Puruhutika ShaktiPeeth, Pithapuram

Puruhutika Devi Temple is located Opposite Petrol Bunk, Pithapuram, Andhra Pradesh, 20 Km from Kakinada and 75 Km from Rajahmundry. It is known as one of the 18 Shakthipithas in India. This Temple is popular for the temples of Kukkuteshwara Swamy, Kunthimadhava Swamy, and Sri Pada Vallabha Anaagha Datha Kshethram, Agraharam, Sri Venu Gopala Swamy Temple.

History

Puruhutika Devi was worshipped by Lord Indra. When Indra cheated Ahalya (wife of Gautama Maharshi) in the way of Gautama and was cussed by the Maharshi. Indra lost his testes as well as had the marks of Yoni all over his body. He felt really regrettable and prąyed Gautama a lot. The Rishi notified and accepted that the Yoni marks would appear like eyes so that Indra would be called Sahasraksha thereafter. Indra lost his testes. He wanted to restore them. He left his kingdom, went to Piithika puri, and did Tapasya for Jaganmata.

After a long time, Jaganmata appeared to him and enshrined him with prosperity and testes. Indra was truly satisfied and referred to her as Puruhutika Devi (One who was adored by Indra). After a long period of time, Jagadguru Sripada Vallabha took birth in Pithapuram. He too worshipped Puruhutika Devi as well as identified himself. He is a variation of Dattatreya. Pithapuram is also considered as Dakshina Kasi.

Architecture

When you come to the temple, finish the pradishana, and come in front of Dwaja Stamba you will be attracted by the “Yaka Sila Nandi (One Stone Nandi). The Yaka Sila is 2nd biggest after Lepakshi Basaveswara Nandai. The front entrance of this temple remains in the north. As one enters this temple, one can see a large gopuram that has been incredibly toned and which supervises a pond- Pada Gaya Sarovar (a religious pond). Pilgrims initially shower the holy water from this pond as it eases them from all their sins.

After getting into the temple one can see the large-sized Pada Mudrikas(imprints) of Gaya Asura beside the Dhwaja Sthambha. On the north side of the temple, there is a shrine of Sri Chandeeshwara Swamy. In the northeast corner, there is a shrine of Kala Bhairava, who is the Kshetra Palaka (guard). A historical temple of God Subrahmanyam present in the northwest which alleviates pilgrims of their Kuja Dosha.

Idol

The idol of Puruhuthika Devi has 4 hands. They have a bag of seeds (Beeja), axe (Parashu), lotus (Kamala), and a dish (Madhu Patra) from lower right to lower left in order. Previously there were 2 sects of Upasakas in Pithapuram worshipping Puruhootika Devi. The very first one calls her Puruhootha Lakshmi (Meditating on Kamala and Madhu Patra) and worshipping in Samayachara and the 2nd one calls her Puruhoothamba (Meditating on Parashu and Beeja) and worshipping in Vamachara. There is also a tale that the unique statue of Puruhutika Devi was buried under the temple which was worshipped by them.

There is a big and beautiful idol of Nandi (bull) made from a single stone in front of the temple. The Shiva Linga which is in the form of a cock’s head is known as Sri Kukkuteshwara Swamy. The shrine of Sri Rajarajeswari, consort of Sri Kukkuteshwara Swamy, is present beside the Shiva temple.

There are other shrines of various gods like Sri Rama, Ayyappa, Sri Vishveshwara, and Sri Annapurna Devi, Sri Durga Devi. It is beside the Sri Durga shrine, which is the shrine of Sri Puruhutika Devi.

Festivals

• Dasara during Ashwija Masa, (Sep-Oct) and Shivaratri during Magha Masa (Feb- March) are celebrated with great fervour.
• The marriage ceremony (Swamivari Kalyanam) of Lord Shiva is celebrated during Magha Masa and the car festival (Rathautsavam) in Magha Masa draws people from nearby towns and cities.
• Karthik Deepam during Karthik Masa (Oct- Nov) is also celebrated in the temple.
• Every year the month of Ashviyja Navaratri festival is conducted in the temple.

How to Reach

• By Air: The Temple can be reached through Rajahmundry Airport which is well-connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, and Mumbai.
• By Rail: The nearest Railway Station to the temple is Pithapuram.
• By Road: You can easily get regular buses to Pithapuram from other major cities of the country. It is located 20 Km from Kakinada and 75 Km from Rajahmundry.

Temple Timings

Darshan Timing

Morning Timing	Evening Timing
05.30 AM To 12.30 PM	4:30 PM To 7:30 PM

Daily Pooja

• Daily rituals include Snan, Abhisheka, Pushpa Alankar, Doop, Deep, and Maha Naivedya to Kukkuteswara Swamy. In the evening, the rituals start with Dhoop Seva, Nivedhanam, Neeranjana, Mantra Pushpam, Darbar Seva, and Pavalimpu Seva.
• Shani Trayodashi Puja is also offered to Lord Shiva.

Temple Video and Images