Sri Puruhutika Devi Temple Pithapuram (Shakti Peeth)

This temple, also locally known as Puruhoothika Puram, Peetika Puram, and Pada Gaya Kshetram, stands as a significant spiritual destination for devotees of Goddess Shakti (Amman).

The temple complex also houses shrines for Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy (Lord Shiva), Sri Rajarajeswari, and Eka Sila Nandi, making it a multifaceted place of worship.

The temple is celebrated for its Dravidian architectural style and is recognized as a living heritage and state heritage temple, originally built by the Chalukyas of Vemulavada / Eastern Chalukyas and later maintained by medieval Telugu chieftains and zamindars of Pithapuram.

Pilgrims can visit the temple during its open hours from 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM. The best time to visit is during winter (November to February), early mornings between 5 and 8 AM, during evening aarti, or throughout the vibrant festival season.

Darshan at Sri Puruhutika Devi Temple is accessible through free darshan, special darshan options (₹20 and ₹50), and VIP darshan. Poojas such as General Darshan (free), Archana/Kumkumarchana (₹20 and ₹100), and Abhishekam (₹500 and ₹1000) are performed in Telugu and Sanskrit.

Major festivals celebrated here include Sarannavarathri/Dasara (September–October), Maha Shivaratri & Swamivari Kalyanam (February–March), and Karthika Deepam (October–November), drawing devotees from across the region.

For those planning a visit, the temple is easily accessible by train or road from nearby cities like Kakinada, Samarlakota, and Rajahmundry. The nearest railway stations are Pithapuram (2.5 km), Samarlakota Junction (12 km), and Kakinada Town/Port (16 km).

The closest airports are Rajahmundry Airport (46 km), Visakhapatnam International Airport (123 km), and Vijayawada International Airport (168 km).

Upon arrival in Pithapuram, devotees can proceed to the Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy temple complex, where the Puruhutika Devi shrine is located in the north-eastern corner of the main courtyard. Accommodation options include budget hotels, homestays, and temple guest houses within walking distance.

The temple provides dedicated open parking, basic ramp access, and a wheelchair-friendly environment in select areas. Traditional prasadam such as Pulihora, Laddu, and Kumkum is distributed, and free daily Annadanam (meals) is organized for devotees.

Photography is strictly prohibited inside the inner sanctum and main prayer halls, and mobile devices must be switched off or deposited at designated counters.

Nearby attractions include Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple, Pada Gaya Sarovaram, Sreepada Sreevallabha Maha Samsthanam (1 km), Kakinada Beach (16 km), Annavaram Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Temple (31 km), and Samarlakota Chalukya Kumararama Temple (12 km).

For further information, devotees can contact +91 73372 49088. The temple enforces a traditional dress code for both men and women, ensuring a respectful and spiritual atmosphere for all visitors.