Udupi Sri Krishna Temple: Timings, Kanakana Kindi, Paryaya and How to Reach

Facts checked November 2026.

Udupi is often called the Mathura of the South. The Sri Krishna Matha is not run like most temples: eight mathas take turns to look after the worship, and Krishna is seen through a small carved window rather than from in front of the sanctum. This guide explains how to reach Udupi, the timings, the Kanakana Kindi story, the Paryaya festival, anna dana and nearby places.

This page is part of our 10 Famous Temples in Kerala guide. Planning the yatra? See our South India yatra packages.

Where is Udupi Krishna temple and how do you reach it?

The Sri Krishna Matha is in the heart of Udupi town on the Karnataka coast, within walking distance of the city centre. Karnataka Tourism says Udupi is well connected by rail and road.

What are the Udupi Krishna temple timings?

Karnataka Tourism lists the temple as open from 4:30 AM to 9:30 PM on all days. The Matha holds pujas through the day, but its full daily puja schedule is not published on any page we could open today, so ask at the entrance for the day’s puja times, especially if you want to see a particular one.

What is the Kanakana Kindi at Udupi?

Karnataka Tourism tells the story. Kanakadasa, a great devotee and poet-saint, was not allowed inside the temple because of his caste. He prayed from behind the temple through a small crack in the wall, and the idol is said to have turned to face him. That opening is the Kanakana Kindi. Next to it is the Kanakadasa Mantapa, with a statue of the saint.

Today devotees see the idol of Bala Krishna through a nine-holed window called the Navagraha Kitiki. Darshan is quick, so look closely as you pass.

What is the Paryaya festival and who runs the temple now?

Karnataka Tourism describes the Paryaya Utsava as a festival held once in two years, when the management of the temple passes from one of Udupi’s eight mathas to the next. On 18 January 2026, Deccan Herald reported that Vedavardhana Theertha Swamiji of the Shiroor Mutt ascended the Paryaya Peetha, taking over from Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of the Puttige Mutt.

The Paryaya day brings very large crowds, processions and a decorated town. If you want a quiet darshan, avoid it; if you want to see the festival, book stay well ahead.

Is free food served at Udupi Krishna temple?

Yes. Karnataka Tourism says anna dana, free meals for every devotee, is part of the temple’s daily life. Sit in the line when the meal is called, eat what is served, and leave your leaf or plate where the volunteers show you.

What else is there inside the Matha?

• A golden chariot and the temple chariot (Brahma Ratha).
• A goshala (cow shed).
• The Kanakadasa Mantapa beside the Kanakana Kindi.

What should you wear at Udupi Krishna temple?

Karnataka Tourism does not publish a dress code, and we could not open the Matha’s own website today. Traditional clothes are the safe choice: dhoti or trousers with a shirt for men, and saree or salwar kameez for women. Follow what the volunteers at the entrance ask, and leave footwear outside.

Which festivals are celebrated at Udupi?

The Paryaya, once in two years, is the defining festival of Udupi. Krishna Janmashtami is also a major day for devotees. Dates change every year, so check locally before you plan around a festival.

What is the best time to visit Udupi?

October to February is the most comfortable season on the Karnataka coast. The monsoon months bring heavy rain, and summer is humid. Early morning darshan, soon after the temple opens, is usually calmer than evenings and weekends.

Is Udupi Krishna temple suitable for senior citizens?

Yes. The temple is on flat ground in the town centre, and there is no climb. Expect queue time on weekends and festival days. Go early in the morning, carry water, and plan a seat near the anna dana hall if elders want to have the meal.

What can you see near Udupi?

• Malpe, Kapu beach and St Mary’s Island, within 5 to 10 km of Udupi town, according to Karnataka Tourism.
• Murudeshwar on the coast to the north, often paired with Udupi.
• Guruvayur in Kerala, the other great Krishna temple of the south; see our Guruvayur temple guide.
• Krishna temples across India; read our famous Krishna temples guide.

How can Yatra To Temples help?

Our Udupi and Murudeshwar Darshan Yatra is a 3 days and 2 nights yatra that includes darshan at the Sri Krishna Matha through the Kanakana Kindi window, with the Matha lunch as an option. Call or WhatsApp +91 78178 98687 or write to shiva@yatratotemples.in.

Frequently asked questions

What are the Udupi Krishna temple timings?

Karnataka Tourism lists 4:30 AM to 9:30 PM on all days. The daily puja schedule is not published online, so ask at the entrance for the day’s puja times.

Who founded Udupi Sri Krishna Matha?

Sri Madhwacharya, the Vaishnava saint, set up the temple and its Matha in the 13th century.

Why do devotees see Krishna through a window at Udupi?

The idol is seen through the nine-holed Navagraha Kitiki. Tradition links this to the saint Kanakadasa, for whom the idol is said to have turned to face a small opening now called the Kanakana Kindi.

What is Udupi Paryaya?

A festival held once in two years, when management of the temple passes from one of the eight Udupi mathas to the next. The Shiroor Mutt took charge in January 2026.

Is food free at Udupi Krishna Matha?

Yes. Anna dana, a free meal, is offered to every devotee.

Which airport is nearest to Udupi?

Mangaluru, about 60 km away, according to Karnataka Tourism.

How far is Udupi from Bengaluru?

About 400 km by road. Udupi is also connected by rail.