Pitikesvara Swamy Temple, Pitikayagulla, Andhra Pradesh

Pitikesvara Swamy Temple, Pitikayagulla, Andhra Pradesh

Pitikesvara Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at Pitikayagulla village in Prakasam district in Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple has been classified as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Antrala, Maha Mandapa and Mugha Mandapa. Nandi can be found in the Mukha Mandapa, facing the Sanctum. Except Sanctum, all the other structures lost due to the ravages of time. Only, the foundations of these structures can be seen. The Sanctum houses a Linga made of black basalt rock. The Shikara over the sanctum is built in receding tiers of moulded bricks.

There is an inscription at the entrance of the sanctum in Telugu characters dated to 7^th – 8^th century CE issued by Chalukya King. Saptamatrika Shrine houses a Saptamatrika panel with their mounts carved below them. Her shrine is rectangular in shape. Chandesvara Shrine houses a Pallava era Chandesvara seated in his characteristic pose with Karanda Makuta holding the axe in one hand and the cobra in the other. All the shrines are brick built noted for their moulded adhistanas with pilasters, a feature derived from post-Gupta temple style.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 11 Kms from Bestavaripeta, 16 Kms from Jaggambhotla Krishnapuram Railway Station, 41 Kms from Markapur, 117 Kms from Ongole and 256 Kms from Vijayawada Airport. The temple is located at about 11 Kms from Bestavaripeta on Anantapur – Tadipatri – Guntur Highway.

Location