Introduction:
Sri Kukkuteshwara Swamy Temple is a Historicle site which was located 20 km from Kakinada and 75 km from Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh. This temple is one of the “18 Shakti Peethas” in India, the temple holds immense spiritual and historical significance. For this temple across the country to visit this ancient historic temple to take blessings from the God Lord Siva in an avatar of Kukkuteshwara Swamy. Here we know about the Sri Kukkuteshwara Swamy Temple timings, history, and complete use of full visitor information.
The Main Deities and Temple Attractions
Sri Kukkuteshwara Swamy Temple is famous for its group of sacred temples, including:
- Sri Kukkuteshwara Swamy Temple
- Sri Kunthimadhava Swamy Temple
- Sri Pada Vallabha Anaagha Datha Kshetram, Agraharam
- Sri Venu Gopala Swamy Temple
Must visit: Kumararama Bhimeswara Swamy Temple
First, you enter the temple, devotees complete the “pradakshina” (circumambulation) and are greeted by the Yaka Sila Nandi (Single Stone Nandi). This wonderful Nandi statue is the second largest nandi statue in India, after the Lepakshi Basaveswara Nandi.
Pithapuram: The Southern Kasi:
Pithapuram where the temple is located, is one of India’s oldest and most renowned historical sites. This central town for home to the Padagaya Kshetram, a revered temple where the presiding deity, Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy, is formed in the form of a Swayambhu (self-manifested) called Spatika Lingam.
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Pithapuram is a connected town in Hindu Historical sites, and according to the Bhimeswara Purana by Srinath Kavi Sarvabhuma, it is regarded as one of the Twelve Punya Kshetras and is equal to Kasi (Varanasi). Due to its spiritual importance, Pithapuram is often referred to as the Southern Kasi (Dakshina Kasi).
Also read: Discovering Dwarapudi: A Hidden Gem in East Godavari
The Three Gayas of India:
Pithapuram is also one of the Three Gayas in India, an honor it shares with the following sacred sites:
- Siro Gaya – Familiarly known as “Gaya” in Bihar.
- Nabi Gaya – Located near Jijapur Railway Junction in Odisha.
- Pada Gaya – Located in Pithapuram, East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh.
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Festivals and Celebrations:
The temple celebrates several important Hindu festivals throughout the year. Devotees can participate in these rituals and events during their visit:
- Nitya Pujas (Daily Worship)
- Sani Trayodasi
- Dassera Festival (September/October)
- Kartik Masam (October/November)
- Maha Shivaratri (February/March)
- Swamy Vari Kalyanam (Divine Wedding) and Radotsavam (Chariot Festival) during February/March
- Magha Masam Trayodasi (February/March)
Must visit: The Draksharamam Temple in East Godavari:
How to Reach Sri Kukkuteshwara Swamy Temple
- By Road: By road, just 20 km from Kakinada and 75 km from Rajahmundry.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is in Kakinada.
- By Air: The closest airport is the Rajahmundry Airport, approximately 75 km away.
Sri Kukkuteshwara Swamy Temple timings:
- Every morning opening hours are 5:00 AM – 12:30 PM and
- Evening opening hours are 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple Location:
Conclusion:
Sri Kukkuteshwara Swamy Temple, with history, unique architecture, and spiritual significance, is a must visit historicle site for devotees and tourists. Pithapuram, known as the Southern Kasi, offers a serene and sacred environment that allows visitors to connect deeply with their faith.
It’s a recommended historical site temple for all.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs):
Answer: It is in one of the 18 Shakti Peethas and its historical significance.
Answer: The temple is located in Pithapuram, Andhra Pradesh, 20 km from Kakinada and 75 km from Rajahmundry.
Answer: The main deities are Lord Kukkuteshwara Swamy, Lord Kunthimadhava Swamy, and Sri Venu Gopala Swamy.
Answer: Pithapuram is regarded as equal to Kasi (Varanasi) due to its spiritual importance.
Answer: The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Answer: Maha Shivaratri, Kartik Masam, and Dassera Festivals
Answer: You can reach the temple via Kakinada (20 km) or Rajahmundry (75 km) by road.
Answer: Yes, the Yaka Sila Nandi, the second-largest stone Nandi in India, is present here.
