Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple, Pithapuram – The Temple

Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple, Pithapuram – The Temple

Presiding Deity is called as Kukkuteswara Swamy. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Spadika Lingam and is about two feet in height. The Linga resembles that of a cock; hence Lord Shiva is called Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy. There is a huge beautiful idol of Nandi (bull) made from a single stone in front of the temple. This Nandhi is considered as second biggest after Lepakshi Basaveswara Nandi.

Dwajastambam can be found facing the sanctum. Pada Mudrikas (imprints) of Gaya Asura can be found close to the Dhwaja Stambha and is located on the south east side of the Temple. The shrine of Sri Rajarajeswari, consort of Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy, is present beside the Shiva temple. She is also called Kumara Gananadhamba as she sits in between her two sons Kumara Swamy on one side and Ganesha on the other side.

There is the temple of Puruhutika Devi inside the premises of Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple. It is one of the Ashta Dasha Shakti Peethas. The shrine is situated on the north eastern corner of the temple facing south. She is gracing the devotees in standing posture. Pada Gaya Sarovar is the Theertham associated with this Temple. It is believed that whoever bathes in this sacred pond will be relieved of their sins. 

Shrine for Chandeeshwara Swamy can be found in the northern side of Temple premises. Kala Bhairava Shrine can be seen on the north east corner of the Temple premises. Shrine for Lord Murugan can be seen on the north west corner of the Temple premises. Shrine for Siddi Ganapathi can be found in the southern side of Temple premises.

Dattatreya Swamy Shrine can be found on the south west side of the Temple Complex. Sripada Srivallabha Swamy's idol is worshipped separately in the same complex. It is the only place where an idol of Sri Datta incarnation is worshipped. There is Audambara Vriksha (Banyan Tree) alongside the holy place. It is a belief that devotees who see, touch, do pradakshina or ponder close to the Audumbara Vriksha will be the most blessed of all. The Padukas (foot engraves) which are available adjacent to the temple is accepted to be the genuine Padukas of Sri Sripada Vallabha Swamy.

There are shrines for Rama, Ayyappa, Vishveshwara, Annapurna Devi, and Durga Devi in the Temple premises. The Kunti Madhava Swamy temple adjacent to Kukkuteswara temple is another major temple in the town. Kunti is said to have installed the image in this place, and so is called Kunti Madhava Swamy. This deity is said to have been worshipped by Vyasa, Valmiki and Agastya in the past.