Udupi Sri Krishna Matha
The Udupi Sri Krishna Matha is a historic Hindu temple and monastery in Udupi, Karnataka, India, founded in the 13th century by the Vaishnavite saint Madhvacharya. It is a significant center for the Dvaita school of Vedanta and Daasa Saahitya, a form of devotional literature. The temple is renowned for its unique worship of Krishna through a silver-plated window, known as the Navagraha Kindi, and for the legend of Kanakadasa.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in the 13th century by Saint Madhvacharya, the proponent of Dvaita Vedanta.
- ›Dedicated to Lord Krishna, with the deity believed to have turned westward due to the devotion of Saint Kanakadasa.
- ›Worship is conducted through a unique silver-plated window called the Navagraha Kindi.
- ›Managed by a cycle of eight monasteries, known as the Ashta Mathas, which take turns administering the temple every two years during the Paryaya festival.
- ›The temple complex includes the ancient Udupi Anantheshwara Temple.
- ›Known as 'Anna Brahma' for providing prasada (blessed food) to a large number of devotees.
Krishna
- Center of Dvaita Vedanta Philosophy
- Significant Pilgrimage Site
- Historical Importance As A Monastic Institution
- Center of Daasa Saahitya
Vijayanagara Kingdom
Paryaya Festival, Makara Sankranthi, Ratha Sapthami, Madhva Navami, Hanuman Jayanthi, Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Navarathi Mahotsava, Vijaya Dashami, Naraka Chathurdashi, Deepavali, Geetha Jayanthi
Gopichandana, Silver
Madhvacharya, Kanakadasa, Ashta Mathas
Statue of Kanakadasa
About Udupi Sri Krishna Matha
Udupi Sri Krishna Matha is a significant Hindu temple and monastic complex located in the city of Udupi, in the Indian state of Karnataka. Founded in the 13th century by the renowned Vaishnavite saint Madhvacharya, it serves as a pivotal center for the Dvaita school of Vedanta philosophy and is also recognized as a hub for Daasa Saahitya, a distinct form of devotional literature originating in Udupi.
History and Devotion
The Matha's origins are deeply intertwined with the legend of Madhvacharya, who is believed to have discovered the idol of Lord Krishna in a large ball of gopichandana. Initially facing east as per Madhvacharya's instructions, the deity is said to have turned westward due to the profound devotion of saint Kanakadasa. This turning of the idol is commemorated by the unique practice of devotees viewing Krishna through a silver-plated window with nine holes, known as the Navagraha Kindi, and an outer window called Kanakana Kindi.
Management and Rituals
The administration and daily rituals of the Udupi Sri Krishna Matha are managed by a unique system involving eight monasteries, collectively known as the Ashta Mathas. These monasteries assume responsibility for the temple's operations in a rotating, two-year cycle, marked by the significant Paryaya festival. The temple is also known for its charitable distribution of prasada, earning it the appellation 'Anna Brahma' for feeding a large number of devotees.
Architecture and Significance
While the primary focus is on its religious and philosophical importance, the surrounding area includes ancient temples like the over thousand-year-old Udupi Anantheshwara Temple. The temple complex is a vibrant place of daily worship and a spiritual ashram for devotees. The Paryaya tradition, celebrating its 500th anniversary in 2021, underscores the temple's enduring legacy and its role in preserving religious practices and philosophy.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Udupi Sri Krishna Matha?
The Udupi Sri Krishna Matha was founded in the 13th century by the Vaishnavite saint Madhvacharya, who was also the founder of the Dvaita school of Vedanta philosophy.
What is unique about the worship at Udupi Sri Krishna Matha?
A distinctive feature of the temple is that the deity of Lord Krishna is worshipped through a silver-plated window with nine holes, known as the Navagraha Kindi. Devotees also have darshan through an outer window called Kanakana Kindi.
What is the significance of Kanakadasa and the Kanakana Kindi?
According to legend, the idol of Lord Krishna turned westward in response to the intense devotion of saint Kanakadasa, who was not permitted to enter the temple. A crack in the temple wall, later widened into a window, allowed him to see the deity. This window is now known as Kanakana Kindi.
How is the temple managed?
The daily administration and religious rituals of the Krishna Matha are managed by the Ashta Mathas, which are eight distinct monasteries. Each of these monasteries takes charge of the temple's management for a period of two years in a cyclical order known as the Paryaya festival.
What are some of the major festivals celebrated at the temple?
The temple celebrates numerous festivals throughout the year, including Makara Sankranthi, Ratha Sapthami, Madhva Navami, Hanuman Jayanthi, Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Navarathi Mahotsava, Vijaya Dashami, Naraka Chathurdashi, Deepavali, and Geetha Jayanthi. The Paryaya festival, held every two years, marks the handover of temple management.
What is the meaning of 'Anna Brahma' in relation to the temple?
The Udupi Sri Krishna Matha is popularly referred to as 'Anna Brahma' because it provides prasada, or blessed food, to a vast number of devotees who visit the temple.
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