Udupi Sri Krishna Temple: Located in Udupi, Karnataka, this temple is devoted to Lord Krishna and established by the saint Madhvacharya. The temple follows a distinctive tradition of worship, and the Annakuta festival is a highlight.

Long ago, in the coastal town of Udupi in Karnataka, there lived a devout and humble priest named Kanakadasa. Kanakadasa was a true devotee of Lord Krishna and dedicated his life to worshiping the deity. However, he faced a significant obstacle in his devotion. During those times, the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple was restricted to only those belonging to the higher castes, and individuals from lower castes, like Kanakadasa, were not allowed inside the temple premises. This deeply troubled Kanakadasa, as he longed for a glimpse of his beloved Lord Krishna but was denied access due to social norms. One day, feeling disheartened and desperate to have the divine darshan (view) of Lord Krishna, Kanakadasa decided to seek an alternative way to connect with the deity. He knew that Lord Krishna resided in the temple and was accessible through a small window known as the "Kanakana Kindi" at the back of the temple. With unwavering devotion and tears in his eyes, Kanakadasa stood outside the temple, facing the Kanakana Kindi, and sang soul-stirring devotional songs, pouring his heart out to Lord Krishna. His melodious and heartfelt bhajans (devotional songs) reverberated through the temple and touched the hearts of all who heard them. As Kanakadasa sang with devotion, a miracle occurred. The stone wall of the temple cracked open, and the idol of Lord Krishna turned to face the Kanakana Kindi, ensuring that Kanakadasa's pure devotion was reciprocated. Lord Krishna's divine presence was now accessible to everyone, transcending social barriers. Kanakadasa, unaware of this miracle, continued to sing and pray. It was only when he finished his devotional song and turned to leave that he realized what had happened. Overwhelmed with gratitude and joy, he fell to the ground and wept tears of bliss, realizing that his Lord had heard his prayers and responded with boundless love. The legend of Kanakadasa and the miracle of the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple illustrates the power of true devotion and the belief that the divine is accessible to all, regardless of caste or social status. The Kanakana Kindi and the temple's unique worship practices continue to remind devotees of the universal and all-encompassing love of Lord Krishna.

The Udupi Sri Krishna Temple, often referred to simply as the Udupi Temple, is a highly revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is located in the town of Udupi in the Indian state of Karnataka. The name "Udupi Sri Krishna Temple" can be understood through its etymology as follows: Udupi: The term "Udupi" refers to the location of the temple, which is the town of Udupi in the coastal region of Karnataka. Udupi is renowned for this temple and is a significant pilgrimage destination for devotees of Lord Krishna. Sri Krishna: "Sri Krishna" is a reference to Lord Krishna, who is the presiding deity of the temple. Lord Krishna is one of the most popular and beloved deities in Hinduism, and the temple is dedicated to his worship. The Udupi Sri Krishna Temple is particularly famous for its unique mode of worship and seva (service) called "Paryaya," where the temple management and priesthood change hands among eight mathas (monastic organizations) every two years. The temple follows strict traditions and rituals, and it is known for its spiritual and cultural significance. Devotees visit this temple to seek the blessings of Lord Krishna and to partake in the "Prasadam" (sanctified food) known as "Udupi cuisine," which is famous for its delicious vegetarian offerings.

The Udupi Sri Krishna Temple is a renowned Hindu temple located in Udupi, a coastal town in the state of Karnataka, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is famous for its unique deity installation, which is a small idol of Lord Krishna holding a churning rod and a conch shell. The temple is associated with the Dvaita school of Vedanta, founded by the philosopher and saint Madhvacharya. The Udupi Krishna Temple is an important pilgrimage site and a center of religious and cultural significance in southern India. It is also known for its Annadanam program, where free meals are offered to all devotees.

Main Sanctum Sanctorum: The primary deity of the temple is Lord Krishna. The main sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) houses the idol of Lord Krishna, which is in the form of a child deity (Bala Krishna) holding a churning rod and a rope. Pyramid Roof: The temple's main tower (vimana) has a pyramidal roof, which is a typical characteristic of Dravidian temple architecture. The vimana is adorned with sculptural details and intricate carvings. Open Courtyard: The temple complex features an open courtyard (prakaram) where devotees can circumambulate the main sanctum and offer their prayers. This courtyard is surrounded by pillared corridors. Kanakana Kindi: One of the unique architectural features of the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple is the "Kanakana Kindi." This is a small window through which devotees can have a direct darshan (sight) of Lord Krishna without any obstructions. It is associated with a legend involving the devotee Kanakadasa and reflects the temple's emphasis on devotion and equality. Kitchen (Anna Brahma): The temple has a large kitchen where food is prepared for devotees. The tradition of providing free meals, known as "Annadana Seva," is an integral part of the temple's culture.