Udupi (Karnataka)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday visited the historic Kanaka Mantap here and offered floral tributes to Kirthanakar Kanakadasa, the revered 14th-15th century AD saint-philosopher.

Kanakadasa is credited with the legendary episode of Lord Krishna's idol turning westward at the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple.

Later, the Prime Minister participated in the "Laksha Geeta Pathana", a mass recitation in which more than one lakh devotees chanted verses from the Bhagavad Gita.

Addressing the Laksha Kantha Gita Parayana programme at Sri Krishna Matha in Udupi. Deeply honoured for the opportunity to be in the presence of the revered sages.
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— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 28, 2025

Accompanied by Paryaya Puthige Math seer, Sugunendra Thirtha, Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot and others, the PM joined the mass recital and read out the hymns.

Earlier, after paying homage at the Mantap, Modi proceeded to the Sri Krishna Temple complex, where he was received with traditional honours by Sugunendra Thirtha, along with the Diwan of the Math and senior temple officials.

Modi spent time inside the sanctum precincts, acknowledging the significance of Kanakadasa's devotion and the enduring cultural legacy associated with the temple.

Modi was given a Poorna Kumbh swagatham (welcome with traditional honours) as he entered the Krishna Math precincts. He was presented with a silver clad Tulasi Japa maala and Mudras containing Shankha, Chakra

Gada, and Padma, which the Madhwas and most of the Brahmin communities use for their daily Pooja rituals in South India.

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