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Mahalakshmi Temple
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Kolhapur, Maharashtra
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December 20, 2025
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Important Days and Dates
- Krishna Janmashtami – Celebrated grandly with special rituals and cultural programs.
- Makara Sankranti – Important for temple traditions.
- Paryaya Festival (Every 2 years) – Major event when authority of temple administration is transferred between the Ashta Mathas..
- Krishna Janmashtami: Birth anniversary of Lord Krishna.
- Vijayadashami – Celebrated with rituals and offerings.
- Vaikuntha Ekadashi – Special prayers and darshan.
How to Reach
Delhi to Udupi Shri Krishna Matha:
- By Air: Fly from Delhi (DEL) to Mangalore International Airport (IXE). Udupi is around 55–60 km from the airport; taxis and buses available.
- By Train: Direct trains are limited. Most routes require a change at Mumbai, Mangalore, or Bangalore. Nearest station: Udupi Railway Station.
- By Road: Long-distance road travel (~2,300 km). Preferable only if traveling by private vehicle; not recommended otherwise
Ahmedabad to Udupi Shri Krishna Matha:
- By Air: Fly from Ahmedabad (AMD) to Mangalore (IXE). Travel 55–60 km to Udupi by road.
- By Train: No direct trains. Connections available via Mumbai, Bangalore, or Mangalore. Nearest station: Udupi Railway Station.
- By Road: Approx. 1,600–1,700 km. Journey through Maharashtra–Goa–Karnataka roadways.
History of the Temple
Udupi Shri Krishna Matha is one of India’s most sacred Krishna temples, founded in the 13th century by the saint Sri Madhvacharya, the proponent of Dvaita Vedanta. According to legend, Madhvacharya discovered the idol of Lord Krishna inside a ball of gopichandan (sandal paste) that had washed ashore from a shipwreck. The idol, believed to have been worshipped by Rukmini, was installed in Udupi and became the central deity of the Matha.
The unique feature of the temple is the ‘Kanakana Kindi’, a small window from where devotees first view the deity. It is believed that Kanaka Dasa, a great devotee, saw Lord Krishna through this window when he was denied entry due to caste restrictions in ancient times.
Temple administration is handled by the Ashta Mathas (eight monasteries) established by Madhvacharya. The renowned Paryaya system rotates temple management between these Mathas every two years, making it a major festival in Udupi.
Udupi is also known as the birthplace of Udupi cuisine and the spread of Krishna Bhakti in Southern India.
1.Main Poojas Performed
- Shodashopachara Mahapuja: Principal daily worship with sixteen offerings.
- Padhya Pooja: Ritual washing of the deity’s feet.
- Kakada Aarti: Early morning aarti.
- Abhishek: Ritual bathing of the idol.
- Alankar Pooja: Decoration of the deity.
- Shejarati: Night aarti.
2.Important Days and Times for Pooja
Major Festivals:
- Navratri
- Kirnotsav (Sun Rays Festival).
- Rathotsav
- Diwali / Lakshmi Puja
Auspicious Days:
- Fridays
- Full Moon Days
- Margashirsha Thursdays
3.Attire (Dressing Guidelines) for Pooja
Men:
- Dhoti-kurta, kurta-pyjama, or full-length trousers
Women:
- Saree, salwar-kameez, modest traditional attire
Restrictions:
- No shorts, sleeveless clothes, ripped jeans
- Footwear not allowed inside
Official Websites
-
- Temple Official Website:
https://www.mahalaxmikolhapur.com/
-
- Administrative Authority:
Paschim Maharashtra Devasthan Samiti (Govt. of Maharashtra)
Description
Important Days and Dates
- Krishna Janmashtami – Celebrated grandly with special rituals and cultural programs.
- Makara Sankranti – Important for temple traditions.
- Paryaya Festival (Every 2 years) – Major event when authority of temple administration is transferred between the Ashta Mathas..
- Krishna Janmashtami: Birth anniversary of Lord Krishna.
- Vijayadashami – Celebrated with rituals and offerings.
- Vaikuntha Ekadashi – Special prayers and darshan.
How to Reach
Delhi to Udupi Shri Krishna Matha:
- By Air: Fly from Delhi (DEL) to Mangalore International Airport (IXE). Udupi is around 55–60 km from the airport; taxis and buses available.
- By Train: Direct trains are limited. Most routes require a change at Mumbai, Mangalore, or Bangalore. Nearest station: Udupi Railway Station.
- By Road: Long-distance road travel (~2,300 km). Preferable only if traveling by private vehicle; not recommended otherwise
Ahmedabad to Udupi Shri Krishna Matha:
- By Air: Fly from Ahmedabad (AMD) to Mangalore (IXE). Travel 55–60 km to Udupi by road.
- By Train: No direct trains. Connections available via Mumbai, Bangalore, or Mangalore. Nearest station: Udupi Railway Station.
- By Road: Approx. 1,600–1,700 km. Journey through Maharashtra–Goa–Karnataka roadways.
History of the Temple
Udupi Shri Krishna Matha is one of India’s most sacred Krishna temples, founded in the 13th century by the saint Sri Madhvacharya, the proponent of Dvaita Vedanta. According to legend, Madhvacharya discovered the idol of Lord Krishna inside a ball of gopichandan (sandal paste) that had washed ashore from a shipwreck. The idol, believed to have been worshipped by Rukmini, was installed in Udupi and became the central deity of the Matha.
The unique feature of the temple is the ‘Kanakana Kindi’, a small window from where devotees first view the deity. It is believed that Kanaka Dasa, a great devotee, saw Lord Krishna through this window when he was denied entry due to caste restrictions in ancient times.
Temple administration is handled by the Ashta Mathas (eight monasteries) established by Madhvacharya. The renowned Paryaya system rotates temple management between these Mathas every two years, making it a major festival in Udupi.
Udupi is also known as the birthplace of Udupi cuisine and the spread of Krishna Bhakti in Southern India.
1.Main Poojas Performed
- Shodashopachara Mahapuja: Principal daily worship with sixteen offerings.
- Padhya Pooja: Ritual washing of the deity’s feet.
- Kakada Aarti: Early morning aarti.
- Abhishek: Ritual bathing of the idol.
- Alankar Pooja: Decoration of the deity.
- Shejarati: Night aarti.
2.Important Days and Times for Pooja
Major Festivals:
- Navratri
- Kirnotsav (Sun Rays Festival).
- Rathotsav
- Diwali / Lakshmi Puja
Auspicious Days:
- Fridays
- Full Moon Days
- Margashirsha Thursdays
3.Attire (Dressing Guidelines) for Pooja
Men:
- Dhoti-kurta, kurta-pyjama, or full-length trousers
Women:
- Saree, salwar-kameez, modest traditional attire
Restrictions:
- No shorts, sleeveless clothes, ripped jeans
- Footwear not allowed inside
Official Websites
-
- Temple Official Website:
https://www.mahalaxmikolhapur.com/
-
- Administrative Authority:
Paschim Maharashtra Devasthan Samiti (Govt. of Maharashtra)



