Pithapuram is formerly called as Pithikapuram / Pushkara kshetra in Puranas and Tantras. The temple of Puruhutika Devi is located within the temple campus of Kukkuteswara Swamy. Kukkuteswara Swamy temple is present in the outskirts of the Pithapuram village towards Kakinada.
Shrine’s History
Once Indra has cheated Ahalya in the form of Gautama and was cursed by the Maharshi. Indra lost his testes and got the symbols of Yoni all over his body. He felt very sad and prąyed Gautama a lot. Finally, the Rishi accepted and told that the Yoni symbols will look like eyes so that Indra will be called as Sahasraksha thereafter. But Indra lost his testes. He wanted to regain them. He left his kingdom, came to Piithika pure and did Tapasya for Jaganmata. After a long time, Jaganmata appeared before him and blessed him with wealth and tests. Indra was very happy and prąyed her as Puruhutika Devi. After a very long time, Jagadguru Sripada vallabha took birth in Pithapuram. He too worshipped Puruhutika Devi and realised his self. He is an incarnation of Dattatreya.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
Once Indra has cheated Ahalya in the form of Gautama and was cursed by the Maharshi. Indra lost his testes and got the symbols of Yoni all over his body. He felt very sad and prąyed Gautama a lot. Finally, the Rishi accepted and told that the Yoni symbols will look like eyes so that Indra will be called as Sahasraksha thereafter. But Indra lost his testes. He wanted to regain them. He left his kingdom, came to Piithika pure and did Tapasya for Jaganmata. After a long time, Jaganmata appeared before him and blessed him with wealth and testes. Indra was very happy and prąyed her as Puruhutika Devi . After a very long time, Jagadguru Sripada vallabha took birth in Pithapuram. He too worshipped Puruhutika Devi and realised his self. He is an incarnation of Dattatreya. The granie icon of archamurti about four feet in height, and is set up on an elegant Vedika. It is in standing posture and faces north, lying a little further to the Kukkuteswara Swamy linga facing south. Draped in rustling silks and beautified with glittering gold jewels along wish colourful garlands, the Mother looks exceedingly enchanting and wrings veneration at first sight itself.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Pithapuram Bus station is well connected from major cities of Andhra Pradesh
By Rail
The nearest railway station is at Pithapuram which is 1.7 km away
By Air
The nearest International airport is at Vijayawada which is 142 km away. The nearest domestic airport is at Rajahmundry which is 56 km away.
Shrine Timings
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.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
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 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.
Extra Information About this Shrine
Info on the deity ? Specific to the temple deity 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 the bag of seeds , axe , lotus (Kamala) and a dish from lower-right to lower-left in order. There are two sets of worshippers of Devi. The first sect worshipped the Devi as Puruhootha Lakshmi. She is 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 meditating with an axe and the 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 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.
