Udupi Krishna Temple

Infobox Mandir


creator =
proper_name = Udupi Krishna Temple
date_built = 13th Century
primary_deity = Krishna
architecture = Dravidian architecture
location = Udupi

Udupi Krishna Temple (Kannada:ಉಡುಪಿ ಶ್ರೀ ಕೃಷ್ಣ ದೇವಾಲಯ ) is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna located in the town of Udupi in Karnataka, India. It is a popular pilgrimage site for Vaishnavites.

The temple area resembles a living ashram, a holy place for daily devotion and living. Surrounding the Krishna temple are several temples, the most ancient being made of basic wood and stone of 1,500 years origin. "(See Udupi for more)"

History

Udupi Krishna temple is known popularly as Krishna Mutt or Krishna Matha of Udupi. The Krishna Mutt was founded by the Vaishnavite saint Shri Madhvacharya in the 13th century. He was the founder of the Dvaita school of Vedanta.

Legend has it that once Kanakadasa, a worshipper who was so pious and devoted to Lord Krishna, was not allowed entry into the temple. It didn't upset him, but instead made him pray with intense devotion. Lord Krishna was so pleased that he made the statue of himself turn around to allow the disciple to gaze upon his heavenly form through a small window at the back of the mutt (monastery). Till today, devotees still worship Lord Krishna by praying through the same window that Kanakadasa was blessed with a view.

Krishna Matha

The daily sevas (offerings to god) and administration of the Krishna Mutt are managed by the Ashta Mathas (eight temples). Each of the Ashta Mathas performs temple management activities for two years in a cyclical order. They are collectively known as the Krishna Matha.

The Krishna Matha is known throughout the world for its religious customs, traditions, and learning in Dvaita or Tatvavaada philosophy. It is also the centre of Daasa Sahitya, a form of literature that originated in Udupi.

These eight Mathas are Pejavara, Puttige, Palimaru, Adamaru, Sodhe, Kaniyooru, Shirur and Krishnapura

wamijis of the Ashta Mathas

The swamijis of the Ashta Mathas and their successors are given as below:

Festivals

During the Paryaya festival, held every two years, the temple management is handed over to the next Matha. Each of the Mathas is headed by a Swami, who will be in charge of the temple during his Paryaya.

Another important festival is Bhajana Saptaha which is held in Sri Laxmi Venkatesh Temple. Saptaha means one week. During this time Bhajans are sung continuously day and night. This falls around August every year.

Gallery

External links

* [http://www.udipikrishnamutt.com Temple site]