Today, Udupi witnessed a grand spiritual gathering as Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the historic Sri Krishna Matha. The visit included a roadshow, prayers at the temple, and participation in the landmark “Laksha Kantha Gita Parayana” — a massive recitation of the Bhagavad Gita by over one lakh devotees.
What Happened
- The day began with a roadshow from Bannanje Circle to Kalsanka Circle, after which the Prime Minister arrived at the Matha.
- At the temple, Modi offered prayers, led the mass Gita chanting, and joined hundreds of saints, scholars and devotees in devotion
- During the ceremony, Modi also inaugurated the newly built Suvarna Teertha Mantapa and dedicated the Kanaka Kavacha — a golden cover for the sacred window known as Kanakana Kindi, associated with the 15th-century saint-philosopher Kanakadasa.
What PM Modi Said
Addressing the gathering, Modi described the day as a moment of “supreme fortune,” saying that the divine darshan and collective chanting of Gita shlokas were blessings for everyone present.
He stressed that the Gita’s teachings guide not just spiritual life but also the nation’s commitment to public welfare, peace, and moral values.
He also recalled Udupi’s historic role in India’s cultural and spiritual heritage, praising the contributions of saints like Kanakadasa and founders like Madhvacharya — whose legacy, he said, continues to shape the spiritual ethos of the region and the nation.
Significance of the Visit
This visit underlines Udupi’s enduring legacy as a center of devotion, service and cultural heritage. The massive turnout for the Gita chanting event — with citizens, monks, scholars and youth — reflects a renewed interest in spiritual traditions and communal harmony.
Moreover, the inauguration of Suvarna Teertha Mantapa and Kanaka Kavacha adds new architectural and symbolic value to the centuries-old Matha, reinforcing its status as a living heritage site.
Major Highlights
Mass Bhagavad Gita Recitation with 1 Lakh+ Devotees: Modi joined the “Laksha Kantha Gita Parayana” at Sri Krishna Matha, where over 100,000 devotees — students, monks, scholars and common citizens — chanted verses from the Bhagavad Gita together in unison, marking a significant spiritual event.
Inauguration & Dedication Ceremonies: During the visit, Modi inaugurated the newly constructed Suvarna Teertha Mantapa and dedicated the gilded “Kanaka Kavacha” for the sacred Kanakana Kindi — a window steeped in devotion history associated with saint-poet Kanakadasa.
Reaffirming Udupi’s Cultural & Spiritual Heritage: Modi described Udupi and the Matha as a “beacon of devotion and learning,” underscoring the enduring relevance of the Gita and spiritual traditions for modern India.
Historical Significance of the Visit: The visit adds another chapter to the legacy of the 800-year-old Sri Krishna Matha (founded by Madhvacharya), renewing attention on Udupi’s temples and traditions.
Symbolic & Broader Impact
The event combined devotion, heritage and mass participation — a rare moment of collective spirituality uniting thousands across age, background and region.
The dedications (Mantapa & Kavacha) highlight preservation and honouring of religious heritage, reinforcing the Matha’s spiritual and cultural identity for future generations.
In his remarks, Modi drew parallels between the spiritual ethos of the Gita and national values — duty, clarity, resilience — suggesting a message beyond religion: one of unity, heritage and national pride.
