Astadasha Shakti Peetham - Pithapuram Puruhutika devi

Puruhutika Devi:-
 
Shakti Peethas divine shrines of Devi. These are shrines that are highly revered by Shaktas(Shaktism). The mythology says about the falling of parts of the corpse of Sati Devi, when when Lord Shiva took it and wandered. There are 51 Shakti Peeth linking to the 51 alphabets in Sanskrit. It is believed the Sati's Left hand has fallen here. Puruhutika devi temple is considered as one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas.





Puruhutika Devi temple in Pithapuram is one of the Astadasha Shakti Peetha temples. This temple is dedicated to Lord Kukkuteshwara Swamy (Lord Shiva) and his consort Goddess Sri Puruhutika Devi (Goddess Sri Rajarajeshwari Devi). the goddess is installed in a separate, independent shrine. The idol facing north is in the standing posture and made of granite stones, about four feet in height. The deity is adorned with glittering gold jewels and rustling silks.

Pithapuram is a very ancient town. It was the seat of the Pithapuram Estate. Pithapuram has three famous temples: Kunthi Madhavaswami temple, Kukkuteswara Swami Temple and the Puruhutika Sakthi Peetam.

Puruhuthika peetham is a powerful peetham among ashtadasapeetham from Pithikapuram,in olden days this place is known as puruhuthikapuram,then came to pitthapuram ,pitikapuram and now calling as pithapuram,a well known hindu’s shiva temple kukkutalingam is here in this temple,gayasura gave his chest for yagam, and shive given moksham to gayasura and then gaya’s foots were kept here and from then this rever is known as Padagaya a wonderful devotional place and VYASA BHAGAVAN,SANKARACHARYA visited this place as per historical stories.


About Puruhutika devi:-

Shiva carrying the corpse of Sati DeviThe Puruhutika devi Temple (Puruhutika Peetham) inside the Kukkudeshwara Temple is a Shakti Peetha where Sati (goddess)'s Left hand fell. The etymology of the location (Peetha Puram or Pithapuram) comes associated with the presence of this Shakti Peetha in the area.Daksha Yaga the mythology depicted in puranas is considered as the main theme in the origin of the idea of Shakti Peethas.

 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.





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 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 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 prąyed 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.

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.

Sadhana:-

Every year in the month of Ashviyja Navaratri festival is conducted in the temple.

Worship of Puruhutika devi includes Indra as Rishi and Kukkuteswara as Guru.

Puruhutika temple:-

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. It is a big temple. Just entering in to the temple we'll see a pond which is called as Padagaya sarovaram (Pada Gaya Sarovar). Pilgrims will take holy bath 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. Puruhutha temple is small but looks very nice with the carvings of Ashtadasa Shakti peethas on it's walls.

Kukkuteshwara Swamy temple:-

 The most famous temple at Pithapuram is that of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is known as Kukkuteshwara Swamy here. The consort of Kukkuteshwara Swamy is known as Raja Rajeswari. There is the temple of Puruhutika Devi inside the campus of this temple. It is one of the Asta Dasa Shakti Pithas. Maha Shivaratri, Sarannavarathri and Kaartika Masam are the main festivals celebrated at this temple.SRI VASAVI KANYAKAPARAMESWARI TEMPLE (KOTAGUMMAM) .

This complex has a Sarovar after taking bath people offer prayers to their ancestors, as this temple complex is called Pada Gaya. It has Gayasura's Padas(Feet) and Vishnu Padas (Feet). Gayasura's body was cut in three portions and out of that Head has fallen at Siro Gaya (Called Gaya in Bihar) Below chest (Nabhi) portion has fallen in Nabhi Gaya (Jajpur in Orissa)and the Legs (Padas) have fallen here hence called Pada Gaya.

In the North-East corner of the campus, there is a temple of Lord Kala bhairava. Kalabhairava is the Kshetra palaka of the temple and it is a must to worship him.

In the main temple we'll come across a big Nandi made up of Ekasila Salagramam (Single holy stone). It is very beautiful. The Shiva linga of Lord Kukkuteswara is previously present in the form of a cock's head, but now it is covered with a new normal linga. Humkarini Durga is present in the left of Kukkuteswara swamy facing South. She is called as Shivaa. A small temple of Rajarajeswari mata is present beside Shiva temple.



History of Pithapuram:-

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.


Other Temples in Pithapuram:-

•Kukkuteshwara Swamy temple: - 

The most famous temple at Pithapuram is that of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is known as Kukkuteshwara Swamy here. The consort of Kukkuteshwara Swamy is known as Raja Rajeswari. There is the temple of Puruhutika Devi inside the campus of this temple. It is one of the Asta Dasa Shakti Pithas. Maha Shivaratri, Sarannavarathri and Kaartika Masam are the main festivals celebrated at this temple.
•Venu Gopala Swamy temple
•Kunthi Madhava Swami temple - It is the one of the pancha madava skathra
•Sripada Vallabha Anagha Datta Kshethram (Ganapathi Sachidananda Ashram)
•Daththaatherya Temple
•Nukalamma Temple (Grama Devatha)
•Kukka Pamu Gudi ( Seethayyagari thota)
•Ramakovela (Mangayamma Rao Peta)
•Venkateswaraswami Temple (near Kukkuteshwara Swamy temple)
•Kothi Gudi (near market)
•Sanyasiralla Gudi (near market)
•Vinayakudi Gudi (near Kota gummam)
•Sai baba Gudi (near Chinna Post Office)
•Gali gangalamma temple (near old bus stand)
•Puruhutika ammavaru (near old bus stand )
•Kota Sattemma Talli Gudi (Seethayyagari thota)
•Sri Viswa Viznana Vidya Adhyatmika Peetham, Near Old Bus Stand

Locatoin of Puruhutika Temple:-

INDIA > ANDHRA PRADESH > EAST GODAVARI DISTRICT > NEAR KAKINADA > PITHAPURAM.

18 Shakti peethas map
Godavari district temples map

Route:-

Nearest Busstation Pithapuram
Nearest Railway station Pithapuram, Kakinada
Nearest Airport Kakinada, Rajahmundry, Visakhapatnam

Pithapuram is formerly called as Pithikapuram / Pushkara kshetram in Puranas and Tantras.

5th Shakti peetham Jogulamba - Joginula Amma

Jogulamba Temple Alampur:-

The temple of Jogulamba is situated in the town of Alampur in the Mahbubnagar district of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the Ashtadasa Sakthi Peethams (18 holy abodes of Mother Goddess) which is one of the famous spiritual places in the state.

The word "Jogulamba" is derived from "Joginula Amma" (Mother of Joginis). Jogini (also called as Yogini) means a female person, who has given up all the earthly attachments. Jogini also has another meaning which implies a dancer (female) whose life is dedicated to God. Hence, the goddess is also known as Yogulamba or Yogamba.

Jogulamba is one of the eighteen Shakti peethas. Oordhva danta pankti (Upper jaw with tooth) of devi fell here. Jogulamba temple is located in the South-East corner of the village beside Tungabhadra River. Idol of Jogulamba is in sitting position has huge amount of hair with lizard, scorpion, bat and a human skull in it. Alampur is called as City of Temples and famous for their sculpture.

Alampur is the meeting point of the sacred rivers Tungabhadra and Krishna and is referred to as Dakshina Kashi(also known as Navabrahmeshwara Theertha) and the Western Gateway of Srisailam, the famous Shaivite (Shaivism) pilgrim centre. The principal deities at Alampur are Brahmeshwara and Jogulamba. It is surrounded by the Nallamalai hills. Alampur is situated on the left bank of the Tungabhadra river.

About Temple:-

  The Jogulamba temple was reconstructed at the same place where it stood. The temple was rebuilt in the same way it was described in the `Rasaratnakaram' of Nityanatha Sidha of 12th century AD. Sankaracharya was believed to have installed `Sri Chakra' at Jogulamba temple, which is not available now. 

Since the Alampur temple complex was declared a heritage site, the supporters of Jogulamba temple had a difficult time to convince the Archaeological Survey of India and the State Government to revive the temple. Fund mobilisation The temple was designed to match the Chalukyan architecture so that the new temple would fit into the group of temples. The Endowments Department, led by the former Commissioner, Ajay Kallam, took initiative to raise funds for reconstruction of the temple.

The temples across the country donated money for the temple while Srisailam Devastanam adopted it to ensure uninterrupted rituals. Giving the reasons for failure to revive the temple in the last 600 years, Sanskrit scholar, historian and epigraphist, Gadiyaram Ramakrishna Sarma, has analysed that political uncertainty prevailed during the medieval age delayed the reconstruction of the temple.

Alampur is in Mahbubnagar district, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is located at about 90 KM from Mahabubnagar, 27 km From Kurnool and 200 km from Hyderabad.

Siginificance of Jogulamba Temple:-
Jogulamba can be understood as "Gruha Chandi" (protector of our homes). As we noticed, the idol shows that the goddess has a lizard, scorpion, bat and human skull in her hair. These are the indications of evil and signs of deterioration of a house. Lizard is the primary indication that a house starting to lose its life.

 Gradually, the number of lizards shall increase which result in the welcoming of scorpions which is even worse. The next level would be the entrance of bats which may result in death of humans living in that house. People believe that Jogulamba protects them and their shelters from all kinds of evils. She is also worshipped to be freed from Vastu Doshas (faults in constructions). The temple attracts a large number of pilgrims from various parts for the country and major festivals like Dussera, Maha Shivaratri are celebrated with pomp.

Alampur is the meeting point of the sacred rivers Tungabhadra and Krishna and is referred to as Dakshina Kashi(also known as Navabrahmeshwara Theertha) and the Western Gateway of Srisailam, the famous Shaivite (Shaivism) pilgrim centre. The principal deities at Alampur are Brahmeshwara and Jogulamba. It is surrounded by the Nallamalai hills. Alampur is situated on the left bank of the Tungabhadra river.

History :-

Alampur was under the rule of Shatavahana Ishvakus of Nagarjunakonda, Badami Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Kakatiyas,Vijayanagara Empire and Qutb Shahis of Golconda. Alampur was previously Known as Halampuram, Hamalapuram And Alampuram. Name of this place as Hatampura, mentioned in the inscription dated AD 1101 belongs to Western ChalukyaTribhuvanamalla Vikramaditya VI. The AlampurNavabhrama Temples are historically important and reflect remarkable architectural skills.

About Idol:-
The idol of deity Jogulamba is seen sitting with many scorpions, lizards, human skulls and bats. The idols of Veerabhadra, Vighneshwara and Saptmatrikas are also present besides the idol of Jogulamba. On the other hand, the original idols of Chandi and Mundi have been left by the army of Bala Brahmeshwara Swamy Temple. The Jogulamba Temple is considered the primary Shaktipeeth, where the upper teeth of Sati fell. The Alampur Navabrahma Temple is also located at Alampur district in Andhra Pradesh. There are nine

Brahma temples in Alampur. All these temples have been dedicated to Shiva. These temples were constructed during the 7th century and were built by Badami Chalukya rulers, who were great patrons of architecture and art. They successfully depict the architectural heritage of the country. The Nav Brahma temples represent the Western and Northern styles of architecture rather than the Dravidian architectural style.

Navabramha Temples:-

Alampur Navabrahma Temples are located at Alampur in Andhra Pradesh. There are a total of nine temples in Alampur. All of them are dedicated to Shiva. These temples date back to the 7th century A.D and were built by the Badami Chalukyas rulers who were great patrons of art and architecture. Even after a time span of several hundred years, these grand temples still stand firm reflecting the rich architectural heritage of the country.

The temples are emblematic of the Northern and Western Indian styles of architecture. They do not reflect the Dravidian style of architecture as is generally common with the temples in this region. The brilliance of the artists who carved the sculptures of these temples is indeed commendable.

The Navabrahma temples are present on the left bank of the Tungabhadra river, enclosed in a courtyard.

 Swarga Brahma:-
Swarga Brahma temple was built during 681-696 AD by Lokaditya Ela Arasa in honour of the queen of Vinayaditya, it is mentioned in an inscription found above the Dwarapalaka image. It is the finest example of Badami Chalukya Architecture and sculpture. This temple is the most elaborately ornamented temple. Temple with an imposing tower (Rekhanagara vimana) is the finest compared to other temples at Alampur.

 Bala Bhramma:-
Temple is the principal shrine of worship. It dates back to the year 702 CE - per the inscriptions seen here. Shivaratri is celebrated in great splendour here.

 Taraka Bhramma:-
Temple is partly in ruins, and it has no image in the sanctum. It bears telugu inscriptions from the 6th-7th century CE. The Swarga Bhramma temple with an imposing tower is considered to be among the finest in Alampur, and is an excellent specimen of Chalukyan architecture and sculpture. It contains several sculptures in bas relief, and it dates back to the end of the 8th century.


Padma Bhramma temple :-
The Padma Bhramma temple partly in ruins, contains a Shivalingam of clear stone with mirror like finish. The Viswa Bhramma temple is among the most artistic of the Nava Bhramma temples. The sculptural work here depicts scenes from the epics.

Vishwa Brahma:-
Vishwa Brahma temple having sculptural scenes from the epics. It is one of the most artistic temple.
 Garuda Brahma
 Kumara Brahma
 Arka Brahma
 Vira Brahma

There are other temples like Suryanarayana temple dating back to 9th century. And Narasimha temple with inscriptions belongs to Sri Krishna Devaraya (Vijayanagar Empire). You are sure to be impressed by the Suryanarayana and the Narasimha temples that are also found in the same complex. The exquisite sculptures in the temple are very admirable.

Suryanarayana temple:-
 Also in the enclosed courtyard is located the Suryanarayana temple, dating back to the 9th century. This temple has bas reliefs representing the incarnations of Vishnu. There is also a Narasimha temple with inscriptions from the period of Krishna Deva Raya of the Vijayanagar Empire.

Near Alampur, is Papanasam with a cluster of over 20 temples of varying sizes and styles. The most important of these is the Papanaseswara temple.

Sharan Navaratri is the biggest festival at Alampur Jogulamba Temple. The concluding event, Theppotsavam (boat festival) is an eye-catching event held on Vijaya Dasami at Krishna – Thungabhadra sangamam (confluence of River Krishna and Tungabhadra).

Brahmesvara and Papanatha are the 2 groups of temples on either side of Alampur. In 7th century AD Badami Chalukyas built these temples. The temples are not exactly in the Dravidian style but in Nagara style of architecture. The shikharas of all these temples have a curvilinear form and are adorned with the miniature architectural devices. The plans and decoration similar to that of the rock cut temples (found in Karnataka and Maharastra).

Legend of Renuka Mata:-
Besides being a religious hub, Alampur is also famous for being a home to the Ashram of Maharshi Jamadagni. According to a legend, Maharshi Jamadagni stayed in Alampur with his wife Renuka and four sons. They were making their livelihood and worshipping Bala Brahmeswara and Jogulamba Devi. Renuka Mata, with her power, regularly used to make a pot with sand and bring water from the Tungabhadra River. One day, she noticed a king of Gandharvas bathing in the river with his wives. On seeing this, she formed a prejudice that happiness comes from materialistic wealth but not by worship. 

At this thought, she lost all her powers and could not make the pot. She went home without water and on being asked the reason by Jamadagni, Renuka told about the incident and admitted her sinful thoughts. Then, Jamadagni got angry on her and ordered his sons to kill her. Three of them refused to do so but the fourth son, Parasurama, obeyed the order of his father and killed his mother by cutting her head off with his axe. Jamadagni was pleased and offered him a boon. Parasurama asked him to give back life to his mother. Then Jamadagni revived her life.

Legends say that the head of Renuka Mata became Ekaveera Devi, a symbol of Maya rupa; (materialistic thoughts) and the headless body became Bhudevi, a symbol of Matru rupa (mother). Many people say that Ekaveera Devi manifested herself as Goddess Yellamma in Undavelli village near Alampur, while the shrine of Bhudevi is present in the premises of Bala Brahmeswara temple.


How to reach:-
Alampur has a railway station, which is nearly 8 km far from the town and is situated on the main line of Hyderabad - Kurnool. Also, a small halt station called "BBS Jogulamba Halt" is situated near Alampur station, and only a few trains connecting Hyderabad and Kurnool halt at these stations. The nearest major railway station is at Kurnool which is at just 27 km from Alampur and all major trains halt here. Alternatively, driving down or hiring a taxi would be an ideal option to reach the place easily.