UDUPI PILGRIMAGE DESTINATION IN MANGALORE

Udupi, located at the distance of 60 kms from Mangalore is the south India's holiest Vaishnavite pilgrims. The place is associated with the famous Hindu saint Madhwacharya, who was born here (1238 -1317). Madhwacharya was the founder of the Dwaitha philosophy. He established the eight Sanyasi Mutts at Udupi and is one of the Mokshapuris, who taught here 700 years ago. Udupi is most famous temple of Shri Krishna and Paryaya festival celebrated here with great zeal and enthusiasm.

Tourists Attractions :

Krishna Temple :

Udupi is most famous for the Shri Krishna temple, built here in the 13th century. The temple is popularly known as the Krishna Mutt or Krishna Matha of Udupi. Madhwacharya founded the maths (monasteries) here, which are visited by lakhs of pilgrims each year. According the legends there was once a popular kuruba devotee known as Kanakadasa, who was pious and and devoted to Lord Krishna. But he was not allowed to enter the temple, because he doesn't belong to the same caste, but didn't upset him, instead made him pray with intense.

Seeing all this Lord Krishna was so pleased that he made the statue of himself turn around to allow the disciple gaze upon his heavenly form through the window at the back of the mutt (monastery).

Everyday puja is performed here from (5:30 am to 8:45pm). The temple remains open to the non Hindus as well. But men are only allowed to enter the main shrine bare chested. The eight mutt here are named as Pejavara, Puttige, Palimaru, Adamaru, Sodhe, Kaniyooru, Shirur ana Krishnapura.

Festivals :

The largest number of devotees gather at the temple during the late winter, when the town host the series of spectacular car Festival and gigantic, bulbous domed chariot are hauled through the streets through the temple. Another famous festival celebrated here is the Paryaya festival, held after every two years. Each of the Mutt is headed by the Swami, who will be in charge of the temple during his Paryaya. Even the festival of Bhajana Saptaha is quite important, which is held in Sri Laxmi Venkatesh Temple.

Udupi Cuisines :

Udupi is birth place of nationally known Masala Dosa. Tourists coming on the tour to the Udupi, make sure that they do not leave the place without trying out this crispy delicacy.

Excursion trip from Udupi :

On the excursion trip from Udupi beach tourists can make a visit to Maple, which is a popular beach destination. Indulge in beach activities and take a boat ride to St. Mary's Island. Than you can also visit Kollur, a tiny hamlet located at the distance of about 80 kms from Udupi.