Sri Krishna Dhyana Kendra in Mudipu, set on a sprawling, lush green hill, beckons the spiritual minded and nature lovers to immerse in peace. A dream come true of one Dr. Madan Mohan Naik in 2021, this meditation centre stands as a symbol of universal peace and integration of different religions, situated about 25 kms from Mangalore city in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. The centre stands tall about 650 feet above sea level and throws stunning views of the hill ranges and the Arabian sea.
Architecture and Objective
Inspired by the architecture of Bhubaneswar’s Lingaraja temple, Sri Krishna Dhyana Kendra, Mudipu, is set in 2.25 acres and its tall spire is meant for those who wish to steep themselves in meditation. The building is built with steel and glass for a harmonious blend with nature. The centre aims at the making of a universal civilisation through its meditation and yogic discourse in the words of Dr.Madan Mohan Naik. A plaque outside reads, “The whole world is my motherland, the earth is my mother and all are my brothers and there is none superior or inferior by birth.”
Shlokas from the Bhagavad Gita and quotes from renowned personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Albert Einstein etc adorn the campus. The tall tower portrays the objective of unifying all the religions in the view of creating and maintaining universal peace. A marble idol of Lord Krishna and a lamp is placed in this centre. Busts of four spiritual leaders, along with Swami Vivekananda and Gautama Buddha are placed outside.
Of Culture and History
Sri Krishna Dhyana Kendra, Mudipu also aims at showcasing Indian culture to the entire world. The centre boasts of a 600 seater open air theatre to host cultural programmes, a conference hall and also well kept rooms for the visitors. It’s a sheer treat for history lovers as well with a well stocked museum with a wide range of exhibits across the world but of Tulunadu in particular, adjacent to the centre.
The museum has statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Sri Narayana Guru, a spiritual leader, paintings of freedom fighters, large collections to do with Yakshagana, Kambala etc. Some interesting exhibits also include a photograph of the former prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru’s visit to Mangalore in 1951, a chess table of Sarojini Naidu, a chariot presented by Rani Chennamma to Polali Shri Rajarajeshwari temple and photographs of Justice K.S. Hegde, U. Srinivasa Mallya, car racer Ashwin Naik etc. Other articles of interest also include a Chinese pot, saree boxes, cash boxes, old kitchen items, a statue of sleeping Buddha from Thailand, stamps and coin collections across the world and a whole range of other things that stoke the interests of the visitors.
While a trust has been formed for the upkeep of this centre, Sri Krishna Dhyana Kendra, Mudipu also looks forward to the contribution of supporters to pass on the history, cultural and spiritual values of India and the rest of the world to future generations. Sri Krishna Dhyana Kendra, Mudipu undoubtedly stands as one of the important attractions of the coastal city of Mangalore.