Today is Kanakadasa Jayanti
The Kanakana Kindi, also known as the “Window of Kanakadasa,” is located inside the famous Udupi Sri Krishna Temple complex in Udupi, Karnataka. The temple is one of the most sacred Vaishnava shrines in South India. It was established by Sri Madhvacharya, the founder of the Dvaita philosophy, in the 13th century.
Kanakadasa was born in 1509 CE at Baada, near Bankapura in present-day Haveri district, Karnataka. He belonged to the Kuruba community and was originally named Thimmappa Nayaka. A great devotee of Lord Krishna, he later became a saint-poet of the Haridasa movement, composing devotional songs in Kannada that spread bhakti among the common people.
His literary works, like Mohana Tarangini, Nalacharitre, and Haribhaktisara, are rich in devotion and philosophical depth. His life represents humility, devotion, and equality beyond caste and social boundaries.
The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Sri Krishna, worshipped as Bala Krishna.Although the temple is dedicated to Krishna, the Kanakana Kindi inside the complex is deeply associated with Saint Kanakadasa, who received divine darshan of the Lord through this sacred window.
Near the Kanakana Kindi, a beautiful idol of Saint Kanakadasa is installed in remembrance of his devotion. He is shown in a standing posture with folded hands (Anjali Mudra), wearing a simple dhoti and turban, and holding a tambura or veena, symbolizing his devotion and identity as a Haridasa (servant of Hari). The idol faces the Kanakana Kindi, marking the place where Lord Krishna turned to bless his devotee.
The Udupi Sri Krishna Temple follows the traditional Dravidian and coastal Karnataka architectural style. The sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha) houses the idol of Lord Krishna facing west, which is rare among Hindu temples. The temple features beautifully carved wooden corridors, brass-covered doors, deepa sthambhas (lamp towers), and the sacred Madhwa Sarovara (temple pond).
The Kanakana Kindi, situated behind the sanctum, is a small window with nine holes (Navadwaras) symbolizing the nine openings of the human body. Devotees receive darshan of Lord Krishna only through this window — the same view that was miraculously granted to Kanakadasa.
The temple was founded by Sri Madhvacharya in the 13th century. He installed the idol of Lord Krishna that he discovered in a lump of gopichandan clay from Dwarka.
In the 16th century, Saint Kanakadasa came to Udupi seeking Krishna’s darshan. Due to caste barriers of that time, he was not allowed to enter the temple. Undeterred, he remained outside, behind the sanctum, and continued singing heartfelt bhajans in praise of Lord Krishna.
Moved by the saint’s pure devotion, Lord Krishna turned westward, breaking open the temple wall to bless Kanakadasa through a small opening. This miraculous window became known as the Kanakana Kindi, symbolizing divine compassion and equality.
According to the local legend, Kanakadasa sang the heartfelt song “Bagilanu Teredu Seveyanu Kodo Hariye” (“O Lord, open the doors and bless me with your darshan”). Hearing his plea, Lord Krishna turned westward, and a small opening appeared in the temple wall. Through this miraculous window, Kanakadasa beheld the divine form of the Lord.
This incident symbolized the Lord’s message that true devotion has no boundaries of caste or creed and that the Lord reveals himself to sincere hearts.
Since then, all devotees have darshan of Lord Krishna only through that same window, reinforcing the spiritual equality taught by Kanakadasa.
The major festivals celebrated here include Makara Sankranti, Krishna Janmashtami, Rathotsava, and Kanakadasa Jayanthi. Kanakadasa Jayanthi is celebrated with great devotion, drawing devotees from all over Karnataka. Special bhajans, harikathas, and cultural programs are held, and Devaranamas composed by Kanakadasa are sung throughout the temple premises. During Janmashtami and Rathotsava, the entire temple is illuminated beautifully, and thousands gather to witness the chariot procession and offer prayers to Lord Krishna.
