Kunjarugiri Shree Durgadevi Temple

Kunjarugiri Durga Devi temple is situated approximately 11kms to the south-east of Shree Krishna’s temple in Udupi. The word ‘kunjara’ means ‘elephant’, so the place is known as Kunjaragiri or Kunjarugiri. Vimanagiri is another name for Kunjarugiri because when Jaganmatha Durga was installed on the hill by the Lord Parashurama, the Gods and Goddess came by ‘Vimana’ to offer floral tribute. The local people call the Durga Devi as ‘Kunjaramma’ and devotees visit this place to seek the blessing of Kunjaramma. 

Durga Devi is also known by the name Yogamaya. It was the Yogamaya who had transferred Shesha from the womb of Devaki to the womb of Rohini, facilitating the descent of Lord Krishna. The same Yogamaya then manifested bearing the name Durga (as the baby of  Yashoda) when Lord Krishna was incarnated as the son of Devaki. The Yogamaya (as the controller of the darkness and ignorance) had put the guards of Kamsa to sleep to facilitate the safe passage of Vasudeva (carrying Bala Krishna) towards the Nandavraja. Then, Durga was brought from Nandavraja to by Vasudeva, replacing Krishna. Presuming her to be the eighth child of Devaki, Kamsa rushed to thrash Her against a rock. She escaped and sprang up to the sky and warned Kamsa of his destruction. So, she is known as “Hariswasa'' or Hari’s sister.

We can see Parashurama hill and temple on the west side of the Durga Devi temple. Also, we can see the statue of Shri Madhvacharya. To the east Pajaka kshetra which is the birthplace of Shri Madhvacharya.  

Parashurama Temple

 

Statue of Shri Madhvacharya

This temple can be reached from 4 different directions. People can go by road, steps, or by climbing the hill.

The Parashurama cave is located to the east of the temple. It is believed that he is still performing penance in this cave. The four sacred holy ponds - Parashu(Axe) Theertha, Dhanus(Bow) Theertha, Bana(Arrow) Theertha and Gada(Heavy weapon) Theertha around the region created by  Lord Parashurama. The water from these ponds are used for abhisheka(ritual of pouring water on the idol) of Durga Devi.

The scenery views from the hillock are stunning.