Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a significant visit to Udupi in Karnataka on Friday, November 28, 2025, where he highlighted the region's crucial contributions to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and paid homage to the 15th-century saint-philosopher Kanakadasa.
Udupi's Political and Spiritual Legacy
Addressing a gathering at the Laksha Kantha Gita Parayana programme held at the historic Sri Krishna Matha, Prime Minister Modi emphasized Udupi's dual significance as both a spiritual center and a political stronghold. "Coming to Udupi is special for me for another reason," Modi stated. "Udupi has been a karmabhoomi (workplace) for the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and for the BJP's model of good governance."
The Prime Minister recalled that in 1968, the people of Udupi elected Jana Sangh leader VS Acharya to the municipal council, establishing what he described as "a new foundation of governance." He noted that "Udupi presented a new governance model five decades ago, guiding national policies."
Udupi's Connection to Ayodhya Ram Temple
In his most significant remarks, Prime Minister Modi directly linked Udupi's spiritual leadership to the success of the Ram temple movement in Ayodhya. He specifically credited Sri Vishvesha Teertha Swamiji for his guidance to the temple movement decades ago, which ultimately led to the flag hoisting at the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
"Sri Vishvesha Teertha Swamiji's guidance to the temple movement decades ago led to flag hoisting at Ram temple in Ayodhya," Modi told the assembled crowd. He further revealed that the Ram temple has a special arch gate dedicated to Udupi's Sri Madhwacharya, underscoring the deep connection between the two holy sites.
Homage to Saint Kanakadasa and Temple Traditions
During his visit, the Prime Minister visited the historic Kanaka Mantap and offered floral tributes to Saint Kanakadasa, the revered 15th-century saint-philosopher. Kanakadasa is celebrated for the mythological episode where Lord Krishna's idol turned westward at the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple, demonstrating the saint's profound devotion.
Modi then proceeded to the Sri Krishna Temple complex, where he was received with traditional honors by Paryaya Puthige Math seer, Sugunendra Thirtha, along with temple officials. The Prime Minister was honored with a Poorna Kumbh swagatham and presented with traditional offerings including a silver-clad Tulasi Japa mala and ritual mudras.
Reflecting on the spiritual significance of his visit, Modi said, "Just three days ago, I was on the sacred land of Kurukshetra where the Gita was born, and today, arriving on this blessed land of Lord Shri Krishna and Jagadguru Shri Madhvacharya brings me immense satisfaction."
This marked PM Modi's second visit to the Krishna temple, having previously visited in 2008 during his tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat.
