Heritage · Faith · Tradition
About the Temple
Introduction
The Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple at Pithapuram, in Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh, is one of the holiest places of the Telugu lands for devotees of both Shiva and Shakti. Within its walls stands the shrine of Sri Puruhutika Devi, revered as one of the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas – traditionally counted as the tenth. The same temple complex is also honoured as Pada Gaya, one of the three sacred Gaya kshetras of India, and Pithapuram is the birthplace of the saint Sripada Srivallabha.
Puruhutika Devi – the Shakti Peetha
According to the Shakti Peetha tradition, when Lord Shiva carried the body of Sati after Daksha's sacrifice, parts of her body fell at different places on earth, and each became a Shakti Peetha. At Pithapuram, a part of the Goddess's body is believed to have fallen – most accounts say her left hand – and she is worshipped here as Puruhutika Devi. Her shrine stands in the north-east corner of the Kukkuteswara temple complex. Tradition also connects the town's name with the Goddess: Puruhutikapuram is said to have become Pithapuram over time.
Lord Kukkuteswara
The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Kukkuteswara – Shiva in the form of a rooster (kukkuta) – worshipped as a Swayambhu Linga of crystal (spatika lingam), together with his consort Rajarajeswari Devi. The temple is also known for its large Eka Sila Nandi, carved from a single stone.
Pada Gaya
According to legend, the asura Gayasura, a great devotee, was granted the boon that his body would become a sacred place of pilgrimage. When his body was laid down, it stretched across the land in three parts: his head at Shiro Gaya (Gaya in Bihar), his navel at Nabhi Gaya (Jajpur in Odisha) and his feet at Pada Gaya – Pithapuram. On entering the temple, pilgrims come to the Pada Gaya Sarovaram, a sacred tank. A bath in it is believed to bring liberation, and rites for ancestors performed here are held to be as meritorious as those performed at Varanasi.
History
Pithapuram is one of the oldest towns of Andhra. As Pishtapura, it is mentioned around 350 CE in Samudragupta's Prayaga (Allahabad) pillar inscription, which records his victory over King Mahendra of Pishtapura. The town also appears in the Skanda Purana and in later literary works. In the 14th century it was the birthplace of Sripada Srivallabha, revered by his followers as an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya, and his shrine draws devotees from far and wide.
Festivals
- Dasara / Devi Navaratri – Navaratri utsavams of Sri Puruhutika Devi, the most important time for devotees of the Goddess (usually September–October).
- Maha Shivaratri – the great festival of Lord Kukkuteswara (usually February–March).
- Karthika Masam – holy baths in the Pada Gaya Sarovaram and lamps for the Lord (usually October–November).
- Magha Bahula Ekadasi – also celebrated at the temple.
Visitor Information
- Timings: official timings are not published; the temple is usually open in the morning and evening. Please check locally, especially during Navaratri.
- Ancestral rites: priests are available near the Pada Gaya Sarovaram for pinda pradanam and other rites for ancestors.
- Combine your visit: the Sripada Srivallabha Mahasamsthanam and the Kunti Madhava temple are also in Pithapuram.
- Etiquette: traditional dress is recommended; remove footwear before entering.
How to Reach
- By Road: Pithapuram is about 14 km from Kakinada and about 12 km from Samalkot, on the Samalkot–Uppada road; APSRTC buses run frequently.
- By Train: Pithapuram railway station, on the Howrah–Chennai main line, is about 2 km from the temple.
- By Air: the nearest airport is Rajahmundry Airport, Madhurapudi (RJA), about 62 km away by road.
Other Shakti Peethas and Nearby Temples
Other Shakti Peethas on this site include Jogulamba, Alampur, Manikyamba at Draksharamam (about 48 km) and Bhramaramba at Srisailam. Nearby are the Pancharama shrine of Kumararama, Samalkot (about 12 km) and the hill temple of Annavaram (about 30 km).