Karnataka · South
Udupi Sri Krishna Matha
Udupi Krishna Temple
Founded in the 13th century by the philosopher-saint Madhvacharya, founder of Dvaita (dualist) Vedanta, the Udupi Krishna Matha is unusual for its darshan arrangement: devotees view the image of child Krishna not frontally but through the Kanakana Kindi, a small silver-filigree window on the temple's rear, in commemoration of the low-caste devotee-poet Kanakadasa, to whom legend says the idol turned when barred from entering. Eight surrounding mathas (monasteries) rotate ritual custodianship every two years in the Paryaya ceremony, a unique institutional structure in Indian temple administration. The silver-clad gopuram and chariots reflect the wealth of the Udupi Vaishnava tradition, which also gave South India its signature vegetarian cuisine.
Art & Architecture
- Krishna image viewed only through the Kanakana Kindi, a nine-holed silver-filigree window, per the Kanakadasa legend
- Silver-plated Rajata Gopura entrance and elaborately worked silver chariot cars
- Ashta Matha (eight monastery) complex with rotating Paryaya administration unique to Udupi Vaishnavism
- Founded by Madhvacharya, propounder of Dvaita Vedanta, giving the site deep philosophical as well as artistic significance
Best Season
Festivals
Paryaya Festival · Krishna Janmashtami · Car Festival
Journeys Featuring This Temple
Planning your visit
Nearby
Guesthouses and dharamshalas near the temple often take walk-ins. Confirm a single-occupancy rate when you call.
Rated 4.2 on Google Maps from 12,420 reviews, a few minutes' walk from Udupi Sri Krishna Matha. Listed on rating and proximity — we have not stayed here.
Checked by us
- White Lotus Hotel443 m
Rated 4.4 on Google Maps from 2,823 reviews, a few minutes' walk from Udupi Sri Krishna Matha. Listed on rating and proximity — we have not stayed here.
Checked by us
Rated 4.2 on Google Maps from 3,273 reviews, a few minutes' walk from Udupi Sri Krishna Matha. Listed on rating and proximity — we have not stayed here.
Checked by us
Rated 4.6 on Google Maps from 1,775 reviews, a short auto ride from Udupi Sri Krishna Matha. Listed on rating and proximity — we have not stayed here.
Checked by us
- Shambhavi Hotels33 m
From Overture Maps — not verified by us (2026-08-02)
- Sai Residency Lodge35 m
From Overture Maps — not verified by us (2026-08-02)
Listings drawn from third-party maps are not verified by us and may be out of date. Please confirm directly before you travel.
Sources