Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple, Pithapuram
Uppada - Pithapuram Rd, Kalyanamandapm, Pithapuram, Andhra Pradesh 533450
About Pithapuram Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple
Overview
Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple, in Pithapuram town (also known as Pitapuram) of the Kakinada district in Andhra Pradesh, is a big spot for worship of the Shaivite and Shakti Hindu traditions. This place is among the eighteen Shakti peetham in India and is highly revered for divine femininity. The Temple mirrors our cultural heritage and invites pilgrims and tourists to start a transformative faith journey. One must visit the temple to encounter the timeless aura and energy of the blend of Shiva and Shakti.
God
The presence of Lord Shiva in this temple is a swayambhu lingam in the form of a rooster who resides with his consort, Rajarajeswari Devi.
Goddess
The divine feminine or the devi power exists in this temple as Puruhutika Devi, which gives out immense energy, bestowing peace and power in the region.
Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple History
Pithapuram Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple is located in the Paadagaya Kshetram, in the eastern district of Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, which is significant as one of the most vital Astadasa Peethas.
The temple and the region of Pithapuram are renowned as holy pilgrimage sites, well known as 'Kedaram' in northern India and 'Kumbhakonam' in the south. Sage Vyasa and his disciples visited the Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple, which gets a special mention in the Bhimakhanda of Skanda Purana, one of the eighteen holy texts. The spiritual significance of the Paadagaya Kshetram adds to the cultural richness of the temple and the region. Pithapuram, originally called Pishtapura, is mentioned in the Skanda Purana as well as in the Srinatha's Bheemeswara Puranamu and Samudragupta's Allahabad stone pillar inscription, emphasising the historical and religious significance of the region. Pithapuram was known as Pishtapuram in the early texts and was supposed to be part of Kalinga. It served as the capital for several dynasties.
Architecture
The architecture of the temple is inspired by the Dravidian style, and innumerable sculptures line adorn the walls. Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple entrance leads the path from where one can see an intricately sculpted majestic and beautiful Gopuram that proves the builders' exemplary craftsmanship. There is a pond inside the temple complex, which is said to be the place where Gayasura laid his feet. A giant statue of Gayasura lies there with the Trimurthi, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma.
Significance
The temple is of intense importance to the devotees and spiritual seekers. The blessings of courage, protection and the capability to overcome adversities are gained when one visits the temple.
The deity gives the message of fearlessness and power in fighting evil and encourages one to follow the path of dharma (righteousness). Pithapuram is one of the Twelve Pilgrims, one of the five Madava Keshatra and one of the Asta Dasa (Eighteen) Sakthi Petas. One can find the historical significance of the Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple and its powers in the Bheema Khanda and Shandapurana. Bhima Mandalam is a divine territorial zone encompassing Andhra, parts of the Orissa border and the Vindhya mountains. The location has fertile and agriculturally rich soil, conveying the message of fertility and prosperity.
Key Insights into Pithapuram Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple
Best Time to Visit
The temple is situated in Andhra Pradesh, where it gets hot and humid from April to September. The appropriate time to visit Sri Kukkuteshwara Swamy Temple would be from October to March in the winter when it gets enjoyable.
Festivals Celebrated at Pithapuram Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple
Many celebrations and festivals are popular in this temple and are witnessed by thousands of devotees. The prominent events celebrated in this temple are Navratri and Dassera in the months of October or November and Maha Shiv Ratri and Radostavam in the months of February or March.
How to Visit
| Type | Name | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Bus Stand | Pithapuram Bus Stop | 1.3 KM |
| Railway Station | Pithapuram Railway Station | 1.7 KM |
| Airport | Vijayawada International Airport | 201 KM |
Dress Code
The devotees must obey the rules of the temple authorities to preserve the code of conduct inside the temple. Men and women must wear Indian ethnic wear like dhotis, kurta-pajamas, sarees and salwar kameez.
Do's & Don'ts
- Do take a bath and wear clean clothes before the darshan.
- Do put customs and rituals in high regard.
- Do give your donations and offering in the hundi only.
- Don't smoke or drink inside the temple.
- Don't chew tobacco or spit inside the temple.
Darshan/Pooja/Seva
Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple Timings
The Temple welcomes devotees seeking blessings throughout the day. The Kukkuteswara temple darshan timings are created to encircle the peacefulness of dawn and the quiet of dusk. From 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM, the temple reopens from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Devotees are requested to strictly adhere to the timings while visiting the temple according to the temple rules and regulations.
Pooja Timings at Kukkuteshwara Swamy Temple
| Name | Timings | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shiva Kalyanam on Pournami Day | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | 558/- |
| Chandi Homam on Pournami Day | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | 1116/- |
Sevas at Kukkuteshwara Temple
| Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Antaralaya Darshanam | 20/- |
| Mahanyasa Poorvakabhishekam | 50/- |
| Sahasra Namarchana | 30/- |
| Ekadasa Rudrabhishekam | 150/- |
| Tailabhishekam | 50/- |
| Pinda Pradanam | 75/- |
| Laksha Bilvarchana | 250/- |
| Laksha Kumkumarchana | 250/- |
| Homam | 150/- |
| Parayanam/Japam | 60/- |
| Kesakandana | 10/- |
| Namakaranam | 20/- |
| Maladharana/Irumudi | 20/- |
| Navagraha Shanti | 20/- |
| Musivayanam | 20/- |
| Pratyeka Darshanam | 20/- |
| Visista Darshanam | 40/- |
Saswatha Pujas at Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple
| Type | Saswatha Puja | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Once a year for five members | Annadhanam | 1500/- |
| Once a year | Abhishekam | 500/- |
| Once a year | Kumkum Archana | 500/- |
Note - These timings and prices may vary depending on the temple's schedules and changes in the pooja process. Therefore, confirming the timings and prices with the temple authorities is advisable before visiting.
Interesting Facts
It is said that Goddess Sati's left hand fell here, and since then, it has become one of the Maha Shakti Peetha.
Mythological Legends of Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple
The origins of the Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple are derived from the ancient legend that narrates the story of the divine intervention of Lord Shiva in the form of a rooster (Kukkuta). The legendary story of the demon named Jalandhara starts from here. The demon wreaked havoc upon the celestial realms and caused distress to gods and sages. The fight between the demons vanquished him and led to peace in all the realms. The Temple was erected during the series of commotion and is a testament to Lord Shiva’s valour and benevolence in sustaining dharma.
Another legend connects to the name of the place, Padagaya. It is called this because a demon named Gayasura was killed by Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. He was so tall that his head reached Gaya, Bihar, his navel reached Jajapur, Orissa and his legs reached Pithapuram. His leg rested on a pond here, which later became known as Padagaya, a very famous site today.
Nearest Attractions
Temples
| Name | Distance from city |
|---|---|
| Sri Kumararama Bheemeswara Swamy Temple | 13 KM |
| Sri Srungara Vallabha Swamy Temple | 13.5 KM |
| Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple | 17 KM |
| Sri Golingeswara Subramanyeswara Swamy Temple | 30 KM |
| Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Temple | 31 KM |
| Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple | 31 KM |
| Sri Kodanda Rama Swamy Temple | 32 KM |
| Sri Umakotilingeswara Swamy Temple | 60 KM |
| Sri Uma Markandeyeswara Swamy Temple | 59 KM |
| Sri Vigneswara Swamy Temple | 75 KM |
Adventure
| Name | Distance from city |
|---|---|
| Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary | 27 KM |
| Papikondalu Boating Tour | 58 KM |
| Rampa Waterfalls | 88 KM |
Sightseeing
| Name | Distance from city |
|---|---|
| Uppada Beach | 19 KM |
| Sri Kandukuri Veeresalingam Pantulu House | 60 KM |
The temple is considered the abode of peace and divine grace according to the examples the deities there have set. Plan your visit to the celestial abode to explore the mysteries of ancient India as you receive the benevolence of the deities residing there.
FAQs
1. Which temple is famous in Pithapuram?
The Kukkuteswara Swamy temple is famous in the city of Pithapuram.
2. Which god is in the Pithapuram temple?
God Shiva and Goddess Sati are the temple's primary deities in Pithapuram.
3. What is Kukkuteswara Swamy temple famous for?
It is famous for the swayambhu lingam of Lord Shiva, who is present here in the form of a rooster.
4. Is the Kukkuteswara temple known to be Shakthi Peethas?
Yes, it is known as one of the Shakthi Peethas, as the left hand of Goddess Sati fell here.
5. Is photography allowed inside the Kukkuteswara temple?
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple.
6. How do I get to the Kukkuteswara temple?
You can visit the temple by train or bus or by flight to the nearest airport in Vijayawada.
7. Is there parking available near the Kukkuteswara temple?
Yes, there is a parking space near the Kukkuteswara temple.
8. When was the Kukkuteswara Temple built?
It is said that the temple was built in the 3rd century A.D. and was developed later in the time of Chalukyas.
9. Are there any places to stay near the Kukkuteswara Temple?
Yes, there are many places for devotees to stay near the Kukkuteswara Temple.
10. Are there any restaurants or shops near the Kukkuteswara temple?
Yes, there are shops and restaurants available near the Kukkuteswara temple that serve local authentic cuisine and many other things.
11. Is the Kukkuteswara temple accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the temple is accessible to people with disabilities.
12. What are some things to keep in mind while visiting the Kukkuteswara temple?
Abiding by the dress code, timings and respect towards cultural beliefs are the most important things to remember while visiting the Kukkuteswara temple.