PM Modi honors Kanakadasa in Udupi, participates in Gita chanting

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Udupi on Friday to honour the legacy of Kanakadasa, the revered 14th–15th century saint-philosopher known for his devotion and spiritual teachings. The visit turned into a powerful cultural moment, blending history, faith and tradition with the Prime Minister leading thousands in chanting verses from the Bhagavad Gita.

Modi began his visit at the historic Kanaka Mantap, where he offered floral tributes to Kanakadasa, also remembered for the legendary incident where the idol of Lord Krishna at the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple is believed to have turned westward in response to the saint’s devotion. The Prime Minister acknowledged Kanakadasa’s enduring influence on Karnataka’s spiritual heritage.

He then participated in the “Laksha Geeta Pathana” a massive recital where over one lakh devotees simultaneously chanted verses from the Bhagavad Gita. Modi joined the chanting alongside Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, Paryaya Puthige Math seer Sugunendra Thirtha and other dignitaries.

Following the homage at Kanaka Mantap, the Prime Minister proceeded to the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple complex, where he was received with traditional rites by the temple authorities. Inside the sacred precincts, Modi spent time at the sanctum, appreciating the cultural and spiritual legacy linked to Kanakadasa’s devotion to Lord Krishna.

As part of the ceremonial welcome, Modi was given a Poorna Kumbh Swagatham, and presented with a silver-clad Tulasi Japa maala and sacred mudras bearing symbols such as the Shankha, Chakra, Gada and Padma commonly used in daily puja rituals by Madhwa and other Brahmin communities in South India.

This marks Modi’s second visit to Krishna Math. His first visit was in 2008 when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat notably, under the administration of the same seer, Sugunendra Thirtha.

The visit highlighted the deep connection between devotion and tradition in Karnataka, and reaffirmed the cultural importance of Kanakadasa’s teachings in contemporary times.

Kanakadasa, a 16th-century saint, poet and social reformer from Karnataka, spread the message that God belongs to all. Born as Thimmappa Nayaka in Baada village of Haveri district, he came from a warrior community but turned towards deep devotion to Lord Krishna. A disciple of the Dvaita scholar Vyasaraja, he wrote songs in simple Kannada, making spiritual ideas accessible to common people. His teachings stressed equality, moral living and heartfelt devotion over caste or social status.