High medieval · Hindu · India

Sri Krishna Matha, Udupi

Udupi, Karnataka · 13.3409°, 74.7421°

Krishna (Bala Krishna)Alupa eraKerala–Tulu
Sacred since
1238 CE
first attestation / structure
Standing structure
founded 13th c.
patron: Madhvacharya

History & significance

Founded by the Dvaita philosopher Madhvacharya, who by tradition recovered the Krishna idol from a ship's clay ballast. The deity is viewed only through a silver-plated nine-holed window; eight mathas rotate worship in the biennial Paryaya festival. Udupi's temple kitchens made its name a global synonym for vegetarian cooking.

Sthala katha — the legend

The low-caste devotee Kanakadasa, refused entry, sang to Krishna from behind the temple — the idol turned to face him, and the wall cracked open into the window (Kanakana Kindi) through which all devotees now receive darshan.

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Sources

coordinates: wikipedia-2026-08-26 · sources retrieved 2026-08-26 · dynasty page: Alupa era