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An ancient and sacred hilltop temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, revered for its ties to Lord Parashurama, Sri Madhwacharya, and its panoramic views.
Kunjarugiri Shree Durga Devi Temple is a revered hilltop shrine located in Kurkal village, near Udupi. Also known as Durgabetta or Vimanagiri, this temple is famous for its majestic four-handed idol of Goddess Durga in the form of Mahishamardini. According to legend, the idol was consecrated by Lord Parashurama himself.
The temple is deeply significant to followers of the Dvaita philosophy, as Sri Madhwacharya, whose birthplace Pajaka is nearby, visited this temple daily during his childhood. Surrounded by lush greenery, the temple offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea coastline. Devotees can either climb the 257 stone steps or take a convenient motorable road directly to the top. The hill complex is also home to four sacred ponds (Theerthas)—Dhanus, Gada, Bana, and Parashu.