PURUHUTIKA DEVI TEMPLE, EAST GODAVARI
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Located 20 Km from Kakinada and 75 Km from Rajahmundry, It is considered to be one of the 18 Shakthipithas in India. It is famous for the temples of Kukkuteshwara Swamy, Kunthimadhava Swamy and Sri Pada Vallabha Anaagha Datha Kshethram, Agraharam, Sri Venu Gopala Swamy Temple. Once you enter into the temple, complete the pradishana and come in front of Dwaja Stamba you will be attracted by the âYaka Sila Nandi (Single Stone Nandi). The Yaka Sila is second biggest after Lepakshi Basaveswara Nandai.Pithapuram is one of the oldest and famous pilgrim places of India. There is an oldest temple call âPadagya Keshatram in Pithapuram. The Lord âSri Kukuteswara Swamy is the Swayambhu with Spatika Lingamâ. Pithapuram is one of the Twelve Pilgrims, one of the five Madava Keshatra and one of the Asta Dasa (Eighteen) Sakthi Petas. Previously Pithapuram is known as Pitikapuram.Once you enter into the temple, complete the pradishana and come in front of Dwaja Stamba you will be attracted by the âYaka Sila Nandi (Single Stone Nandi). The Yaka Sila is second biggest after Lepakshi Basaveswara Nandai.
Temple History
Puruhutika devi was worshiped by Lord Indra. Once Indra has cheated Ahalya (wife of Gautama maharshi) 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 prÄ
yed 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 there after. But Indra lost his testes. He wanted to regain them. He left his kingdome, came to Piithika puri 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 prÄ
yed 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 Dattatreya. Pithapuram is also known as Dakshina Kasi.
Pithapuram is formerly called as Pithikapuram / Pushkara kshetram in Puranas and Tantras.
Pithapuram is home to a dynasty. The Pithapuram Kings ruled the area for long. They established the Pithapuram Raja Government Degree College in Kakinada. These Kings also gave lands to the missionaries for the establishment of a century old humanitarian hospital (Christian Medical Centre).Missionaries of the Canadian Baptist Mission established their medical enterprise here in the form of the famed hospital Christian Medical Centre. CMC, Pithapuram was known for its quick and healing touch since the eighteenth century.
Idol of Puruhutika devi
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. Previously there were two sects of Upasakas in Pithapuram worshiping Puruhootika devi. The first one calling her as Puruhootha Lakshmi (Meditating on Kamala and Madhu patra) and worshiping in Samayachara and the second one calling her Puruhoothamba (Meditating on Parashu and Beeja) and worshiping in Vamachara. There is also a tale that the original statue of Puruhutika devi was buried under the temple which was worshiped by them.
