Famous Temples in Udupi - Dress Code, Timings and Info

Founded in the 13th century by Jagadguru Shri Madhvacharya, the world-renowned Sri Krishna Matha is the heart of the Dvaita Vedanta philosophy and the most famous temple in Udupi.

The temple is legendary for its unique worship model. Instead of entering the main hall, devotees view Lord Krishna through a silver-plated window with nine holes called the Navagraha Kindi. In the 16th century, lower-caste saint Kanakadasa was barred entry, so he prayed from the back. Moved by his devotion, the stone idol miraculously rotated 180 degrees to face him, forming a wall crack now revered as the Kanakana Kindi.

Located in Kumbhashi along National Highway 66, the Anegudde Sri Vinayaka Temple is one of Coastal Karnataka’s most revered Ganesha shrines and a designated Mukti Sthala created by Sage Parashurama.

Translating to “Elephant Hill” (Ane = Elephant, Gudde = Hill), the temple marks the site where Pandava prince Bhima received a divine sword from Ganesha to defeat the drought-inducing demon Kumbhasura.

Tucked deep in the Western Ghat rainforest foothills of Kodachadri Peak, the Kollur Sri Mookambika Devi Temple is a monumental spiritual powerhouse where Shiva and Shakti unite.

Originating from the penance of 8th-century philosopher Adi Shankaracharya, the sanctum houses a miraculous Jyotirlinga split by a golden line representing the Trimurtis and Tridevis.

The 1,000-year-old Kere Basadi in Varanga is an architectural marvel sitting directly in the middle of a lotus-filled lake, representing the region’s rich historical Jain heritage.

Devotees reach the star-shaped Chaturmukha (four-faced) structure via a tranquil wooden boat ride operated across the still waters, surrounded by emerald hills.

Located near Udupi’s center, the Ambalpady temple complex blends Vaishnavite and Shakta traditions by housing both Lord Janardhana and Goddess Mahakali side by side.

Every Friday evening, the temple hosts the powerful Darshana oracle ritual where devotees seek answers for personal and health troubles.

Situated along NH 66, the Sri Amrutheshwari Temple in Kota is fondly called Halavu Makkala Thayi (“Mother of Many Children”) and is a premier shrine for fertility prayers.

Dating back to the 7th-century Chalukyan era, the Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple predates the Krishna Matha and houses a dynamic black stone sculpture of Durga defeating Mahishasura.

Situated right on Car Street next to the Krishna Matha, the Sri Anantheshwara Temple is Udupi’s oldest Shiva shrine, deeply linked to Sri Madhvacharya’s historical disappearance.

Located directly opposite Anantheshwara, the Sri Chandramouleshwara Temple is an ancient rock-cut Shiva shrine that pilgrims traditionally visit first before proceeding to Krishna Matha.

Nestled amid paddy fields, the Mandarthi Temple is a famous Shakti shrine renowned as a premier cultural center for Yakshagana folk theater troupes.

Perched near Saligrama’s rocky shorelines, this 8th-century shrine dedicated to Lord Narasimha serves as a spiritual anchor for the coastal community.

Set along the Kubja River, the Kamalashile Temple houses a miraculous split-line Lingam located deep inside a natural limestone rock cave.

The Shankaranarayana Temple is a unique pilgrimage site featuring a joint Swayambhu Linga symbolizing the complete non-duality and unity of Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva).

Perched high on a scenic hill next to Madhvacharya’s birthplace (Pajaka Kshetra), the Kunjarugiri Temple offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea.

Tucked into Kundapura’s interior forests, Maranakatte is famous for its vibrant nighttime festivals and powerful folklore legends.

Pair your temple visits with a sunset at Malpe Beach or Kaup Beach, a walk across a hanging bridge or waterfall from our Udupi attractions guide, and a comfortable stay among the Udupi homestays.