Located 20 Km from Kakinada and 75 Km from Rajahmundry, It is considered to be one of the 18 Shakthipithas in India. It is famous for the temples of Kukkuteshwara Swamy, Kunthimadhava Swamy and Sri Pada Vallabha Anaagha Datha Kshethram, Agraharam, Sri Venu Gopala Swamy Temple.
Pithapuram is one of the oldest and famous pilgrim places of India. There is an oldest temple call “Padagya Keshatram in Pithapuram. The Lord “Sri Kukuteswara Swamy is the Swayambhu with Spatika Lingam”. Pithapuram is one of the Twelve Pilgrims, one of the five Madava Keshatra and one of the Asta Dasa (Eighteen) Sakthi Petas. Previously Pithapuram is known as Pitikapuram.
Once you enter into the temple, complete the pradishana and come in front of Dwaja Stamba you will be attracted by the “Yaka Sila Nandi (Single Stone Nandi). The Yaka Sila is second biggest after Lepakshi Basaveswara Nandai.
Pithapuram is equalent to Kasi:According to “Bhimeswara Purana” of Srinath kavi Sarvabhuma, Pithapuram is one of the twelve pilgrims (Dwadasa Punya Keshatras). The sage told that Pithapuram is equalent to Kasi and also known as Southern Kasi (Dakshina Kasi).
About the pond-Padagaya
Pithapuram is third one of three Gayas of India.
• 1st is – Siro Gaya also familiarly known as “GAYA”, located in Bihar State.
• 2nd is – Nabi Gaya near to Jijapur Railway Junction, located in Orrisa State
• 3rd is – Padagaya Pithapuram, located in East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh.
