Photo 1 / 4North gopuram above the temple tank. Photo: Adityamadhav83, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Pithapuram Puruhutika Temple
About the Temple
The shrine of Puruhutika Devi stands inside the Kukkuteswara Swamy temple at Pithapuram, about 20 km from Kakinada. Puruhutika is counted among the 18 Shakti Peethas, and the district site records the belief that the left hand of Sati fell here. Shiva is worshipped in the same complex as Kukkuteswara, a self-formed crystal linga, with a large monolithic Nandi in front.
Why visit
- Pray at one of the 18 Shakti Peethas, inside a Shiva temple complex.
- See the single-stone Nandi and the Pada Gaya pond.
Temple Timings
- Morning
- 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Evening
- 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Official source, checked 23 Oct 2026 · Source
The AP Endowments portal lists regular hours of 05:30 to 12:30 and 16:30 to 20:30, with Maha Nivedana at 12:00 to 12:15. The temple closes at 20:30. The East Godavari district page lists Dasara (September to October), Karthika Masam (October to November), and Maha Shivaratri with the Kalyanam and chariot festival (February to March). Hours may change then.
Before You Go
- Time to allow
1 hour to 2 hours inside the temple. This is a planning allowance, not a queue time; festival days take longer.
- Dress
No dress rule for this temple was confirmed. Traditional, modest clothing is the safe choice; ask at the entrance.
Not confirmed: check with the temple before you go
- Phones
A phone rule for this temple was not confirmed. Ask at the entrance whether phones may be carried inside.
Not confirmed: check with the temple before you go
- Access
Step counts and wheelchair routes are not confirmed. Ask at the temple office if anyone in your group has limited mobility.
Not confirmed: check with the temple before you go
Highlights
- Puruhutika Shakti Peetha
Puruhutika Devi is counted among the 18 Shakti Peethas. Devotees believe the left hand of Sati fell here.
- Kukkuteswara, a crystal linga
Shiva is worshipped as Kukkuteswara, a self-formed crystal linga, in the same temple complex.
- Single-stone Nandi
A large monolithic Nandi stands before the flagstaff; the district site calls it second in size only to the Nandi at Lepakshi.
- Pada Gaya
The town's Pada Gaya pond is sacred; devotees believe that bathing in it grants liberation.
Sources: kakinada.ap.gov.in, eastgodavari.ap.gov.in, en.wikipedia.org · checked 22 Oct 2026
How to reach Pithapuram Puruhutika Temple
- By air: Rajahmundry Airport (RJA) · about 55 km
- By road: Pithapuram is about 20 km from Kakinada and 75 km from Rajahmundry by road. The town has its own railway station, Pithapuram (PAP), on the Vijayawada main line.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org, kakinada.ap.gov.in · checked 22 Oct 2026
Nearby Places
- Kumararama Bhimeswara Temple, SamalkotOne of the five Pancharama temples of Shiva.11 km away
- Bhimeswara Swamy Temple, DraksharamamA Pancharama temple that is also a Shakti Peetha, through the goddess Manikyamba.40 km away
- Satyanarayana Temple, AnnavaramA hilltop Vishnu temple on the Ratnagiri hill.27 km away
Sources: en.wikipedia.org, wikidata.org, en.wikipedia.org · checked 22 Oct 2026
Questions Visitors Ask
Is there a dress code at Pithapuram Puruhutika Temple?
No dress rule for this temple was confirmed. Traditional, modest clothing is the safe choice; ask at the entrance.
Can I take my phone inside Pithapuram Puruhutika Temple?
A phone rule for this temple was not confirmed. Ask at the entrance whether phones may be carried inside.
What are the Pithapuram Puruhutika temple timings?
The AP Endowments portal lists 05:30 to 12:30 and 16:30 to 20:30, with a short midday offering at 12:00. Festival days can change this.
Is Pithapuram a Shakti Peetha?
Yes. Puruhutika Devi is counted among the 18 Shakti Peethas, and the Kakinada district site records the belief that Sati's left hand fell here.
How far is Pithapuram from Kakinada and Rajahmundry?
The district sites give about 20 km from Kakinada and 75 km from Rajahmundry.
Can I combine Pithapuram with Draksharamam?
Yes. Draksharamam, another Shakti Peetha, is about 40 km away in a straight line, and Samalkot's Kumararama about 10 km. Road distances are longer.