Pithapuram is a small town in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, known for its temples, famous festivals and vibrant culture. It is one of the oldest and most sacred pilgrimage centers in India, and has a history dating back to the 4th century. It is also the birthplace and residence of Shripada Shri Vallabha, a complete incarnation of Lord Dattatreya. If you are looking for a spiritual and cultural getaway, Pithapuram is the perfect destination for you. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Pithapuram, its temples, its history, its culture, and its travel guide.
Pithapuram Temples: A Pilgrimage Destination for Devotees
Pithapuram is considered one of the most important holy places in India, as it is associated with various Hindu deities, legends, and scriptures. It is one of the five Madhava Kshetras, one of the twelve pilgrim hubs, and one of the Asta Dasa Shakti Peethas, where Sati's left hand fell. It is also full of stories, legends, history and stunning architecture.
The main attraction of Pithapuram is the Pithapuram Kshetra, a temple complex that consists of three temples: the Kukkuteshwara Swamy Temple, the Puruhutika Devi Temple, and the Padagaya Kshetram. The Kukkuteshwara Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here in the form of a cockerel (kukkuta). The temple is said to be built by the Pandavas during their exile, and has a beautiful gopuram (tower) and a mandapam (hall). The Puruhutika Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, who is worshipped here as Puruhutika, the giver of all desires. The temple is one of the 18 Shakti Peethas, where Sati's left hand fell. The temple has a black stone idol of the goddess, adorned with jewels and flowers. The Padagaya Kshetram is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped here as Padmanabha, the one who rests on a lotus. The temple is located on the banks of a pond, where the Pandavas performed the last rites of their father, Pandu. The temple has a stone idol of the lord, lying on a serpent bed.
Apart from these three temples, there are also other temples within the temple complex, such as the Dattatreya Swamy Temple, the Kunthi Madhava Swamy Temple, the Surya Narayana Swamy Temple, and the Ganapati Temple. Each of these temples has its own significance and history, and attracts devotees from different sects and regions.
Another famous temple in Pithapuram is the Sripada Srivallabha Temple, which is dedicated to Shripada Shri Vallabha, a complete incarnation of Lord Dattatreya. Shripada Shri Vallabha was born in Pithapuram in the 14th century, and performed many miracles and teachings here. He is considered the first avatar of Dattatreya in the Kali Yuga, and the guru of all gurus. The temple is located at his birthplace, and has a marble idol of him, sitting on a silver throne. The temple also has a museum, a library, and a meditation hall.
Another temple worth visiting in Pithapuram is the Sri Viswa Vizwana Peetham Temple, which is dedicated to Sri Viswa Vizwana Peetham, a spiritual master and a disciple of Shripada Shri Vallabha. He was born in Pithapuram in the 15th century, and established a peetham (seat) here, where he taught and initiated many disciples. He is considered the second avatar of Dattatreya in the Kali Yuga, and the founder of the Datta Sampradaya. The temple is located at his samadhi (tomb), and has a stone idol of him, sitting on a lion throne. The temple also has a garden, a pond, and a library.
Pithapuram History: A Glimpse into the Past of a Glorious Town
Pithapuram has a rich and glorious history, dating back to the 4th century, when it was ruled by the Vishnukundina dynasty. It was then conquered by the Chalukya dynasty, who made it their capital and renamed it as Pithikapuram. It was also ruled by the Eastern Gangas, the Kakatiyas, the Reddys, the Vijayanagara Empire, the Qutb Shahis, the Mughals, the Nizams, the French, and the British, before becoming a part of independent India.
Pithapuram was one of the five Madhava Kshetras, where Lord Vishnu manifested himself in five different forms: Kunti Madhava, Venkata Madhava, Ananda Madhava, Bindu Madhava, and Sethu Madhava. It was also one of the twelve pilgrim hubs, where Lord Shiva manifested himself in twelve different forms: Somnath, Mallikarjuna, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Kedarnath, Bhimashankar, Viswanath, Trimbakeshwar, Vaidyanath, Nageshwar, Rameshwar, and Kukkuteshwar. It was also one of the Asta Dasa Shakti Peethas, where Goddess Sati's body parts fell in 18 different places: Hinglaj, Tuljapur, Kamakhya, Kalighat, Jwalamukhi, Manikarnika, Kamarupa, Prayaga, Jalandhar, Godavari, Draksharama, Shondesh, Ujjain, Mithila, Guhyeshwari, Gandaki, Bahula, and Puruhutika.
Pithapuram was also the birthplace and residence of many famous personalities, saints, and scholars, who contributed to its fame and glory. Some of them are:
- Shripada Shri Vallabha, the first avatar of Lord Dattatreya in the Kali Yuga, and the guru of all gurus.
- Sri Viswa Vizwana Peetham, the second avatar of Lord Dattatreya in the Kali Yuga, and the founder of the Datta Sampradaya.
- Sri Kavyakantha Ganapati Muni, a great poet, scholar, and devotee of Lord Shiva, who composed many hymns and scriptures.
- Sri Ramana Maharshi, a renowned sage and philosopher, who attained enlightenment at the age of 16, and taught the path of self-inquiry.
- Sri Sathya Sai Baba, a spiritual leader and humanitarian, who performed many miracles and social services, and had millions of followers worldwide.
Pithapuram Culture: A Celebration of Life and Faith
Pithapuram has a diverse and vibrant culture, influenced by its geography, climate, history, and religion. It is a melting pot of different languages, cuisines, arts, and music, that reflect its richness and harmony.
The people of Pithapuram speak Telugu, the official language of Andhra Pradesh, as well as Hindi, English, and Urdu. They are friendly, hospitable, and religious, and follow the traditions and customs of their ancestors. They celebrate various festivals and events throughout the year, with great enthusiasm and devotion.
Some of the popular and famous festivals and events that are celebrated in Pithapuram are:
- Sripada Srivallabha Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Shripada Shri Vallabha, which falls on the sixth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada (August-September). It is celebrated with prayers, processions, discourses, and cultural programs.
- Kukkuteshwara Swamy Kalyanotsavam, the celestial wedding of Lord Kukkuteshwara and Goddess Puruhutika, which falls on the tenth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Magha (January-February). It is celebrated with rituals, offerings, fireworks, and music.
- Datta Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Lord Dattatreya, which falls on the full moon day of the month of Margashirsha (November-December). It is celebrated with chants, meditations, homas, and darshans.
- Maha Shivaratri, the great night of Lord Shiva, which falls on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Phalguna (February-March). It is celebrated with fasts, vigils, abhishekas, and bhajans.
- Navratri, the nine nights of Goddess Durga, which falls in the month of Ashvina (September-October). It is celebrated with dances, garbas, dandiyas, and pujas.
- Diwali, the festival of lights, which falls in the month of Kartika (October-November). It is celebrated with lamps, candles, crackers, and sweets.
The art and music of Pithapuram are influenced by the classical and folk traditions of Andhra Pradesh. Some of the forms of art and music that are practiced and performed in Pithapuram are:
- Kuchipudi, a classical dance form that originated in the village of Kuchipudi, near Pithapuram. It is characterized by graceful movements, expressive gestures, and dramatic storytelling.
- Burrakatha, a folk narrative form that involves three performers, who sing, play instruments, and narrate stories on various themes, such as mythology, history, and social issues.
- Harikatha, a devotional narrative form that involves a single performer, who sings, plays instruments, and narrates stories on the lives and teachings of saints and gods.
- Annamayya kirtanas, devotional songs composed by Annamayya, a 15th century poet and musician, who was a devotee of Lord Venkateswara. His songs are sung in praise of the lord and his consort, Padmavati.
- Tyagaraja kritis, devotional songs composed by Tyagaraja, a 18th century poet and musician, who was a devotee of Lord Rama. His songs are sung in praise of the lord and his virtues.
Pithapuram Travel: A Guide to Plan Your Trip
If you are planning to visit Pithapuram, here are some practical and useful tips to help you make the most of your trip:
- The best time to visit Pithapuram is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the festivals are celebrated. Avoid the summer months from April to June, when the temperature can rise up to 40°C, and the monsoon months from July to September, when the rainfall can be heavy and unpredictable.
- The nearest airport to Pithapuram is the Rajahmundry Airport, which is about 60 km away. You can take a flight from Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, or Mumbai to Rajahmundry, and then hire a taxi or a bus to Pithapuram. The nearest railway station to Pithapuram is the Pithapuram Railway Station, which is about 2 km away. You can take a train from Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, or Tirupati to Pithapuram, and then hire an auto or a rickshaw to your destination. The nearest bus station to Pithapuram is the Pithapuram Bus Station, which is about 1 km away. You can take a bus from Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, or Kakinada to Pithapuram, and then walk or hire an auto or a rickshaw to your destination.
- There are many options for accommodation in and around Pithapuram, depending on your budget, preferences, and availability. Some of the best hotels, resorts, guest houses, and homestays in Pithapuram are:
- Hotel Sripada, a budget hotel that offers clean and comfortable rooms, with amenities like TV, AC, Wi-Fi, and room service. It is located near the Sripada Srivallabha Temple, and has a restaurant, a parking, and a travel desk.
- Hotel Dwaraka, a mid-range hotel that offers spacious and elegant rooms, with amenities like TV, AC, Wi-Fi, and room service. It is located near the Pithapuram Railway Station, and has a restaurant, a bar, a banquet hall, and a conference hall.
- Hotel Royal Fort, a luxury hotel that offers deluxe and suite rooms, with amenities like TV, AC, Wi-Fi, and room service. It is located near the Kakinada Beach, and has a restaurant, a coffee shop, a swimming pool, a gym, and a spa.
- Sripada Srivallabha Anagha Datta Kshetram, a guest house that offers simple and serene rooms, with amenities like TV, fan, and attached bathroom. It is located within the Sripada Srivallabha Temple complex, and has a dining hall, a meditation hall, and a library.
- Sri Viswa Vizwana Peetham Ashram, a homestay that offers cozy and peaceful rooms, with amenities like fan and attached bathroom. It is located within the Sri Viswa Vizwana Peetham Temple complex, and has a garden, a pond, and a library.
- There are many things to do in and around Pithapuram, apart from visiting the temples. Some of the best things to do in Pithapuram are:
- Explore the nature and wildlife of the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, which is about 40 km away from Pithapuram. It is home to various species of birds, animals, and plants, and offers activities like boating, birdwatching, and trekking.
- Enjoy the water sports and beach activities at the Kakinada Beach, which is about 20 km away from Pithapuram. It is a scenic and serene beach, where you can indulge in activities like surfing, jet skiing, parasailing, and fishing.
- Shop for souvenirs and handicrafts at the Pithapuram Market, which is about 1 km away from Pithapuram. It is a bustling and colorful market, where you can find items like pootharekulu, bobbatlu, gongura pachadi, brass idols, wooden toys, and silk sarees.
- Taste the local delicacies and street food at the Pithapuram Food Street, which is about 2 km away from Pithapuram. It is a lively and delicious street, where you can find dishes like pesarattu, pulihora, idli, dosa, vada, sambar, chutney, and coffee.
Conclusion
Pithapuram is a temple town with a rich history and culture, that offers a spiritual and cultural getaway for the visitors. It is a place where you can experience the ancient and the modern, the sacred and the secular, the simple and the sophisticated. It is a place where you can find peace and joy, faith and wisdom, and beauty and grace.