Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple, Pithapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India

Sri Kukkuteswara Temple is an abode of Lord Shiva in the form of Rooster or cock (an adult male bird) Spatika Lingam or Crystal Lingam/ Shivling made from quartz (semi-precious gemstone) and his consort Goddess Raja Rajeswari Devi, is a Hindu temple in Pitapuram town of East Godavari district @ Andhra Pradesh in India. 

** You are more than welcome of taking pics outside the temple and with the temple's exterior. However, you can't photograph inside and we have to respect their wishes.**

Once you enter into the temple, you will be captivated by Yaka Sila Nandi (Single Stone Nandi). 

Main festivals like Maha Sivaratri, Navaratri and Karthika Masam are organized in a grand manner at the temple. 

This temple also houses Goddess Puruhutika Devi an incarnation of Goddess Shakti, is the 10th Shakti Peetham among the Aasta (8) dasa (10) shaktipeethas (18 in total).

Now few of you who are new or unaware of the details and particulars in Hinduism might ask "What is a Shakti Peeth?"

"Shakti" wife of Lord Shiva meaning force, power or feminine energy refers to many names as Goddess Parvati/ Durga/ Kali/ Devi/ Adi-Shakti is the primordial Goddess or Divine Mother who is worshipped by millions in India and by Indians around the world.

"Peeth" refers to seat or divine and spiritual place.

So, "Seat of Shakti” is a sacred place either shrine or pilgrimage destination of Goddess's eternal power or energy.

There is a sacred pond in the temple premises known as Pada Gaya Sarovar named after a powerful yet religiously devoted huge demon "Gaya Asura". 

Lore says that this demon Gaya Asura laid his body (sleeping position) at the directive of Lord Brahma for doing a yagam i.e.., a ritual done in front of a sacred fire for the betterment of people and it's believed that whoever bathes in this sacred pond will be relieved of their sins. People also perform their loved one's last rights known as "Pinda Pradhanam" here to liberate them to attain salvation and His/her soul will rest in peace. 

Its believed by locals that the last rights performed here is equal to the rights performed at Kashi in Varanasi. 

Pitapuram formerly called as Pithikapuram in Puranas (ancient texts) is also known as Dakshin Kashi (southern Kashi).

Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy temple is located at a distance of 16 km from Kakinada and 65 km from Rajahmundry.

Pitapuram is widely known as a pilgrim center in Andhra with many temples of great importance of the deities Kukkuteswara Swamy (Lord Shiva), Kunthimadhava Swamy (Incarnation of Lord Vishnu), Sri Pada Vallabha Anaagha Datha (Incarnation of Lord Dattatreya) and Sri Venu Gopala Swamy (Lord Krishna). 

I thoroughly enjoyed and blessed by the deities by visiting this temple.

Ps: Suggest to wear dresses that cover the whole body from neck till knees/legs to respect Hindu Culture and traditions. Overall, dress like you would normally do, while erring on the side of conservative

Mandir is free and open to the public.

Photos can't describe the surreal experience!

Stay Safe and Have fun exploring the Blog, Until my next article .....👋👋

Here is the link of the List of other temples I visited along with this temple . 

Check it out https://sk-digilance.blogspot.com/2022/01/east-godavari-andhra-pradesh-india.html

District: East Godavari

Address: Uppada - Pithapuram Rd, Kalyanamandapm, Pithapuram, Andhra Pradesh 533450, India