Location
- Town: Pithapuram
- District: Kakinada (formerly east godavari)
- State: Andhra pradesh, india
- Nearest city: Kakinada (~20 km)
- Nearest railway station: Pithapuram railway station
- Nearest airport: Rajahmundry (~60 km) or visakhapatnam (~150 km)
Pithapuram is one of the oldest pilgrimage centers in andhra pradesh, known for its sacred Temples and healing energies. The Sri Tripura Sundari Devi Temple Is Located Within The Puruhutika Shakti Peeth Temple complex — one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas in hinduism.
Historical & Mythological Significance
The Tripura Sundari Devi Temple at pithapuram is intricately linked to the Puruhutika Devi Shakti Peetha, which is believed to be the place where Sati Devi’s left hand Fell.
Origin
- According to Hindu mythology, when Sati Devi Immolated Herself In The Daksha Yagna, Lord Shiva Carried Her Corpse In Sorrow.
- Lord Vishnu Cut The Body With His Sudarshana Chakra To Calm Shiva, And The Pieces Fell Across The Subcontinent Forming Shakti Peethas.
- Pithapuram is one of the ashta dasha (18) Shakti Peethas, making it highly sacred.
Although Puruhutika Devi Is The Main Shakti Of The Peetha, Tripura Sundari Devi is venerated as a powerful aspect of Devi Lalitha, the Goddess of beauty, power, and supreme knowledge.
The Deity: Tripura Sundari Devi
- Tripura Sundari, Also Known As Shodashi Or Lalita Devi, Is One Of The Dasa Mahavidyas.
- She Is The Consort Of Lord Kameshwara (Shiva) And Represents The Highest Form Of Shakti In Sri Vidya Worship.
- The Idol is typically depicted as a young, radiant Goddess Seated on a lotus, holding the sugarcane bow, flower arrows, goad, and noose — symbols of control over mind and senses.
In pithapuram, the shrine of Sri Tripura Sundari Devi is maintained as a tantric sanctum, revered by Sri Vidya upasakas (worshippers).
Religious Importance
- The Temple is revered by shakta, Sri Vidya, and tantric practitioners.
- It is an important center for the worship of Lalita Tripura Sundari, especially during navaratri and Lalita Jayanti.
- Many devotees come here for spiritual healing, removal of doshas, and mantra siddhi (spiritual attainment).
Temple Complex & Architecture
- The Temple follows dravidian architecture, with intricate sculptures and gopurams (tower entrances).
- The Shrine of Tripura Sundari Devi is situated inside the larger Puruhutika Devi Temple premises.
- The Temple complex also houses Shrines of:
- Kukkuteswara swamy (Lord Shiva) – as a cock-headed form of Shiva
- Sri rajarajeshwari
- Sri dattatreya
- Sri anjaneya (Hanuman)
The synergy of Shiva-Shakti worship in one compound makes this site spiritually potent.
Festivals Celebrated
1. Navaratri (Dasara)
- The 9-day celebration of shakti with daily alankaras (decorations) and homams (fire rituals).
- Devotees perform sri chakra navavarana puja and chant Lalita Sahasranama.
2. Lalita Jayanti
- Celebrated in magha month (january–february) with grand rituals dedicated to Lalita Devi.
3. Shivaratri
- As the Temple also houses Kukkuteswara Swamy (Shiva), shivaratri is celebrated with great devotion.
4. Karthika Masam (Oct–Nov)
- Devotees light deepams (oil lamps) throughout the Temple, invoking peace and prosperity.
How to Reach
Mode Details
By air nearest airport: rajahmundry (60 km) or visakhapatnam (150 km)
By train stop at pithapuram railway station, well connected to major cities
By road connected via buses from kakinada, rajahmundry, visakhapatnam, vijayawada