About Puruhutika Devi Temple

Overview

Puruhutika Devi temple, nestled in the complex of Kukkuteswara Swamy temple, is one of the Ashtadasha (eighteen) Shakti Peethas located in India. This temple is situated in Pithapuram in the district of East Godavari in South India, specifically, the state of Andhra Pradesh. In the list of Shakthi Peethas, this temple is considered the tenth one.

Goddess

Goddess Parvathi is worshipped here as Sri Raja Rajeswari Devi. Her consort, Lord Shiva, is worshipped as Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy. 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.

Puruhutika Devi Temple History

Pithapuram Puruhutika Devi temple is mentioned in texts that were written as early as the 8th century. Rishi Vyasa, in one of his prominent works, Skanda Purana, describes in detail his trip to the Pithapuram temple he undertook along with his disciples. The 15th-century Telugu poet Srinatha also mentions this temple in Bheemeswara Purana. He lists this temple as one of the four places that are Moksha Sthaanas - abodes of liberation. Therefore, one can say that this place is parallel to Varanasi, Kedarnath and Kumbakonam in terms of divinity.

Prayag Prasasti, the Allahabad pillar set up by King Ashoka, mentions Pithapura (called Pishtapura then) when it was ruled by King Mahendra. In the 7th century, Chalukya king Pulakeshin II added Pishtapura into his kingdom. The city initially served as his capital before it was shifted to Vengi. Subsequently, Pithapuram became one of the administrative divisions under the Chalukyas.

The Pithapuram Rajas contributed immensely in the domains of education and healthcare in the area. It clarifies that this place holds immense cultural significance and historical heritage.

Architecture

Pithapuram Puruhutika temple’s design is inspired by the Dravidian style of architecture. The gopura (the entrance tower) and the vimana (the structure over the sanctum) display alluring sculptures. The idol in the Devi Puruhutika temple has four hands and the walls in which the Goddess is enclosed showcase Ashtadasha Shakti Peethas.

Lord Shiva is present in the form of a Lingam, which is Swayambhu, and the Lingam resembles a rooster. It is made of white marble and is about two feet tall. In front of the temple, there is an idol of Nandi, which is the second largest of its kind, only next to Basaveshwara Nandi in Lepakshi. It is sculpted from a single stone; hence, it is called Eka Sila Nandi.

Pithapuram Shakti Peeth is also known for the Pada Gaya Sarovar, a pond outside the temple that is believed to grant Moksha (liberation) to those who take a bath in it. Performing the last rites for the deceased in Puruhutika Shakti Peeth is considered as sacred as performing them in Kashi.

Additionally, there are shrines dedicated to Ganesha, Karthikeya, Rama, Dattatreya, etc., in the complex of the temple.

Pithapuram Shakti Peeth Significance

In Shaktism, Puruhutika Devi temple is regarded as one of the most prominent pilgrimage destinations. Not only it is one of the eighteen Shakti Peethas but also the Kunti Madhava temple situated in the premises makes it one of the five Madhava Kshetras. Kunti, the mother of Pandavas, installed the idol of Madhava in this vicinity and thus the name. It has been worshipped by saints such as Vyasa, Valmiki and Agastya.

Pithapuram Shakti Peetha is also one of the Trigaya Kshetras.

The left hand of Goddess Sati is believed to have fallen here and is called Peethikayam Puruhutika. Due to that reason, Pithapuram was once referred to as Puruhutika Puram and Peethika Puram.

Puruhutika temple is also renowned for its tight-knit association with Sripada Sri Vallabha, a reincarnation of Swami Dattatreya. Yet another story that embellishes the spiritual significance of the place.

Key Insights into Puruhutika Devi Temple

Best time to visit

Pithapuram is known for its equatorial climate - the months of March to June experience summer, and the winter season spans from November to February. As everyone may not be able to adapt quickly to the tropical weather of Andhra Pradesh, it is advisable to avoid the hot temperatures of Pithapuram and travel to Puruhutika Devi temple during the winter season.

Festivals

All noteworthy Hindu festivals are celebrated at Puruhutika Devi temple. Maha Shivaratri and Sarannavarathri are the festivals celebrated with the most grandeur. Special festivals that are unique to Puruhutika temple are Magha Bahula Ekadasi (for Lord Kukkuteswara), Suddha Ekadasi (for Kunti Madhava) and Palguna Maasa for Kumara Swamy.

The Pithapuram temple is also famous for its celebration of Karthika Maasam (the month of Karthika). This month is celebrated as it is considered the perfect time of the year to shed evil from oneself and start afresh. Devotees generally direct their prayers to Lord Shiva this month because it is believed that his powers are amplified in this span of time and, therefore, his energy can be absorbed abundantly. Karthika Maasam is one of the main festivals celebrated at Puruhutika Devi temple. Devi Puruhutika is decorated with colourful sarees and all the daily rituals become special because of the aura that this divine month dissipates.

How to Visit

Dress Code to be Followed at Puruhutika Devi Temple

It is important to keep in mind the dress code that is levied by Puruhutika Devi temple when one visits this holy site. Formal or traditional wear is expected to be worn by the devotees. The preferred attire for men is dhoti or pyjamas with an upper cloth or shirt and trousers and for women - saree, half-saree or salwar suit.

Do's and Don’ts at Puruhutika Shakti Peeth

• Have a bath and wear clean clothes before you enter the premises of the temple.
• Be respectful of fellow pilgrims.
• Don’t smoke or drink inside the temple.
• Do visit all the shrines inside the complex.
• Do not indulge in any form of photography or videography inside the temple.

Darshan/Pooja/Seva

Pithapuram Shakti Peetam Temple Timings

Puruhutika Devi temple opens at 05:30 AM in the morning and remains open till 12:30 PM at noon. After a short break, it reopens at 04:30 PM in the evening before closing for the day at 07:00 PM.

Sevas and Poojas

At Puruhutika temple, the Goddess is offered prayers every morning and every evening. Devotees can be part of the morning or evening rituals, depending on their convenience.

Note - Before visiting the temple, it is recommended for the visitors to contact the temple authorities for the exact timings and prices. For any other additional information too, kindly contact the temple.

Mythological Legends of Puruhutika Devi Temple

The Story of Gayasura

Pithapuram Shakti Peeth is one of the three Gaya Kshetras. The others are Shiro Gaya in Bihar and Nabhi Gaya in Jajpur in the state of Orissa. The one at Pithapuram is known as Pada Gaya.

The legend goes like this: there once was a demon named Gayasura. Though he was a Rakshas, he was devout in nature and regularly performed Ashwamedha and other Yagnas and Yagas. When he was performing one such Yaga, Indra and other Gods were terrified, looking at how intense his penance was. They requested Lord Vishnu to put a stop to it. Vishnu manifested before the demon and asked him to wish for a boon. Gayasura’s desire was that nobody should be able to kill him except the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva). He was granted the boon.

The Asura, inebriated with ego, started to torture other Gods. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva decided it was high time they should punish him.

They approached the demon disguised as Brahmins and informed him that they would like to perform a Yagna on his body for seven days since his body was powerful enough to bear the tremendous energy that the Yagna would release. They also asked him not to move until the ritual was completed lest he would be killed. The pious Gayasura agreed to their demands and proceeded to enlarge his body to make it befitting the Yagna. His head instantly disconnected from his body and the Brahmins started their penance on his headless form. But even when the Yagna was almost completed, the demon didn’t give in, so they had to find another way to slay him.

Therefore, on the last day, with seconds to spare before the conclusion of the Yagna, Shiva made a sound that typically indicates the arrival of dawn. Thinking that the Yagna had been finished, Gayasura lightly moved his body. Gayasura agreed to be killed on one condition - he wanted the three places where parts of his body fell to become popular as Trigaya Kshetras and the Trimurti would have to reside in these Kshetras - one in each. The Gods conceded to this demand and Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshana Chakra to cut his body in three parts. His head fell in the city of Gaya in Bihar, his navel in Jajpur and his feet in Pithapuram in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

The Story of Indra Dev

Another mythological legend associated with Puruhutika Devi temple is Indra Dev’s story. Once, Indra took on the form of Rishi Gautama and entered his home to seduce his wife, Devi Ahalya. When Gautama found out about this, he cursed Indra in such a way he lost his manhood. After regretting his mistake and yearning for Gautama’s forgiveness for so long, Gautama accepted his prayers and told him to offer his prayers to Goddess Parvati. Indra came to Pithikapuri and started his penance and directed it towards the Jaganmata. She appeared before him and made him regain his manhood. Indra was happy and conveyed his gratitude to Devi Puruhutika.

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FAQs

1. Who is Puruhutika Devi?

Puruhutika Devi is one of the many forms of Goddess Sati. “Puru” is another name of Indra and “huti” means plea or a favour. Therefore, the name Puruhutika translates to the Goddess to whom Indra has prayed to.

2. How far is Puruhutika Devi temple from Kakinada and Rajahmundry?

Puruhutika Devi temple is only 15.5 kilometres away from Kakinada and 76.4 kilometres away from Rajahmundry. Pithapuram bus stand and railway station are well-connected with all the main towns of Andhra Pradesh.

3. Can I get accommodation near Puruhutika Devi Temple?

There are numerous accommodation options available if one wishes to stay near Puruhutika Devi temple. Some are within walking distance. If one prefers luxury stays, they are also available close by.