Udupi Sri Krishna Temple

 The Sri Krishna Temple is a famous tourist attraction of  Udupi. This temple is surrounded by Astha(eight) Matha belonging to various Madhwa Swamiji's. Also, it is surrounded by Vinayaka Temple, the Chandramouleshwara Temple, and the Subramanya Temple, Udupi Ananteeshwara.

According to history, there was a storm in the sea at Malpe. Sri Madvacharya was on the shore at that time and he saw a ship which was in trouble. He helped the ship to reach the shore safely. The sailor was happy and gave the idols of deities Lord Krishna and Lord Balarama. Madvacharya installed the idol of Balarama near Malpe and the temple is known as Vadabhandeshwara. The idol of Lord Krishna was installed in Udupi and this temple is known as ‘Krishna Matha’. He handed over the administration of Krishna Matha to 8 mathas known as ‘Asta mathas’. The idol is placed facing west. A unique feature is that the two windows-inner window ‘Navagraha Khindi’ and the outer window known as ‘Kanakana Khindi’.

Kanakadasa, a believer of Lord Krishna came to Udupi. He was not allowed inside the temple since he was from a lower caste. Kanakadasa kept praying hard from the outside itself. Impressed by his devotion, the idol of Lord Krishna turned to face Kanakadasa. This window is known as ‘Kanakana Khindi’.

Paryaya is uniquely celebrated in Udupi. Paryaya means to change or transition. During this time, the exclusive rights of worshipping Lord Krishna and management will be transferred from one of the eight Mathas to another. The Swamiji who gets the right to worship is known as ‘Paryaya Swamiji’ and the matha is known as ‘Paryaya Matha’. Paryaya Swamiji with Swamiji's of ashtha matha involved in various religious, spiritual and social activities during the paryaya period of 2 years.