-style thalis, offering a wholesome and traditional meal experience.

7. Nalapaka: Known for its authentic Udupi cuisine, Nalapaka takes you on a culinary journey through the region’s rich flavors.

8. The White Tiger: If you’re in the mood for North Indian dishes, The White Tiger offers a mix of cuisines in a cozy ambiance.

9. Sagar Ratna: Explore the diversity of Indian cuisine with a visit to Sagar Ratna. Their extensive menu features dishes from various regions of the country.

10. Pind Balluchi: This restaurant specializes in North Indian cuisine, offering a range of curries, kebabs, and biryanis.

6. Travellers Tips

7. Additional Information

Religious Practices

The temple follows age-old religious customs and traditions, captivating devotees with its daily rituals, mesmerizing bhajans, and spiritual discourses. The temple administration strictly adheres to customs, ensuring that the rituals are conducted with utmost devotion and sanctity.

Prasadam and Annadanam

The Udupi Sri Krishna Temple is renowned for its prasadam (holy offering) and annadanam (free meal service). Devotees are treated to delicious meals served on plantain leaves, a tradition that has been upheld for centuries, reflecting the temple’s dedication to selfless service.

Paryaya System

Udupi Sri Krishna Temple follows the unique “Paryaya” system, wherein the administration and responsibility of the temple are rotated among eight monastic institutions called “Ashta Mathas.” Each Matha takes charge of the temple for a two-year term, and the grand Paryaya festival is celebrated with immense fervor during the transfer of responsibilities.

Festivals and Celebrations

The temple comes alive during various festivals, especially during Krishna Janmashtami, when grand celebrations are held to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna. The temple is adorned with vibrant decorations, and various cultural events and processions are organized to mark the occasion.

Spirit of Seva

The spirit of seva (selfless service) is deeply ingrained in the temple’s culture, and devotees actively participate in volunteering activities, making the temple a harmonious place of unity and devotion.

Udupi Sri Krishna Temple

1. History