krishna temple

History

Udupi Krishna temple is known popularly as Krishna Mutt or Krishna Matha of Udupi. The Krishna Mutt was founded by the Vaishnavite saint Shri Madhvacharya in the 13th century. He was the founder of the Dvaita school of Vedanta.

Legend has it that once Kanakadasa, a worshipper who was so pious and devoted to Lord Krishna, was not allowed entry into the temple. It didn't upset him, but instead made him pray with intense devotion. Lord Krishna was so pleased that he made the statue of himself turn around to allow the disciple to gaze upon his heavenly form through a small window at the back of the mutt (monastery). Till today, devotees still worship Lord Krishna by praying through the same window that Kanakadasa was blessed with a view.


Krishna Matha

The daily sevas (offerings to god) and administration of the Krishna Mutt are managed by the Ashta Mathas (eight temples). Each of the Ashta Mathas performs temple management activities for two years in a cyclical order. They are collectively known as the Krishna Matha.

The Krishna Matha is known throughout the world for its religious customs, traditions, and learning in Dvaita or Tatvavaada philosophy. It is also the centre of Daasa Sahitya, a form of literature that originated in Udupi.

These eight Mathas are Pejavara, Puttige, Palimaru, Adamaru, Sodhe, Kaniyooru, Shirur and Krishnapura


Swamijis of the Ashta Mathas

The swamijis of the Ashta Mathas and their successors are given as below:Matha Swamiji Successor
Pejavara Sri Vishvesha Tirtha Swamiji Sri Vishvaprasanna Tirtha Swamiji
Palimaru Sri Vidhyadeesha Tirtha Swamiji
Adamaru Sri Vibhudesha Tirtha Swamiji Sri Vishvapriya Tirtha Swamiji
Puttige Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Swamiji
Sodhe Sri Vishvavallabha Tirtha Swamiji
Kaniyooru Sri Vidyavallabha Tirtha Swamiji
Shirur Sri Lakshmivara Tirtha Swamiji
Krishnapura Sri Vidyasagara Tirtha Swamiji
Festivals

During the Paryaya festival, held every two years, the temple management is handed over to the next Matha. Each of the Mathas is headed by a Swami, who will be in charge of the temple during his Paryaya.The paryaya is held on even years like 2008,2010,2012.