Without delving too much into the history, let us tell you why you’re reading this in the first place: Udupi is home to a 700-year-old idol of Shri Krishna, installed by the learned Madhavacharya. Nothing unique yet? Well, apart from the tale that the idol was self-made by Krishna, the distinguishing feature here is the mode of darshan. In place of the usual garba-griha door, through which a deity is visible, darshan in the Udupi temple is via a small window at the back of the sanctum-sanctorum. Legend has it that an ardent devotee Kanaka was longing for a darshan, but being from a lower caste he was denied entry. So pleased was Krishna with Kanaka that He decided to turn around and create an opening in the back wall, letting Kanaka see Him. And that’s how the darshans have been ever since: through Kanaka’s Khidki (window). Udupi Temple Square The Temple Square is flanked by the holiest of holy temples that Udupi is home to, along with dozens of shops that cater to religious shopping. All the eight mutts that are integral to the worship of Krishna in Udupi are located here, as are other famous temples like the Anantheshvara and Chandreshwara. Vehicle entry is thankfully banned within the square, making it an interesting pedestrian experience. The mutts and the temples are just a couple of minutes away from each other, so don’t bother about your footwear till you’re done visiting all the temples. Shri Krishna Temple Apart from the unique Kanaka Khidki, be sure to notice the amazing art work in the temple, including the murals, metal work and wooden carvings. 14 pujas from 5am to 8pm keep the temple active through out the day, the details of which are available in the temple office. If you’re present post sunset, you will be greeted by rows and rows of oil lamps that are lit every evening, making it a spectacular sight. Also, catch the daily chariot procession from 8pm to 8:45pm, where the deity seated on a 15m high bulbous wooden chariot makes a round of the entire Temple Square, punctuated by fireworks, puppets and drummers. Udupi Cuisine Religion is one side of the coin here, food is the other. The Shri Krishna Temple feeds thousands of devotees everyday, and it was these very sacred kitchens that gave birth to the famous Udupi cuisine that is synonymous with healthy South Indian fast-food. Be sure to have either lunch or dinner in the temple’s bhojanalaya. The meal usually consists of rice, vegetables, sambar, rassam, butter milk and payasam. Around Udipi Manipal: Located just 5km away, Manipal is worth a dekho, especially for city-students; to get an idea of what education in a university town, its pitfalls as well as boons can mean. Also coming up near Manipal is a recreated village with houses in the traditional vernacular style of the region, by Vijaynath Shenoy Malpe: It is 10km from Udupi and is famous for its fishing harbour and its beaches filled with golden sands and virgin waters St. Mary’s Island: It is a 30 minute boat ride off the coast from Malpe, famous for its unique geological formations. Volcanic basalt rocks that crystallised into hexagonal formations jut out of the sea water and form a number of small isles, the biggest one being a little larger than a square km. Fact File Getting there By road Mangalore (60km) is connected to Udupi by NH17 By rail Udupi Railway Station is 3km away from the Temple Square By air Mangalore (60km) is the nearest airport Best time to visit Winter months are the best; it is hot and humid for the rest of the year STD Code 0820 Group Moderator for [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Connect your World with Us join Now - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dimpill_gang/join Affiliated group from dimpill_gang for Only Adult Mails - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fantazies/join Affiliated group from dimpill_gang for Only Health and Food Mails - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Health_and_Gourmet/join Forgot the famous last words? Access your message archive online at http://in.messenger.yahoo.com/webmessengerpromo.php
