Sri Puruhutika Devi Temple, Pithapuram

Sri Puruhutika Devi temple is an important Ashta Dasha Shakthi Peetha. Devi Sati is worshipped as Puruhutika and Lord Shiva as Kukkuteswara Swamy. It is believed that the Seat of Sati devi had fallen here when Lord Vishnu cut her corpse with the Sudarshana Chakra.

Sri Puruhutika Devi temple is located within the temple complex of Kukkuteswara Swamy, on the outskirts of the village Pithapuram in East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh. Pithapuram is around 12 kms from Samalkota and 20 kms from Kakinada and 62 kms from Rajahmundry.

On entering the temple there is a pond which is called as Padagaya sarovaram (Pada Gaya Sarovar). Pilgrims take holy bath in this pond. Main temple of Kukkuteswara swamy is present towards the right side of the pond. Puruhutika Devi temple is present in the North-East corner of the Kukkuteswara swamy temple. It is constructed facing south. Puruhutika Devi temple is small in size but looks very nice with the carvings of Ashtadasa Shakti peethas on its walls. It is believed that the original statue of Devi is buried under the temple in the same place. This complex has a Sarovar after taking bath people offer prayers to their ancestors, as this temple complex is called Pada Gaya. It has Gayasura’s Padas (Feet) and Vishnu Padas (Feet). Gayasura’s body was cut in three portions and out of that Head has fallen at Siro Gaya (Called Gaya in Bihar) Below chest (Nabhi) portion has fallen in Nabhi Gaya (Jajpur in Orissa)and the Legs (Padas) have fallen here hence called Pada Gaya.

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Once Indra had cheated Ahalya, wife of Gautama maharshi by disguising himself in the form of Gautama and was cursed by the Maharshi. Indra lost his testis and got the symbols of Yoni all over his body. He felt very sad and prąyed to Gautama a lot. Finally the Rishi accepted his prayers and told that the Yoni symbols will look like eyes, so that Indra will be called as Sahasraksha thereafter. But Indra lost his testis. He wanted to regain them. He left his kingdom, came to Piithika puri and did Tapasya, offering his prayers to Jaganmata. After a long time Jaganmata appeared before him and blessed him with wealth and testis. Indra was very happy and prąyed her as Puruhutika Devi (One who was worshiped by Indra).

After a very long time Jagadguru Sripada vallabha took birth in Pithapuram. He too worshiped Puruhutika Devi and realized his self. He is an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya.

Dasara during Ashwija Masa, (Sep- Oct) and Shivaratri during Magha Masa (Feb- March) are celebrated with great fervour. Marriage ceremony (Swamivari Kalyanam) of Lord Shiva is celebrated during Magha Masa and 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 in the month of Ashviyja Navaratri festival is conducted in the temple.

Temple Pooja Daily Schedule

Sri Puruhutika Devi temple timings are from 5.30 am to 9.00 pm. In the afternoon, the temple is closed from 1.00 pm to 4.30 pm.

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.

Puruhutika Devi is in a standing position. The idol is made of granite and is adorned with jewels, a Kirit and robed in silks. The idol of Puruhuthika devi has four hands. They contain bag of seeds (Beeja), axe (Parashu), lotus (Kamala) and a dish (Madhu patra) from lower-right to lower-left in order.

There are two sects of worshippers of Devi. The first sect worshipped the Devi as Puruhootha Lakshmi. She is seen meditating with a lotus and Madhu Patra in her hands. This sect followed the Samayachar* form of worship. The second sect worshipped the Devi as Puruhoothamba. She is seen meditating with an axe (Parashu) and bag of seeds in her hands. This sect followed the Vamachara* form of worship. The original deity was buried under the temple.

*Samayachar refers to a form of worship where homas/ havan are conducted to appease the god. It refers to an internal mode of worship.

*Vamachara refers to a mode of worship which is not in accordance with the Orthodox tradition of worship.

Nearest Busstation: Pithapuram

Nearest Railway station: Pithapuram, Kakinada

Nearest Airport: Kakinada, Rajahmundry, Visakhapatnam.

Sri Puruhutika Devi temple, Pithapuram, Andhra Pradesh