Udupi Darshan

udupi ddarshan

The famous Udupi Krishna Temple in Karnataka is dedicated to Lord Krishna as a small, beautiful idol. According to tradition, the idol was carved by Vishwakarma, the divine architect, at the request of Devaki (Krishna’s mother), so she could see Krishna’s child form whenever she wished. After many years, the idol was lost and hidden under layers of mud and gopichandana (sacred clay).

Centuries later, Madhvacharya — the great 13th-century saint and founder of the Dvaita philosophy — was walking by the seashore when he saw a ship struggling in a storm. With his prayers and divine power, Madhvacharya calmed the sea and saved the ship. In gratitude, the ship's captain gifted him whatever he wanted from the cargo. Madhvacharya chose a lump of clay and sandalwood — a strange choice — but when he brought it to shore, the sacred Krishna idol was found hidden inside!

Madhvacharya installed the idol at Udupi. However, the idol originally faced east. Over time, a great devotee named Kanakadasa, who belonged to a lower caste, was not allowed into the temple because of social customs. Undeterred, Kanakadasa sang heartfelt songs of devotion outside the temple. Touched by his pure love, it is said that Lord Krishna turned Himself westward, creating a small crack in the wall, so that Kanakadasa could have His darshan!

Even today, pilgrims in Udupi first get darshan of Krishna through the small window known as the Kanakana Kindi (Kanaka's Window).

From Devaki’s love for Krishna to Madhvacharya’s devotion and Kanakadasa’s unwavering faith, the story of Udupi Krishna teaches us the power of true devotion. Madhvacharya’s role in establishing the Udupi temple and Kanakadasa’s miracle remind us that with faith, we can experience the divine in our lives. May Udupi Krishna’s blessings guide us always.