Founding of Udupi

The founding myth of Udupi centers around the 13th-century philosopher Madhvacharya, who established the Krishna temple there. According to legend, Madhvacharya once saw a ship struggling in a storm off the Malpe coast. Using his divine powers, he calmed the sea and saved the ship. In gratitude, the ship's captain offered him anything on board. Madhvacharya asked for a mound of clay used as ballast. Hidden within this clay was an idol of Lord Krishna, believed to have been worshipped by Rukmini in Dwaraka and crafted by the divine architect Vishwakarma.

Madhvacharya installed the idol in Udupi, setting it to face west, which is unusual in temple tradition. This act marked the establishment of the Krishna Matha, now a major pilgrimage site. He also founded eight monastic institutions—the Ashta Mathas—to manage the temple and propagate his dualistic Dvaita Vedanta philosophy.

Another important part of the myth involves Kanakadasa, a saint from a lower caste who was denied entry into the temple. Despite this, he remained outside and sang with great devotion. Moved by his love, the idol of Krishna is said to have turned to face west and gave Kanakadasa a vision through a small window in the wall, now known as Kanakana Kindi.

The name Udupi is believed to be derived from the words "Udu" meaning stars and "Pa" meaning lord, referring to the moon god Chandra who is said to have worshipped Shiva in Udupi to rid himself of a curse. Thus, the city’s origins are tied to both Shaivite and Vaishnavite traditions, though it is best known today as the center of Krishna worship and Dvaita philosophy.