Krishna Temple

The offerings at the Sri Krishna Mutt on a daily basis are managed by the eight monasteries or the Astha Mathas. These are also responsible for Krishna Mutts's administration. The Krishna Matha has earned fame worldwide for its unique and religious traditions, customs, and learning of Dvaita. The eight Mathas that are primarily talked about are Pejavara, Puttige, Palimaru, Adamaru, Sodhe, Kaniyooru, Shirur and Krishnapura. The expenses of it are borne by both the donations from devotees and Ashta Matha.

The 9-holed snow-plated window, also known as the Kanakadasa window, is attached to Chandrasala hall via wall. The hall devotes itself to the sublime ambience created by the bells hanging over the arched entrance. A beautiful glow is generated by the earthen lamps that are kept inside. Nobody is allowed to go near the idol of Lord Krishna. Hence for the Darshana, the above mentioned 9-holed window is used.

At one side of the hall sits Lord Hanumana in his meditation pose. A platform raised with the help of four pillar overlooks the Chandrasala Hall. It has a traditional deepastambam that holds the sacred oil lamp or 'jyot.' To the right of the main sanctum stands the statue of the temple's founder, Shree Madhvacharya and in the north is Lord Panduranga's shrine. The Panchadhatu (5 metals) figure of Lord Vishnu mounted on his Garuda holding conch and discus is located in the eastern part of the temple. It forms the way to the sanctum sanctorum of Shri Balkrishna. The eastern gate usually remains closed and opens only on Vijaya Dashmi. The holy tank Madhwapushkarani finds itself at the southern entrance.

The list of festivals that are celebrated at the temple is quite long. Some of the main festivals are listed below-

1. Yugaadi (Ugadi)
According to the lunar calendar, the first day of Chaitra maas is considered to be the New Year's Day. Similarly, the first day of the month of meesa calls for a beginning of the next year as stated by the solar calendar. This festival is celebrated with high pompous and joy. A tray full of coconuts, jewels, fruits, and a mirror is placed in front of the murti of Lord Krishna on the last night before the first day of meesa. As soon as the sun rises, these auspicious objects are firstly looked at. It is the ritual of Kani Darshana. The swami then takes an oil bath while the priest reads the almanack. Special dishes are prepared and offered to the deities. A grand feast takes place at cauki.

2. Ramanavami
On this special occasion, the idol of Lord Krishna is decorated with bow and arrow instead of the regular rope and churning rod. The noon welcomes devotees for prasadam and the nights call for car festival. Special services are arranged. Moreover, as the idol in Sri Palimar Mutt is of Lord Rama, the festival is celebrated with great joyousness and enthusiasm at this mutt.

3. Akshaya Tritiya
The third day in the bright fortnight of Vaisakha is the day when Lord Vishnu incarnates into Parashurama. The idol during this festival is seen holding an axe in hand resorting to its heroic pose. It coincides with the death anniversary of Sri Vijayadhvajacharya who was the sixth pontiff in the lineage of Sri Pejawar Mutt. Special festivities are observed in the Krishna Mutt.

4. Vasantootsava
The festival of spring takes place between the Akshaya Tritiya and the full moon day in Vaisakha. The mandapa pooja which usually takes place in the sanctum sanctorum now happens to be in the vasanta mahal.

5. Ganesh Chaturthi
The fourth day in the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada is celebrated as Ganesh Chaturthi. Special pujas are performed in the name of the elephant-faced Lord. Professional artists make Lord Ganesha's mud idol which is bought at the auspicious hour. The area near it is artistically decorated. The next four days of celebrations are indeed a treat to one's eyes. An idol of Lord Ganesha is also placed at the entrance of the shrine. The priests perform Gana Homa sacrifices. The Lord is worshipped in the form of Vivambhara, and later prasad is distributed among the devotees. At the end of these four days, the idol is taken out in a procession and then immersed in Sarovar.

1. Prasadam or lunch is offered at noon.
2. Chariot rounds held every morning and evening should not be missed.
3. Try going on weekdays for a smaller crowd.
4. Photography is prohibited inside the temple premises.
5. There is no provision for special darshan at this temple. There is a single queue for everyone.

Udupi Railway Station is at a distance of 3 km from the temple. From here you can take an auto or a cab to reach the Krishna Temple. Moreover, the KSRTC, as well as the private buses, ply frequently between Udupi and Mangalore.