Location: Pithapuram near Kakinada, East Godavari
Deity: Kukkuteswara Swamy as linga
This temple is a Saktipitha. There is also the legendary Padagaya tank. The temple has many shrines dedicated to Sri Rama, Kumaraswamy, Venkateswaraswamy, Venugopalaswamy and Kuntimadhavaswamy. According to Puranas, Sati`s organ fell here when Lord Vishnu cut the corpse borne by Siva after Dakshasamhara. It became a Saktipitha, and the deity is called Devi Puruhutika. This temple is opposite Kukkuteswar temple.
The presiding deity reveals himself in linga form and is in white marble stone about two feet in height. The linga resembles the back of cock; hence Lord Siva is called Kukkuteswaraswamy. He fulfils the desires. It is a Swayambhu linga and water trickling down in a pot from his nose. Vyasa worshiped this murti for a very long time. Legend: According to the puranas, Gayasura-a powerful demon laid his body measuring 125 yojanas by 60 yojanas at the behest of Brahma for doing a great yagna for lokakalyana. His head was placed at Gaya in Bihar; his legs reached Pithapuram, thousands of kilometers away. The lake is where his legs are hence it is called Padagaya, a thirtha that relieves all sins, if bathed in.
The Kunti Madhavaswamy temple is adjacent and is one of five dedicated to Sri Krishna, called Madhava. Kunti is said to have installed the image in this place, and so is called Kunti Madhavaswamy. This deity is said to have been worshipped by Vyasa, and Valmiki and Agastya in the past.
Festivals: Annual festivals celebrated here are different for different deities like Maghabahula Ekadasi for Kukkuteswara, Suddha Ekadasi for Kunti Madhava, Palguna for Kumaraswamy and Karthikamasa for Venugopalaswamy.
Temple Authorities:
Executive Officer,
Sri Kukkuteswara Swami Temple,
Padagaya Kshethram,
Pithapuram,
East Godavari District.
PIN 533 450.
Phone No : 08869 - 252477
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