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.
