Kukkuteswara Temple and Puruhutika Devi Shakti Peetha, Pithapuram
Kukkuteswara (Shiva) with Rajarajeswari; Puruhutika Devi shrine in the complex temple · Pithapuram, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India
The Sri Kukkuteswara Swami Temple is a Hindu temple in Pithapuram, Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh. Wikipedia describes it as prominent in both Shaiva and Shakta traditions. The main deity is Kukkuteswara, a form of Shiva, with his consort Rajarajeswari Devi.
The temple of Puruhutika Devi, regarded as one of the eighteen Maha Shakta pithas, is within the same premises.
Faith & Tradition
Religious Significance of Kukkuteswara Temple and Puruhutika Devi Shakti Peetha, Pithapuram
Wikipedia says the presiding Shiva lingam is self-manifested (swayambhu) and made of spatika (crystal). A single-stone Nandi, known in Telugu as Eka Sila Nandi, is a well-known feature. Kakinada's district website likewise calls the lingam self-formed and a spatika lingam and mentions a large single-stone Nandi in front of the temple.
On the Puruhutika shrine, devotees believe, according to the district website, that a part of Goddess Sati's body fell at Pithapuram, making it a Shakti Peetha. Sources differ in which part is named, so none is stated here. The district site also lists Pithapuram among the five Madhava Kshetrams and among the Ashta Dasha (eighteen) Shakti Peethas. These are matters of tradition and belief.
Heritage
History of Kukkuteswara Temple and Puruhutika Devi Shakti Peetha, Pithapuram
Wikipedia gives no dedicated history for the temple but notes that Pithapuram is mentioned in the Skanda Purana, in Srinatha's Bheemeswara Puranamu (about the 15th century) and in the Prayaga pillar inscription of Samudragupta (about 350 CE). Kakinada's district website calls the town one of the older religious destinations of the district.
The sources consulted do not give a construction date or builder for the present temple structures, and none is claimed here.
Architecture and sacred features
The sources consulted give little architectural detail. Wikipedia identifies the crystal lingam and the Eka Sila Nandi as the principal features. The district website adds that the Puruhutika Devi temple is a popular peetham within the town's temple group. No dimensions, style or period for the buildings are given in these sources.
Plan Your Visit
Darshan and Visitor Information
Wikipedia lists Maha Shivaratri, Navaratri and Karthika Masam as the main festivals, and an annual Maghabahula Ekadasi festival for Kukkuteswara. The sources do not give darshan timings, ticket rates or dress rules, so please confirm these with the temple office or the Kakinada district administration. Modest dress is customary at Hindu temples.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration before travelling. Last reviewed 1 November 2026.
Sacred Calendar
Festivals at Kukkuteswara Temple and Puruhutika Devi Shakti Peetha, Pithapuram
Maha Shivaratri
Navaratri
Karthika Masam
Maghabahula Ekadasi
Location
How to Reach Kukkuteswara Temple and Puruhutika Devi Shakti Peetha, Pithapuram
Wikipedia gives Pithapuram's distances as about 16 km from Kakinada, 45 km from Tuni, 65 km from Rajahmundry and 138 km from Visakhapatnam. The district website says about 20 km from Kakinada; the two figures differ slightly. The sources consulted do not name a nearest railway station or airport.
Location: Pithapuram, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India
More in Hindu temples in Andhra Pradesh · Kukkuteswara (Shiva) with Rajarajeswari; Puruhutika Devi shrine in the complex temples · Temples in Pithapuram · Temples in Pithapuram Mandal · Temples in Kakinada District
Questions
Kukkuteswara Temple and Puruhutika Devi Shakti Peetha, Pithapuram: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Kukkuteswara Temple?
In Pithapuram, Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh, about 16 km from Kakinada per Wikipedia.
Who is the main deity?
Kukkuteswara, a form of Shiva, with his consort Rajarajeswari Devi.
What is the Puruhutika Devi temple?
A shrine within the complex regarded as one of the eighteen Maha Shakta pithas; devotees believe a part of Sati's body fell here.
What is special about the lingam?
It is described as self-manifested (swayambhu) and made of crystal (spatika).
What is the Eka Sila Nandi?
A Nandi statue carved from a single stone, a well-known feature of the temple.
Which festivals are celebrated?
Wikipedia lists Maha Shivaratri, Navaratri and Karthika Masam, plus the annual Maghabahula Ekadasi.
Sources and attribution
Further reading: Kukkuteswara Temple and Puruhutika Devi Shakti Peetha, Pithapuram on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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