Udupi Krishna Temple (Sri Krishna Matha) is the famous Hindu Temple which enjoys a great following not only in Udupi but even in far off places in Southern India. Temple has eight Mathas and looks like a living Asharam. We visited the temple immediately after Paryaya festival in January and place was still alive with decorated chariots standing in the campus.
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Udupi Krishna Temple remains open full day and except Puja timings, darshan is allowed all time. devotees line up next to Sarovara (sacred water pond) and have darshan through a nine hole window (unique for this temple).
Temple also serves delicious South Indian lunch through out the year (Sambhar, rice, sweet and Payasam). At times, especially during festivals, dinner is also served. There are no charges for the food and devotees can donate as per their wish.
Udupi Krishna Temple Compound also houses temples dedicated to lord Shiva, Hanumaan and Ganesha. Area around temple is always filled with devotees and gets even more charming at night with lights glowing on all Mathas.
Every evening, Swamiji takes Lord Krishna for a walk outside the temple. Lord idol is put in a decorated boat which takes a round in Sarovar water and then a round of the temple compound is taken with lord idol sitting in a chariot. Temple atmosphere turns blissful and divine with spiritual chants and instruments being played by devotees.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Udupi Krishna Temple. Whole atmosphere was at ease and we were very well guided by local people who explained us about the customs and Paryaya festival. We also happened to meet Sri Krishna Somuga ji (Member of Temple Management) and he very eagerly showed us all Mathas and temples and explained their history and relevance in detail.
How to reach Udupi Krishna Temple
Sri Krishna Matha is located very close to Udupi bus stand and can be reached after walking for 5-10 minutes.
When to visit Temple
Best time to visit the temple would be during the festival times and also during Paryaya festival (held every alternate year during Makar Sankranti) but these are also the crowded times and you will find difficulty to even book accommodation with number of devotees being in the city. As such, you can visit during any part of the year. We visited immediately after Paryaya festival and could move around easily without any hassle.
Lunch & Dinner Timings
Lunch: 12 noon to 3 PM (served through out the year), Dinner: 8 PM to 10 PM (As per our interaction with local people, dinner is served only during festival season. Please confirm for dinner availability beforehand