One of the main pilgrim attractions in Udupi is the Sri Krishna Temple also known as Balakrishna Temple. This 13th century temple was established by the great Sanskrit philosopher Madhavacharya. The temple has an image of Lord Krishna made by the divine architect Viswakarma, richly adorned in finery and jewellery.
Legend states that Kanakadasa, an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna was not allowed to enter the temple because he belonged to a different caste. Kanakadasa thus prayed to the Lord from outside the temple viewing the back of the idol through a window. It is believed that Lord Krishna impressed with the devotion of Kanakadasa turned around the statue to face the window. This window is called Kanakakindi or Navagraha kindi and has nine square holes.
The festival chariots with dome towers made of bamboo and colorful textiles are kept just outside the temple. Inside the temple premises is the holy Madhava Sarovar tank where devotees take a dip before entering the main sanctuary.
According to legend Kanakadasa an ardent believer and worshipper of Lord Krishna was not allowed into the temple. The Lord pleased with his devotee turned the Krishna statue in the temple to allow his disciple to regard his Lord’s heavenly form through a little window at the back of the matha. This window is known as the ‘Kanakana Kindi’ and is an attractive feature of the temple.
The Krishna temple is a very famous temple in Udupi. The statute was set up by the great sage Sri Madhvacharya. The offerings in the temple start early morning at 5 and continue all day long without any exclusion.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/freakyyash/4465718282/in/photostream/
