Puruhutika devi / Kukkuteswara temple, Pithapuram, Andhra Pradesh
Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy temple is an ancient Siva temple in East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. Pithapuram which was earlier known as Pithikapuram is one of the major Eighteen Shakthi Peethas.
Kukkuteswara Swamy temple is the most famous temple of Lord Shiva at Pithapuram. The presiding Deity is Lord Shiva, who reveals himself in the form of a Spatika Linga. This is a Swayambhu Linga of white marble and is about two feet in height. The Linga resembles that of a cock; hence Lord Shiva is called Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy. There is a huge beautiful idol of Nandi (bull) made from a single stone in front of the temple. The shrine of Sri Rajarajeswari, consort of Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy, is present beside the Shiva temple.
There is the temple of Puruhutika Devi inside the campus of Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple. 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. According to the temple legend Devi’s back part fell here but according to scriptures her left hand fell here. Hence earlier this place was called Puruhoothika puram and later became Pithapuram.
It is also famous as one of the Pada Gaya Kshetram of the Trigaya Kshetrams. It is said that a powerful demon called Gaya Asura laid his body at the request of Brahma for performing a great yagna for the benefit of mankind. He had such a huge body that his head rested in Bihar and his legs were in Pithapuram. There is a pond where his legs rested and it came to be known as Pada Gaya Sarovar. Taking a bath in this pond is said to wash off your sins.
Next to the Kukkuteswara temple is the Kunti Madhavaswamy temple. Kunti is said to have installed Kunti Madhavaswamy idol here. Vyasa, Valmiki and Agastya are reported to have worshipped here.
The great Sri Dattatreya was born here as the son of a brahmin couple and performed many miracles. So it is one of the famous Datta Peethas. Sri Dattatreya’s swayambhu idol is also there in the Temple Complex and it is one of the few temples where Dattatreya is worshipped.
There are other temples of other Gods and Goddesses in Pithapuram.
Festivals: Maha Shivaratri , Kaartika Masam, Devi Navarathri’s during Dussehra are the main festivals celebrated at this temple. The temple also celebrates Maghabahula Ekadasi for Kukkuteswara, Suddha Ekadasi for Kunti Madhava worship, Kumaraswamy during Palguna Masa.
Places near by: Draksharamam Shiva temple 48 km away is a great place to visit.
Timings: 5.30 AM – 12.30 PM & 4.30 PM – 7 PM
How to reach:
By air: The closest airport is in Rajahmundry 43kms.
By train: The nearest Rby rail is Kakinada which is located at a distance of 11kms
By road: It is well connected by buses – 2.5 km from Pithapuram, 12 km from Samarlakota, 16 km from Kakinada, 31 km from Annavaram, 61 km from Rajahmundry, 152 km from Visakhapatnam, 208 km from Vijayawada.
Accommodation: Seval budjet to 43 star hotels are available.
