The Sri-Krsna Temple at Udupi: The History and Spiritual Center of the Madhvite Sect of Hinduism

The book covers in eight chapters the traditions of one of the most unique Hindu temples and pilgrimage centers of southern India, i.e., the Krsna Temple at Udupi. The first chapter gives the legendary history of the Udupi region. Consecrated by Madhva [1238-1317 CE] whose biography is covered in the second chapter, and enhanced by Vadiraja Tirtha [1480-1600 CE] whose life and works are detailed in the third chapter, this book gives in chapters four, five and six a contemporary description of this unique temple of Krsna which is administered by a set of eight Madhvite abbots by a system of rotation lasting 2 years each. Chapter seven narrates the method of observance of the annual routine of the Hindu festivals at the Udupi temple. The last chapter narrates the details of the biennial transfer-of-power of the custody of the Udupi temple from one monastery to the next. The two appendices at the end of the book expound the histories of some of the other Madhvite m! onasteries outside of the Eight Monasteries [Asthamathas] framework located in and around the Udupi general region.