The small village of Kunjarugiri, around 11 km from the temple town of Udupi, is well known for Shree Durga Devi Temple. Located on a hillock, it is also called Durga Betta (Durga Hill) and Vimanagiri (Mountain Accessed by Flight). The installation of the idol, Adi Shakti, is said to have been done by Lord Parashurama himself. It is believed that after creating Kerala, Parashurama found a pearl in the deep sea which he transformed into a nose ring and adorned it on the idol of Goddess Durga or Kunjaru Amma here. He also created four ponds or 'thirthas' called Dhanus Thirtha, Gada Thirtha, Bana Thirtha and Parashu Thirtha around the hill. Till day, it is believed that he is performing penance in the cave below the Durga Betta. The temple and the idol of Parashurama are on top of the rock hill by the side of Gada Thirtha.
Sri Madhvacharya, the founder of the Dvaita school of philosophy, is believed to have visited the Durga temple every day during his childhood. The temple is accessible by a flight of steps and the views from the hillock are quite stunning. The panoramic landscape draped in lush greenery complement the serenity of the temple making it a haven for visitors.