Datta Kshetra Yatra - Peethapura

Leaving Nuzividu Ashrama on the 17th, Sri Swamiji visited Narayanapuram and later Anaparthy, a small town and addressed a small gathering in a community hall. Sri Swamiji arrived in Sri Pada Vallabha Datta Anagha Kshetram in the pilgrim town of Peethapuram.
Peethapuram is famous for having one of the most important 18th Devi temples called “Ashtadasha Shakti Peetha”. Here is the idol of Puruhutika Devi in a small shrine in the temple complex of Kukkuteshvara Shiva temple. The main temple is a crystal Shivalinga called Kukkuteshvara. Another interesting feature of this Shiva temple is that, in the northern wall of the shrine is the idol of Goddess “Huunkaarini”. It is said that there is no other temples any where in India for this goddess.

Peethapuram is also famous as “Paada Gaya”. There are three Gaya Kshetras in India. The first and most famous is Shiro Gaya in Bihar, Naabhi Gaya in Orissa and Paada Gaya in Peethapuram, Andhra Pradesh. The Gaya Kshetras is famous for offering Pujas to ancestors. In Peethapuram, there is a big water pond in front of the temple complex where people bathe and perform the rituals. In front of the Shiva temple is the Vishnu Paada.
Another famous temple in this town is the Kunti Madhava Swamy built before the 11 century by the Kings who ruled Peethapuram.
Peethapuram is also the birthplace of the renowned saint, Sri Pada Vallabha of the 13th century fame. Peethapuram is a historic town with many ancient temples and was ruled by a royal dynasty, which was proactive in academic, cultural and religious fields.
Sri Swamiji had visited Peethapuram for the first time in 1985 to place the Datta Darshanam book and seek Blessings. The visit was to seek the Blessings for the production of the film “Datta Darshanam”.

It was not until 1997 that devotees of that town requested Sri Swamiji to permit them to build a Datta temple. What started off in 1999 slowly gained momentum in the new millennium and Sri Swamiji performed Kumbhabhishekam of the magnificent Dattatreya and Anagha Devi temple on Feb 22, 2002. The Ashrama is located in the serene environs in the outskirts of the town and is surrounded by calming and soothing acres of densely green paddy fields. Along with the main shrine of Dattatreya and Anagha Devi, there are shrines of Puruhutika (the presiding deity of Peethapuram), Ganapathy, Sri Pada Vallabha and Navagraha. Ashrama conducts regular medical camps, Satsangs, Purnima Homas, and important festivals. The grandeur and marvel of the temple is to be seen to be believed. Sri Swamiji in his many speeches revealed that Peethapuram Datta Temple is a very important Kshetra in the life and times of Swamiji.

On the day of arrival (17th), a welcome ceremony was given in the large pandal (marquee or tent) where thousands of devotees had gathered. The local MLA and the chairman of the municipal council lit the lamp and Shri Ramana Murthy, I.P.S., the Dharma Kartha of the Kshetram offered the welcome garland to Sri Swamiji. Sri Swamiji spoke and expressed his happiness to be there. Sri Swamiji inaugurated the newly constructed dining hall and kitchen facilities.

On 18th, Sri Swamiji performed Milk Abhishekam to Dattatreya and Anagha Devi idols and later performed Sri Chakra Puja on the stage just outside the shrine. Being a Purnima (full moon day), Pavamana Homa was performed. A person approached Sri Swamiji for Blessings to his son Aparoop (rare one). This five year old boy is hailed as a child prodigy and walking encyclopedia. He has a good grasp on general knowledge and Sri Swamiji question the boy by asking the capital cities of France, Greece, Russia, Switzerland and Paraguay. The boy answered all questions correctly and even chanted Datta Stava and some Shlokas on Vishnu. Pleased, Sri Swamiji blessed the boy. Evening Bhajans were in the sprawling animal fair grounds just outside the Ashrama. Over 17 acres of land bathed in beautiful lights and was full of people. Sri Swamiji gave a discourse and sang Bhajans. (Click here for the translated text of Sri Swamiji’s speech).

19th, Being a Sunday, thousands of devotees from surrounding villages descended to witness the programs. Tailabhishekam was performed to Lord Dattatreya and Sri Swamiji offered Arati later. Sri Chakra Puja was performed in pandal. Sri Swamiji gave a brief discourse. (click here for the translated text of Sri Swamiji's speech)

Sri Swamiji visited some houses of devotees in Peethapuram and Blessed the families there. It was a moving experience to see Sri Swamiji going through the bye alleys and ducking and going through the small doorways to give Darshan and bless the families.

In the evening, Sri Swamiji arrived in the animal fair grounds at 6.30 PM. On the stage a cultural program called “Burra Katha” was taking place. The performers were three children. Sri Swamiji ascended the stage, walked to them and sat on the edge of the dias listening to those three tiny ones belting away the story of Dattatreya. Burra Katha is a very engaging form of story telling where the performers dressed in tribal robes talk with each other while one of them keeps questioning the speaker with various questions that may come to the audience. Engrossingly performed, Sri Swamiji was pleased with their performance and donated one hundred thousand rupees for the children’s education and efforts to preserve this folk art. The fund was given to the illustrious teacher Nittala Shatrughna Rao a well-known proponent of this unique art. Sri Swamiji started to speak on the need to preserve various art forms that are unique to local regions; Sri Swamiji slowly walked in to the audience and spoke for over one hour. Sri Swamiji’s speech spanned many a themes. (Click here for the translated text of Sri Swamiji’s speech).

Though 20th January was planned as a rest day for Sri Swamiji, it turned out to be as usual. Visit to the bordering port town, Kakinada, interviews, Pada Puja, speeches and Sri Chakra Puja. In the evening the trust meeting was held.
Sri Swamiji left for Rajamundry on the 21st January 2003 at 6.30 AM.

Sri S.V.Ramana Murthy, I.P.S., Trustee and Dharma Kartha of Peethapuram Temple welcomes Sri Swamiji with a rose garland
____