Puruhutika Temple
The Sri Puruhutika Devi Temple is one of the Ashta Dasha Shakthi Peethas located in Pithapuram, Andhra Pradesh.
History Behind the Puruhutika Temple
The temple is dedicated to Devi Sati, who is worshipped as Puruhutika, and Lord Shiva, who is revered as Kukkuteswara Swamy. It is believed that the Seat of Sati Devi fell here when Lord Vishnu cut her corpse with the Sudarshana Chakra. The culmination of the Shiva and Shakti energies makes this temple a must-visit destination for all the Hindu devotees, especially the Shaivites and Shaktas.
The Sri Puruhutika Devi Temple is situated 20 km from Kakinada and 75 km from Rajahmundry, within the Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy temple complex on the outskirts of Pithapuram village in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is also renowned for Kunthimadhava Swamy Temple and Sri Pada Vallabha Anaagha Datha Kshethram. Lord Shiva is worshipped here in the form of a Swayambhu Lingam, which uniquely resembles a rooster. This white marble Lingam stands about two feet tall. In front of the temple, there is an impressive idol of Nandi, known as Eka Sila Nandi, sculpted from a single stone. It is the second largest of its kind, surpassed only by the Basaveshwara Nandi in Lepakshi.
The Pithapuram Shakti Peeth is also famous for the Pada Gaya Sarovar, a sacred pond believed to grant Moksha (liberation) to those who bathe in it. Performing the last rites for the deceased at Puruhutika Shakti Peeth is considered as sacred as performing them in Kashi.
Stories About the Temple
Story of Indra
Indra once deceived Ahalya, the wife of Gautama Maharshi, by disguising himself as Gautama. As a result, he was cursed by the Maharshi, losing his testicles and having symbols of Yoni appear all over his body. Deeply saddened, Indra prayed fervently to Gautama. Eventually, the Rishi accepted his prayers and transformed the Yoni symbols into eyes, thus naming Indra ‘Sahasraksha’ (the one with a thousand eyes). However, Indra still wished to regain his testicles. He left his kingdom and traveled to Pithika Puri, where he performed intense Tapasya, offering prayers to Jaganmata. After a long period, Jaganmata appeared before him and blessed him with wealth and restored his testicles. Overjoyed, Indra worshipped her as Puruhutika Devi, the one who was worshipped by Indra.
Story of Gayasura
Pithapuram Shakti Peeth, known as Pada Gaya, is one of the three Gaya Kshetras, alongside Shiro Gaya in Bihar and Nabhi Gaya in Jajpur, Orissa. The legend tells of Gayasura, a devout demon who performed intense penance, alarming the gods. Vishnu granted him a boon that only the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva) could kill him. Drunk with power, Gayasura tormented the gods, prompting the Trimurti to disguise as Brahmins and request to perform a Yagna on his body. Gayasura agreed, but when he moved slightly, thinking the Yagna was complete, he was killed. His body parts fell in three places, becoming Trigaya Kshetras: his head in Gaya, Bihar; his navel in Jajpur, Orissa; and his feet in Pithapuram, Andhra Pradesh.
Story of Sripada Sri Vallabha
Sripada Sri Vallabha is considered the first complete incarnation of Lord Dattatreya in Kali Yuga. Born in 1320 AD to a Brahmin couple, Appalaraja Sarma and Sumathi, he was known for his spiritual prowess from a young age. His parents had two sons who were blind and disabled, but Sripada Sri Vallabha cured them before embarking on his spiritual journey.At the age of 16, he took sannyasa (renunciation) and traveled extensively, visiting holy places like Kashi, Badarikashram, Gokarna, and Srisailam.He spent much of his life in Kuravapura, where he is believed to have taken jalasamadhi (a form of spiritual liberation) at the age of 30.Pithapuram is considered his karma bhoomi (land of action), while Kuruvapur is his moksha bhoomi (land of liberation).Sripada
Sri Vallabha’s legacy continues to inspire devotees, and Pithapuram remains a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to him
Goddess Puruhutika Murti
The murti of Sri Puruhutika Devi is crafted from granite and adorned with jewels and a Kirit (crown), draped in silks. The deity is depicted in a standing position, with four hands each holding symbolic items: a bag of seeds (Beeja) in the lower right hand, an axe (Parashu) in the upper right hand, a lotus (Kamala) in the upper left hand, and a dish (Madhu Patra) in the lower left hand. These elements reflect various aspects of divine power and fertility, making the idol a striking and revered representation of the goddess.
Additionally, the temple complex houses shrines dedicated to various deities, including Ganesha, Karthikeya, Rama, and Dattatreya.
Puruhutika Temple's Festivals
The Puruhutika Devi temple is renowned for celebrating all major Hindu festivals. Among these, Maha Shivaratri and Sarannavarathri are observed with exceptional grandeur. Unique to the Puruhutika templeare the special festivals of Magha Bahula Ekadasi (dedicated to Lord Kukkuteswara), Suddha Ekadasi (honoring Kunti Madhava), and Palguna Maasa (celebrated for Kumara Swamy).
Additionally, the Pithapuram temple is famous for its celebration of Karthika Maasam, the month of Karthika. This period is considered ideal for shedding negativity and starting anew. Devotees often direct their prayers to Lord Shiva during this month, as it is believed that his powers are heightened, allowing for abundant absorption of his energy. Karthika Maasam is one of the principal festivals at Puruhutika Devi temple, where Devi Puruhutika is adorned with vibrant sarees, and daily rituals are imbued with the special aura of this divine month.
Architecture of the Temple
On entering the temple there is a pond which is called Padagaya sarovaram (Pada Gaya Sarovar). Pilgrims take holy baths 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.
