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The Udupi Sri Krishna Temple in Karnataka is a major pilgrimage site for Vaishnavites and is renowned for its vibrant and spiritually rich festivals. Below is a list of the prominent festivals celebrated at the Udupi temple, each with its unique rituals and traditions:

1. Makara Sankranti (January)

Celebrates the transition of the sun into Makara (Capricorn).

A special pooja is performed, and the deity is decorated elaborately.

Marks the beginning of the Utsava Murti procession season.

2. Ratha Saptami (January/February)

Celebrated as the birthday of Lord Surya.

The Utsava Murti (processional idol) of Lord Krishna is taken on a golden chariot (Surya Ratha) around the temple.

3. Madhwa Navami (January/February)

Observes the disappearance day of Sri Madhvacharya, the founder of the Dvaita school.

Processions, philosophical discourses, and special rituals are conducted in his honor.

4. Holi / Kamadahana (March)

The festival of colors is observed with religious fervor.

Kamadahana, the burning of the effigy of Kama (god of desire), marks the victory of devotion over desire.

5. Ramanavami (March/April)

Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama.

Special decorations and readings from the Ramayana take place in the temple.

6. Chaitra Pournami (April)

A full-moon festival celebrated with processions and devotional singing.

7. Narasimha Jayanti (May)

Marks the appearance of Lord Narasimha, the fourth avatar of Vishnu.

Special rituals and stories of Prahlada and Narasimha are narrated.

8. Krishna Janmashtami (August/September)

The most important festival in Udupi, celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth.

The temple is beautifully decorated with flowers and lights.

Cultural events like Huli Vesha (tiger dance) and Mosaru Kudike (breaking of curd pots) are highlights.

A grand midnight celebration and abhisheka (ritual bathing) of the deity are held.

9. Vitla Pindi (the day after Janmashtami)

A unique festival where devotees reenact Krishna’s childhood by playfully throwing curd and butter at each other.

A joyous procession carries the Utsava Murti through the streets.

10. Navaratri and Vijayadashami (September/October)

Celebrates the victory of good over evil.

Each day has special decorations and rituals dedicated to various forms of the Divine Mother and Lord Krishna.

11. Deepavali (October/November)

The festival of lights is celebrated with lamps, fireworks, and special rituals.

Reflects Krishna’s triumph over the demon Narakasura.

12. Geeta Jayanti (December)

Celebrates the day Lord Krishna revealed the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna.

Discourses and readings from the Gita are organized.

13. Dhanurmasa Pooja (Mid-December to Mid-January)

A sacred month dedicated to early morning worship and Tiruppavai recitations.

Rituals are conducted before sunrise with special offerings.

The temple also holds a biannual Paryaya Festival every two years in January, marking the ceremonial transfer of temple administration among the eight Mathas (Ashta Mathas) established by Sri Madhvacharya. The new Paryaya Swamiji ascends the Sarvajna Peetha and assumes responsibility for conducting poojas and temple activities for the next two years.

The story of Udupi Krishna and why the idol is turned slightly to one side is one of the most beautiful and touching legends from the devotional tradition of South India. It revolves around Sri Madhvacharya, Kanaka Dasa, and the deeply compassionate nature of Lord Krishna.

The Origin of Udupi Krishna

The Udupi Krishna idol is believed to have been worshipped by Rukmini Devi herself in Dwaraka. After Dwaraka submerged, the idol was lost in the ocean. Centuries later, Sri Madhvacharya (13th century), the great philosopher and founder of the Dvaita school of Vedanta, discovered it inside a ball of gopi-chandana (sacred clay) that had washed ashore near Malpe. He installed the idol in Udupi, facing west (unusual, as most deities face east) and established a rich tradition of worship.

The Turning of Krishna – Kanaka Dasa’s Story

Kanaka Dasa was a saint-poet and an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna. Though he was of a lower caste, his devotion was pure and intense. When he came to Udupi to see Lord Krishna, the temple priests—bound by social restrictions of the time—denied him entry into the sanctum.

Rejected but not dejected, Kanaka Dasa built a small hut behind the temple and began singing soulful bhajans and kirtans dedicated to Krishna. He poured out his heart with devotion and tears.

Moved by his unwavering faith and love, the stone wall behind the temple cracked open, and miraculously, the idol of Krishna turned slightly westward to give darshan to Kanaka Dasa through a small window

This window came to be known as the “Kanakana Kindi” (Kanaka’s window), and to this day, all devotees—regardless of caste or status—take their first darshan of Udupi Krishna through this window.

The turning of the idol symbolizes divine compassion and the Lord’s willingness to bless the pure-hearted, regardless of social barriers.

It also upholds the teaching that true devotion surpasses rituals and restrictions.

The Kanakana Kindi remains a powerful symbol of inclusiveness and bhakti.