The temple was founded by Jagadguru Sri Madhvacharya. According to legend, the idol of Lord Krishna, which was covered in sandalwood paste, was brought by a ship from Dwarka. Madhvacharya rescued the ship from a storm, and in gratitude, the sailors gave him the sandalwood blocks. Inside one of them, he found the beautiful idol of Child Krishna, which he then consecrated at Udupi.
The 'Kanakana Kindi' window has its own legend: the saint Kanakadasa, who was not allowed inside the temple, was praying from outside. Impressed by his devotion, the idol of Krishna turned around to face him, and the temple wall cracked to provide a view. This window remains the primary way for devotees to see the Lord.
