Temple Description

The Krishna Matha, established by the Vaishnavite saint Madhvacharya in the 13th century, is associated with the Dvaita school of Vedanta. According to tradition, Madhvacharya discovered the Krishna deity’s image within a large ball of gopichandana. As described in his Tantrasara Sangraha, the deity was originally placed facing east. However, due to the intense devotion of Kanakadasa, it is said that the deity turned to face west. Consequently, all the deities in the other Ashta Muthas also face west. Devotees view Krishna through two windows: the inner one, called the Navagraha Kindi, and the outer one, known as the Kanakana Kindi, which is adorned with an arch named after Kanakadasa. Additionally, a statue of Kanakadasa has been erected. The Navagraha Kindi, often mistaken for the Kanakana Kindi, is situated directly in front of the deity.

The daily sevas (offerings to god) and administration of the Krishna Mathas is managed by the Ashta Mathas (eight monasteries). Each of the Ashta Mathas performs temple management activities for two years in a cyclical order. They are collectively known as the ‘Ashta Mathagalu’ in Kannada. Each Ashta Matha has its own deity which is called Pattada Devaru.

The Krishna Matha is known for its religious customs, traditions and tenets of Dvaita or Tatvavada philosophy. It is also the center of Daasa Saahitya, a form of literature that originated in Udupi.

These eight Mathas are:
● Palimaru Matha
● Admaru Matha
● Krishnapura Matha
● Puttige
● Shirur Matha
● Sodhe Matha
● Kaniyoor Matha
● Pejavara