Udupi comes in first among the seven places of pilgrimages. Located within the state of Karnataka, the Udipi district was formed in 1977. Lying between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, Udupi is also known as the Parashurama Srishti. While the place is popular for the many famous temples and beaches it houses, it is insanely famous for Sri Krishna Temple, so much so that it is often referred to as the second Mathura. Chandramoulishwar Temple, the Ananteshwar Temple, and Anegudde Vinayaka Temple are some of the other temples that are popular among tourists.
The unique feature of the Udupi Krishna Mandir is that the Lord is not seen or worshipped directly, but through a window with nine holes called the Navagraha Kitiki.
There are several temples that surround Sri Krishna Matha that is over a thousand years old. Here, matha refers to a living ashram, a holy place for daily devotion and living. When it comes to Karnataka tour packages, the Udupi Sri Krishna temple tops the list.
Reasons to Visit Sri Krishna Temple
History
Many devotees land up here for the various tales, rituals and architecture that this temple exhibits. It is said that the Udupi Sri Krishna temple and Matha were founded by Sri Madhwacharya during the 13th century. He also founded the Dwaita school of Vedanta. It is believed that Madhwacharya found the idol of Sri Krishna in a large ball of gopichandana, a kind of sandalwood. As stated in Tantrasara Sangraha by Sri Madhvacharya, the Vigraha is placed Pashchimabhimukha, which means facing west. Also, All the other Vigrahas in other Ashta Muthas face west as well.
Kanakana Kindi
This is another interesting part of the Udupi Krishna temple story. It is believed that through a small window, Lord Krishna gave darshan to his ardent devotee, saint Kanakadasa. According to legend, Kanakadasa belonged to a low caste and was not allowed entry to the temple. But with courage, Kanakadasa went behind the temple and offered his prayers to the Lord through a small crack in the wall. Pleased with the dedication, the statue of Lord Krishna turned around to give him darshan. Attached to the site is the Kanakadasa Mantapa which holds the statue of the saint, a must-see site when your Karnataka sightseeing tour takes you to Udipi.
Timings
Udupi Sri Krishna temple opens its gate from 4.30 AM to 9.30 PM on all days. Fortunately, there is no arrangement of a special darshan in the temple; anyone who wishes to have a sight of Lord Krishna can come between the hours as it is open to all and one queue is maintained by everybody.
Udupi Paryaya Utsava
It is a popular festival that is celebrated once every two years. Paryaya Utsava is a ritual of the handover of temple management from one Matha to another, among Udupi’s 8 Mathas.
Entry Fee
No Entry Fee
How to Reach
A visit to Udupi Sri Krishna Temple can also be combined with other historical monuments in Karnataka. Mangalore is the nearest railway station and airport to Udupi. There are regular buses that connect Udupi to Mangalore, Mysore and Bangalore. Also, the Sri Krishna temple is walking distance away from Udupi city centre.
There’s a lot more to do in Udupi
Pay a visit to Annegudde Vinayaka Temple
Located 25 kilometres from Udupi, the amazing Anegudde Vinayaka temple is a quaint shrine at the hilltop. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The meaning of ‘Ane’ is an elephant and ‘gudde’ is hillock. After the Lord Ganesha blessed Bheem with a Sword and Bheem defeat the asura, the temple named Annegude. The festivals like Sankasthi Chaturthi and Ganesha Chaturthi is largely celebrated at Anegudde Vinayaka temple.
Rejuvenate at Kapu Beach
The must-visit destination in Udipi is Kapu Beach. You can discover many Water Sports activities and a superb view. Kapu Beach is mainly famous for Scuba Diving and Swimming. Kapu beach is surrounded by palm trees. Also, the stunning temple of the Mariamma goddess is here.
Catch the Kudumari Waterfalls in action
Surrounded by the magnificent view of mountain ranges, the amazing Kudumari Waterfalls is also known as the Chaktikal Waterfalls. It offers adventurous sports and even backwater activities making this place an ultimate adventure seeker abode. Located near Udipi, the Kudumari Waterfalls is a great opportunity to explore the beauty of nature. This stunning waterfall flows down at a height of 300 feet while creating a luxurious view through a sole step. It takes around 3 km from Chaktikal to reach the waterfall from the dense forest area.
Let Malpe Beach be the place of your relaxation
Malpe Beach is one of the most popular places to visit in Udupi and is located near Udupi Krishna Temple. Home to the Mogaveera folk community of fishermen, this is a natural port. The beach is also known as Malapu. The water of the beach is crystal clear to the extent that you can see the sands and stunning sunsets. Here you can also enjoy thrilling water sports. Just travel about 5.7 km from the city, Malpe Beach is the perfect plan for a family day out.
Finally, explore St. Marys Island
Don’t be surprised to see this as a frequent recommendation when it comes to honeymoon places in Karnataka. Legend says that Vasco da Gama landed on St. Mary’s Island on the journey from Portugal to India. This unoccupied island is a small peninsula of four islands, Coconut Island, North Island, Darya Bahadurgarh Island and South Island. The island is known for its rock formations which the people believe are a result of some volcanic activity. The pillar-like rocks are polygonal in shape and are assumed to be relics from the time Madagascar was connected to India. Listed by the GSI as a geological monument, the rocks look amazing as they stand out of the sea and are worthwhile of a visit when on a trip to Udupi.
No matter what you’ve heard about Udupi, you are sure to be surprised by how diverse Udipi is as a travel destination. Make sure you explore it to the fullest when there.
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