Transcript (Auto-generated):
[Chanting]
Namo Namah… Vande… [Salutations, I bow…] Namo Namah…
The Prime Minister at Sri Krishna Matha
The Prime Minister is currently offering prayers (Puja Archana) at the Sri Krishna Matha located in Udupi. If we talk about the establishment of this Matha, it was founded by the Vaishnava Saint Madhvacharya in the 13th century. A very unique tradition here, which you just witnessed, is that the idol of Lord Krishna is in His child form (Bala Swarupa).
The Legend of Kanakana Kindi
There is a special window present for viewing the deity, known as the “Kanakana Kindi.” It is only through this medium that one can seek Darshan (holy viewing). There is an ancient legend that this arrangement exists due to the deep devotion of the devotee Kanaka Dasa.
The Prime Minister is seen here offering prayers and conversing with the Mahant (head priest/pontiff). He is visible taking Darshan through the Kanakana Kindi, which is golden (plated in gold).
Udupi: The Mathura of South India
When we talk about Udupi, it is a major religious and cultural center of South India. It is often referred to as the “Mathura of South India.”
Most importantly, there is a wonderful tradition of the Eight Mathas (Ashta Mathas). Sri Madhvacharya established eight Mathas for the service and administration of the Sri Krishna Temple. This unique system is a perfect example of religious discipline and collective management.
The moment one names Udupi, the image of the Sri Krishna Temple comes to mind. This temple is linked to the tradition of the medieval saint Sri Madhvacharya and is considered an extremely holy center of faith for Vaishnava devotees. The unique arrangement is that you can only become a seeker of the Darshan of this child form of Lord Krishna through that small window, the Kanakana Kindi.
“There is a religious belief that the devotee poet Kanaka Dasa had Darshan through this very aperture. It is said that just as we seek God, God is also delighted to see the devotee.”
Here, the Prime Minister is seen making a Sankalpa (solemn vow/resolution) and performing the ritual worship.
Spiritual Atmosphere and Heritage
On this visit to the Sri Krishna Matha, you can see the entire temple precinct imbued with a calm, disciplined, and spiritual atmosphere. Due to the chanting of Vedic mantras, this Matha in Udupi has been a center of attraction, devotion, spirituality, and knowledge for devotees for years.
Considering spiritual and cultural excellence, today is an important day where we see the picture of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” (One India, Best India) coming true here. The Prime Minister is seen participating in various activities of the worship.
There is another very important belief associated with this temple—which Neeraj was also mentioning a while ago—about how Sri Madhvacharya saved a ship caught in a storm at sea using his divine power. It shows how spiritual power refines and carves out your philosophical personality.
The Unique Sanctity of the Temple
Udupi is considered an extremely sacred place for the devotees of Lord Krishna. Every day, thousands of devotees take Darshan here. It is said that the very desire to see God is, in itself, the greatest unique power. The description of this Krishna Matha, and the view through the nine-holed Kanakana Kindi, is fascinating.
- The Eternal Lamp: There is a lamp here that has been burning continuously for many years.
- The Deity: The idol of Child Krishna is established here, holding butter and a rope in His hands.
Every year, especially during Janmashtami or other festivals related to Lord Krishna, the beauty of this entire Sri Krishna Matha is a sight to behold. We saw the entire Udupi drenched in devotion; today, it appears immersed in the devotion of Krishna.
Conclusion
At this Krishna temple in Udupi, the Prime Minister offered prayers with full rituals and traditional procedure. It shows how the Saints and Mahants generate positive thinking and energy for the coming generations. We are witnessing today, with our eyes of knowledge, the history whose foundation was laid by Sri Madhvacharya in the 13th century.