Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently paid his respects at the Shri Krishna Matha in Udupi, Karnataka. He called the visit extremely special and mentioned that a prayer was offered to Sri Krishna Paramaatma from Kanaka’s cradle. Here’s everything you need to know about the story behind this famous temple.
Fascinating Story Of The Udupi Shri Krishna Matha
Udupi Shri Krishna Temple is a well-known historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and the Dvaita Matha. Located in Udupi city, Karnataka, the recent visit by PM Modi has made many curious about the temple. The most unique feature here is the Lord Krishna idol, which is said to be one of his most beautiful forms. Devotees worship him as a small boy (Balakrishna).
Another rare feature is that the idol is not seen directly. Devotees pray through a nine-holed window called the ‘Navagraha Kitiki’. According to the Karnataka Tourism website, Lord Krishna gave darshan to his devotee Kanakadasa through this small window. Kanakadasa came from a low caste and was not allowed inside the temple. So he went behind the temple and prayed through a crack in the wall. Pleased with his devotion, Balakrishna turned around and gave him darshan. Since then, devotees continue to use the window for the darshan.
PM Modi also posted images of his visit to the famous temple and wrote, “Today’s visit to the Sri Krishna Matha in Udupi was extremely special. The Gita recitation was an unforgettable experience.”
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Mathura Of South India
You would also be interested to know that, as per Karnataka Tourism’s official website, this temple is often called the ‘Mathura of South India’. The Udupi Shri Krishna Temple and Matha (monastery) were set up by Sri Madhwacharya, a popular Vaishnava saint from the 13th century.
Since then, the temple has become one of the most important pilgrimage sites in South India. Thousands of devotees visit to pray to Balakrishna. PM Modi also wrote in his post that “The Suvarna Teertha Mantapa was inaugurated, and the Kanaka Kavacha was offered to Kanaka’s cradle. A prayer was offered to Sri Krishna Paramaatma from Kanaka’s cradle. Paying obeisance to Sri Kanakadasa was also an honour.” The pictures shared by him were truly beautiful.
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The temple’s story is fascinating. Have you ever been to the Udupi Shri Krishna Matha? Do let us know.
Cover Image Courtesy: @narendramodi/ X
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