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{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name                    = Pithapuram
| name                    = Pithapuram
| native_name            =  
| other_name              = Pishtapura
| native_name_lang        = te
| settlement_type        = city
| other_name              =  
| image_skyline          = {{multiple image
| nickname                =  
| border      = infobox
| settlement_type        = [[Town]]
| total_width = 280
| image_skyline          = Pithapuram Montage.jpg
| image_style =  
| image_alt              =  
| perrow      = 1/2/2/1
| image_caption          = Clockwise from top left: Kukkuteswara and Padagaya Temple Complex, Pithapuram Railway Station, [[Ratnachal Express]] speeding through Pithapuram Railway Station, fields near Pithapuram, landscape view at Pithapuram, Kunti Madhavaswami Temple
| image1      = Visakhapatnam - Sainagar Shirdi Weekly Express enters Pithapuram train station 01.jpg
| image2      = View of fields near Pithapuram1.jpg
}}
| image_caption          = '''Top''': Pithapuram Railway Station<br/>'''Bottom''': Paddy fields near Pithapuram
| pushpin_map            = India Andhra Pradesh
| pushpin_map            = India Andhra Pradesh
| pushpin_label_position  =  
| pushpin_label_position  =  
Line 16: Line 19:
| pushpin_map_caption    = Location in Andhra Pradesh, India
| pushpin_map_caption    = Location in Andhra Pradesh, India
| coordinates            = {{coord|17.1167|N|82.2667|E|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates            = {{coord|17.1167|N|82.2667|E|display=inline,title}}
| sub division_type       = Country
| subdivision_type       = Country
| sub division_name       = [[India]]
| subdivision_name       = India
| sub division_type1       = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type1       = State
| sub division_name1       = [[Andhra Pradesh]]
| subdivision_name1       = [[Andhra Pradesh]]
| sub division_type2       = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_type2       = District
| sub division_name2       = [[East Godavari district|East Godavari]]
| subdivision_name2       = [[Kakinada district]]
| established_title      = <!-- Established -->
| established_title      = <!-- Established -->
| established_date        =  
| established_date        =  
| founder                =  
| founder                =  
| named_for              =  
| named_for              =  
| government_type        =  
| government_type        = Municipal
| governing_body          =  
| governing_body          = Municipality
| leader_title            = [[Member of Legislative Assembly]]
| leader_name            = Pendem Dhorababu<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/mp-mla-participate-in-cockfight-at-pithapuram/article22423535.ece | title=MP, MLA participate incockfight at Pithapuram  | date=11 January 2018 | newspaper=The Hindu | access-date=18 August 2018 }}</ref>
| unit_pref              = Metric
| unit_pref              = Metric
| area_footnotes          = <ref name=civicbody>{{cite web|title=Municipalities, Municipal Corporations & UDAs|url=http://dtcp.ap.gov.in:9090/webdtcp/Municipalities%20List-110.pdf|website=Directorate of Town and Country Planning|publisher=Government of Andhra Pradesh|access-date=28 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128175528/http://dtcp.ap.gov.in:9090/webdtcp/Municipalities%20List-110.pdf|archive-date=28 January 2016}}</ref>
| area_footnotes          = <ref name=civicbody>{{cite web|title=Municipalities, Municipal Corporations & UDAs|url=http://dtcp.ap.gov.in:9090/webdtcp/Municipalities%20List-110.pdf|website=Directorate of city and Country Planning|publisher=Government of Andhra Pradesh|access-date=28 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128175528/http://dtcp.ap.gov.in:9090/webdtcp/Municipalities%20List-110.pdf|archive-date=28 January 2016}}</ref>
| area_rank              =  
| area_rank              = 10
| area_total_km2          = 41.13
| area_total_km2          = 112.6
| elevation_footnotes    =  
| elevation_footnotes    =  
| elevation_m            = 10
| elevation_m            = 10
| population_total        = 52360
| population_total        = 154,859
| population_as_of        = 2011
| population_as_of        = 2011
| population_rank        =  
| population_rank        = 10
| population_density_km2  = auto
| population_density_km2  = auto
| population_demonym      =  
| population_demonym      =  
Line 47: Line 48:
| timezone1              = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| timezone1              = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1            = +5:30
| utc_offset1            = +5:30
| postal_code_type        = <!-- [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] -->
| postal_code_type        = <!-- [533450|PIN]] -->
| postal_code            =  
| postal_code            = 533450
| registration_plate_type         = [[Vehicle registration plates of India|Vehicle Registration]]
| registration_plate_type = [[Vehicle registration plates of India|Vehicle Registration]]
| registration_plate             = [[List of RTO districts in India|AP05 (Former)]]<br /> AP39 (from 30 January 2019)<ref>{{cite news |title=New 'AP 39' code to register vehicles in Andhra Pradesh launched |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/vijayawada/2019/jan/31/new-ap-39-code-to-register-vehicles-in-state-launched-1932417.html |access-date=9 June 2019 |work=The New Indian Express |date=31 January 2019 |location=Vijayawada}}</ref>
| registration_plate     = [[List of RTO districts in India|AP05 (Former)]]<br /> AP39 (from 30 January 2019)<ref>{{cite news |title=New 'AP 39' code to register vehicles in Andhra Pradesh launched |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/vijayawada/2019/jan/31/new-ap-39-code-to-register-vehicles-in-state-launched-1932417.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203234146/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/vijayawada/2019/jan/31/new-ap-39-code-to-register-vehicles-in-state-launched-1932417.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 February 2019 |access-date=9 June 2019 |work=The New Indian Express |date=31 January 2019 |location=Vijayawada}}</ref>
| website                =  
| website                =  
| footnotes              =  
| footnotes              =  
| official_name          = Pithapuram
}}
}}


'''Pithapuram''' is a [[town]] and a [[municipality]] in the [[East Godavari district]] in the [[India]]n [[States and territories of India|state]] of [[Andhra Pradesh]]. The town also forms a part of [[Godavari Urban Development Authority]]. The town is home to one of the eighteen Maha [[Shakti Peetha|Sakthi Peethas]], which are significant [[shrines]] and pilgrimage destinations in [[Shaktism]].<ref name="profile">{{cite web|title=Constitution of Godavari Urban Development Authority with headquarters at Godavari|url=http://urban.ap.gov.in/MAUD/Gazettee%20No.818.pdf|website=Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department|publisher=Government of Andhra Pradesh|access-date=9 November 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118222806/http://urban.ap.gov.in/MAUD/Gazettee%20No.818.pdf|archive-date=18 January 2017}}</ref>
'''Pithapuram''' (also spelled as '''Pitapuram''') is a city  and [[municipality]] in the [[Kakinada district]] of [[Andhra Pradesh]], India. With a history spanning over 1,500 years, it is one of the oldest towns in the state. Pitapuram served as the capital for various kingdoms of Andhra, dating back to the 4th century CE, and continues to be an important pilgrimage destination.


[[Sripada Sri Vallabha]], a prominent Hindu saint of 14th century was born and lived in Pithapuram.<ref>http://www.sreedattavaibhavam.org/sree-pada-sree-vallabha</ref> He is considered by his devotees as one of the first complete [[avatars]] (incarnations) of the deity [[Dattatreya]] in [[Kali Yuga]].<ref>http://www.sripadasrivallabhamahasamsthanam.com</ref>
The city is renowned for the [[Kukkuteswara Temple]] complex, which also houses the Puruhutika Devi Temple, one of the eighteen [[Shakta pithas|Maha Shakti Pithas]], considered among the most significant pilgrimage destinations in [[Shaktism]].<ref name="profile">{{cite web |title=Constitution of Godavari Urban Development Authority with headquarters at Godavari |url=http://urban.ap.gov.in/MAUD/Gazettee%20No.818.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118222806/http://urban.ap.gov.in/MAUD/Gazettee%20No.818.pdf |archive-date=18 January 2017 |access-date=9 November 2016 |website=Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department |publisher=Government of Andhra Pradesh}}</ref> Pitapuram is also the birthplace of [[Sripada Sri Vallabha]], a prominent 14th-century [[Hinduism|Hindu]] saint.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Sree Pada Sree Vallabha &#124; Sree Datta Vaibhavam |url=https://www.sreedattavaibhavam.org/sree-pada-sree-vallabha/}}</ref> The town holds significant historical and religious significance, being mentioned in ancient texts such as the ''[[Skanda Purana]]'' and [[Srinatha|Srinatha's]] [[Bhimeswara Puranam|''Bheemeswara Puranam'']] ({{Circa|15th century}}).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Rao |first=P. R. Ramachandra |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HIvrAAAAMAAJ&q=Kukkuteswara+Temple |title=The Splendour of Andhra Art |date=2005 |publisher=Akshara |pages=82 |language=en}}</ref>
 
Historically, Pitapuram has roots dating back to ancient times as a sovereign Town .<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Hemingway F. R. |url=http://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.1427 |title=Madras District Gazetteers Godavari (1915) |date=1915}}</ref> It is referenced in [[Samudragupta]]'s [[Allahabad Pillar#Samudragupta inscription|Prayaga inscription]] ({{Circa|350 CE}})<ref name=":1">[[:File:Allahabad stone pillar inscription of Samudragupta.jpg|Full inscription]], {{cite book |last1=Fleet |first1=John Faithfull |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.49403 |title=Corpus Inscriptionum Indicarum Vol. 3 |date=1888 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.49403/page/n197 1]-17}}</ref> under the name Pishtapura, during the reign of King Mahendra.<ref name="Asvini_1989">{{cite book |author=Ashvini Agrawal |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hRjC5IaJ2zcC&pg=PA315 |title=Rise and Fall of the Imperial Guptas |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |year=1989 |isbn=978-81-208-0592-7 |page=109}}</ref> In the 7th century CE, it served as the initial capital of the [[Eastern Chalukyas]] before they moved their capital to Vengi.<ref name=":4">{{Cite book |last=Sen |first=Sailendra Nath
|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Wk4_ICH_g1EC&dq=Eastern+Chalukyas+pishtapura&pg=PA362 |title=Ancient Indian History and Civilization |date=1999 |publisher=New Age International |isbn=978-81-224-1198-0 |pages=362 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lnBDAAAAYAAJ&q=pishtapura |title=Epigraphia Indica |publisher=Manager of Publications |year=1987 |volume=29 |pages=46 |language=en |orig-date=1888}}</ref> Over time, Pitapuram later became one of the administrative divisions, or Rāṣṭras, of the Eastern Chalukyas.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2014-07-31 |title=Role of Chalukyas of Vengi and its Polity During Post-Gupta Period |url=https://www.historydiscussion.net/gupta-period/role-of-chalukyas-of-vengi-and-its-polity-during-post-gupta-period/2000 |access-date=2020-10-04 |website=History Discussion |language=en-US}}</ref> During the late 12th century, [[Pruthviswara]] ({{Reign|1186|1207}}) of the [[Velanati Chodas]] ruled from Pitapuram. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the Pitapuram Chalukyas, a collateral branch of the Chalukyas, controlled the surrounding region, including [[Rajahmundry|Rajamahendravaram]], Pitapuram, and [[Draksharamam]]. By the 18th century, Pitapuram became the centre of the [[Pithapuram Estate|Pitapuram Estate]], which covered an area of {{Convert|393|sqmi|sqkm}} by 1903.<ref name=":3">{{cite web |year=1915 |title=Glory of the Pithapuram Estate |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.1427/page/n256/mode/1up?q=vegayammapeta}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
Pitapuram, originally known as Pishtapura, is first mentioned around 350 CE<ref name=":1" /> in the [[Allahabad Pillar#Samudragupta inscription|Prayaga Pillar inscription]] of the [[Gupta Empire|Gupta]] emperor [[Samudragupta]], which records his victory over King Mahendra of Pishtapura.<ref name="Asvini_1989" /><ref name=":0" /> Inscriptions from the 4th and 5th centuries by the [[Vasishtha dynasty|Vasishtha]] and [[Mathara dynasty|Mathara]] dynasties refer to Pishtapura as part of the [[Kalinga (region)|Kalinga]] region.<ref name="Asvini_1989" /><ref>{{cite book |author=S. Sankaranarayanan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CHFAAAAAMAAJ |title=The Vishṇukuṇḍis and Their Times: An Epigraphical Study |publisher=Agam Prakashan |year=1977 |page=51}}</ref>


Pithapuram was originally called Pithikapuram. The earliest extant inscription to mention the city is the 4th century king [[Samudragupta]]'s [[Allahabad Pillar]] inscription, which states that he defeated the king Mahendra of Pithikapuram.<ref name="Asvini_1989">{{cite book |author=Ashvini Agrawal |title=Rise and Fall of the Imperial Guptas |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hRjC5IaJ2zcC&pg=PA315 |year=1989 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-0592-7 |page=109 }}</ref> The inscriptions of the 4th and 5th century [[Vasishtha dynasty|Vasishtha]] and [[Mathara dynasty|Mathara]] dynasties also mention Pishtapura, describing it as a part of [[Kalinga (historical region)|Kalinga]].<ref name="Asvini_1989" /><ref>{{cite book |author=S. Sankaranarayanan |title=The Vishṇukuṇḍis and Their Times: An Epigraphical Study |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CHFAAAAAMAAJ |year=1977 |publisher=Agam Prakashan |page=51 }}</ref> In the 7th century, the [[Chalukyas of Vatapi|Chalukya]] king [[Pulakeshin II]] annexed Pishtapura to his kingdom.<ref name="Asvini_1989"/> Later, Pithapuram was one of the Rastras, an administrative division, of the Vengi Chalukyas.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2014-07-31|title=Role of Chalukyas of Vengi and its Polity During Post-Gupta Period|url=https://www.historydiscussion.net/gupta-period/role-of-chalukyas-of-vengi-and-its-polity-during-post-gupta-period/2000|access-date=2020-10-04|website=History Discussion|language=en-US}}</ref> One of the collateral branches of Chalukyas called Pithapuram Chalukyas, ruled the area around Rajahmundry, Pithapuram and Draksharama in the 12th and 13th centuries.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/144085/8/08_chapter%202.pdf}}</ref>
In the 7th century, [[Chalukya dynasty|Chalukya]] king [[Pulakeshin II]] annexed Pishtapura into his kingdom.<ref name="Asvini_1989" /> The Town initially served as the capital of the [[Eastern Chalukyas]] before they shifted their capital to Vengi.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Desikachari |first=T. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lNx31XT747wC&dq=Eastern+Chalukyas+Pishtapura&pg=PA39 |title=South Indian Coins |date=1991 |publisher=Asian Educational Services |isbn=978-81-206-0155-0 |pages=39 |language=en |orig-date=1933}}</ref><ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Nigam |first=M. L. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hRtQAAAAMAAJ&q=Pishtapura |title=Sculptural Heritage of Andhradesa |date=1975 |publisher=Booklinks Corporation |pages=16 |language=en}}</ref> Subsequently, Pitapuram became one of the administrative divisions, or Rastras, under the Chalukyas.<ref name=":2" />


The town hosts temple of Puruhitika devi. It is one among 18 Sakthi Peethas.
During the late 12th century, [[Pruthviswara]] ({{Reign|1186|1207}}), of the [[Velanati Chodas]] ruled from Pitapuram.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Rao |first=B. S. L. Hanumantha |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GkNuAAAAMAAJ |title=Socio-cultural History of Ancient and Medieval Andhra |date=1995 |publisher=Telugu University |isbn=978-81-86073-08-7 |pages=67 |language=en}}</ref> The Town was later governed by the Pitapuram Chalukyas, a [[cadet branch]] of the Chalukyas, who controlled the area around [[Rajahmundry|Rajamahendravaram]], Pitapuram, and [[Draksharamam]] during the 12th and 13th centuries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Historical Background |url=https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/144085/8/08_chapter%202.pdf}}</ref> Inscriptions from 1186 to 1391 CE also highlight its significance under the rule of the Konas and the [[Reddi Kingdom|Reddi]] kings.<ref name=":0" />
 
The Pitapuram Zamindar [[Pithapuram Estate]]  family arrived in the [[Godavari District]] in 1571 and was granted the [[jagir]] of [[Anaparthi]]. They served as [[Sardar|Sardars]] of [[Rajahmundry|Rajamahendravaram]], commanding 4,000 troops, and received the Zamindari sanad in 1749 from Rustum Khan, a general of the [[Nizam of Hyderabad]]. In 1802, they established a permanent settlement with the British. By 1903, their estate covered {{Convert|393|sqmi|sqkm}} and generated a revenue of ₹9,14,000, with a peskash of ₹2,44,000.<ref name=":3" />
 
The Pitapuram Rajas were notable patrons of education and healthcare. They sponsored the classical [[Telugu language|Telugu]] dictionary [[Suryaraya Andhra Nighantuvu|''Sri Suryarayandhra Nighantuvu'']] and commissioned the first Telugu typewriter.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Blackburn |first1=Stuart H. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2N046vzK824C&dq=karanam&pg=PA163 |title=India's Literary History: Essays on the Nineteenth Century |last2=Dalmia |first2=Vasudha |date=2004 |publisher=Orient Blackswan |isbn=978-81-7824-056-5 |pages=157 |language=en}}</ref> They founded the [[PR Government College Kakinada|Pithapur Raja's Government College]] (PR Government College) in Kakinada and supported the establishment of the [[Christian Medical Centre]] (CMC) by the [[Canadian Baptist Mission]], which has been renowned for its medical services since the eighteenth century.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |title=About Pithapuram Municipality |url=https://cdma.ap.gov.in/en/about-pithapuram-municipality |website=Commissioner & Director of Municipal Administration, Government of Andhra Pradesh}}</ref>


== Geography ==
== Geography ==
Pitapuram is located at {{Coord|17.1167|N|82.2667|E|}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/02/Pithapuram.html|title=Maps, Weather, and Airports for Pithapuram, India|website=www.fallingrain.com}}</ref> It has an average elevation of {{convert|10|m|ft|abbr=off|sp=us}}. The town is approximately 20 kilometres from the district headquarters, [[Kakinada]], and 75 kilometres from [[Rajahmundry]].<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=Pithapuram |url=https://eastgodavari.ap.gov.in/gallery/pithapuram/ |website=East Godavari District Web Portal}}</ref> In 1957, Pitapuram was designated as a [[List of urban local bodies in Andhra Pradesh|2nd grade]] [[Municipality]] and an [[Municipal governance in India|urban local body]] (ULB). It is spread over an area of 19.57 square kilometres.<ref name=":7" />


Pithapuram is located at {{Coord|17.1167|N|82.2667|E|}}.<ref>[http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/02/Pithapuram.html Falling Rain Genomics.Pithapuram]</ref> It has an average elevation of {{convert|10|m|ft|abbr=off|sp=us}}. It is located near several beaches though not one in particular. It is in between 2 major cities; [[Kakinada]] and [[Rajahmundry]]. Pithapuram is landlocked and most of its economic activity takes place in Kakinada. Pithapuram is also well known for the C.B.M. Christian Medical Centre which was started by missionary doctor Dr. E. Smith.
Pitapuram is landlocked but is located near several beaches, although none are within the town itself. Most of its economic activity is centered in Kakinada.{{Citation needed|date=March 2025}} Notable neighborhoods in Pitapuram include C.B.M. Christian Medical Centre, Jaggayya Cheruvu, Drivers Colony, Pada Gaya Junction, Agraharam, and Satellite Town.
 
=== Climate ===
Pitapuram experiences a tropical climate, with winters extending from November to February and summers from March to June. The town receives an annual rainfall of 178 mm, predominantly during the monsoon season from July to September.<ref name=":7" />
 
== Religious sites ==
Pitapuram, an important pilgrimage destination, is renowned for its religious significance and historical temples. The town hosts the [[Kukkuteswara Temple]] complex, which houses several significant shrines, including the Puruhutika Devi Temple—one of the eighteen [[Shakta pithas|Maha Shakti Peethas]]. This temple is venerated in [[Shaktism]] as a major pilgrimage site, marking it as the 10th Shakti Peetha. The Kukkuteswara Temple, dedicated to [[Shiva|Lord Siva]] in the form of a self-originating ([[Svayambhu|Swayambhu]]) [[Lingam]], and the Puruhutika Devi Temple are central to the town's religious landscape.<ref name=":8" />
 
Additionally, Pitapuram is known for its other notable temples, such as the Kunthimadhava Swamy Temple and the Sri Pada Vallabha Anagha Datha Kshethram. The town is also famous for the Pada Gaya Sarovar, a [[Sacred waters|sacred pond]] believed to grant salvation to those who bathe in it, and for performing "Pinda Pradanam" (last rites), which is considered as auspicious as performing them in [[Varanasi]]. The town is closely associated with [[Sripada Sri Vallabha]], an important 14th-century [[Hindus|Hindu]] saint, believed by his followers to be an incarnation of [[Dattatreya]], further adding to its religious prominence.<ref name=":6" />


== Demographics ==
== Demographics ==
As per the [[2011 census of India|2011 Indian Census]], the Town had a population of 54,859. The average literacy rate stands at 75.00% with {{formatnum:35434}} literates, higher than the national average of 73.00%.<ref name=population>{{cite web|title=Census 2011|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/pca/SearchDetails.aspx?Id=626388|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|access-date=24 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Chapter–3 (Literates and Literacy rate) |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/PCA_Highlights/pca_highlights_file/India/Chapter-3.pdf|publisher=Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India|access-date=24 August 2014}}</ref>


{{As of|2011}} [[Census of India]], the town had a population of {{formatnum:52360}}. The total
== Transport ==
population constitutes {{formatnum:25891}} males, {{formatnum:26469}} females and
Pithapuram Town is situated on [[NH 216]]. Pithapuram railway station is located on [[Duvvada-Vijayawada section]] of [[Howrah-Chennai main line]]. [[Rajahmundry Airport]] is located {{cvt|55|km}} from Pithapuram.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vijayawada Division – A Profile|url=http://www.scr.indianrailways.gov.in/cris/uploads/files/1448370249434-Division%20Profile.pdf|website=South Central Railway|access-date=19 January 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128163230/http://www.scr.indianrailways.gov.in/cris/uploads/files/1448370249434-Division%20Profile.pdf|archive-date=28 January 2016}}</ref>
{{formatnum:5116}} children, in the age group of 0–6 years. The average literacy rate stands at
75.00% with {{formatnum:35434}} literates, higher than the national average of 73.00%.<ref name=population /><ref>{{cite web|title=Chapter–3 (Literates and Literacy rate) |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/PCA_Highlights/pca_highlights_file/India/Chapter-3.pdf|publisher=Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India|access-date=24 August 2014}}</ref>


== Transport ==
== Members of Legislative Assembly ==
{| class="wikitable" width="350px"
! width="50px" |Year
! width="600px" |Candidate
! width="100" |Party
|-
|2024{{En dash}}Present
|[[Konidela Pawan Kalyan]]
|[[Janasena Party]]
|}


Pithapuram town is situated on [[NH 216]]. Pithapuram railway station is located on [[Duvvada-Vijayawada section]] of [[Howrah-Chennai main line]]. [[Rajahmundry Airport]] is located 55&nbsp;km from Pithapuram.<ref>{{cite web|title=Vijayawada Division – A Profile|url=http://www.scr.indianrailways.gov.in/cris/uploads/files/1448370249434-Division%20Profile.pdf|website=South Central Railway|access-date=19 January 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128163230/http://www.scr.indianrailways.gov.in/cris/uploads/files/1448370249434-Division%20Profile.pdf|archive-date=28 January 2016}}</ref>
== Notable residents ==
<!-- See [[WP:LISTPEOPLE]] before including people here -->
* [[Devulapalli Krishnasastri|Devulapalli Krishnasastry]] (1897–1980), [[Telugu language|Telugu]] poet and playwright, brought up in Pitapuram
* [[Dronamraju Krishna Rao]] (1937–2020), geneticist, born in Pitapuram


== Literature ==
* Kuchimanchi brothers
* [[Devulapalli Krishnasastri|Devulapalli Krishnasastry]]
* Avantsa somasunder
* Masilamani
* Mokkapati Narasimha Sastry
* Ryali Prasad
* Puranam Subrahmanya Sarma
* Umaralisha
* Balantrapu Rajanikantharao
* Venkata Parvateesa Kavulu
* Venkata Ramakrishna Kavulu


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


{{East Godavari district}}
{{Kakinada district}}
{{Municipalities of Andhra Pradesh}}
{{Municipalities of Andhra Pradesh}}
{{Shaktism}}
{{Shaktism}}
Line 106: Line 124:
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Shakti Peethas|*]]
[[Category:Shakta pithas|*]]
[[Category:Towns in East Godavari district]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Kakinada district]]
[[Category:Ancient Indian cities]]
[[Category:Ancient Indian cities]]
[[Category:Mandal headquarters in East Godavari district]]
[[Category:Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India]]
[[Category:Archaeological sites in Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Hindu holy cities]]
[[Category:Former capitals in India]]

Latest revision as of 04:28, 14 March 2026

Pithapuram
Pishtapura
city
Pithapuram
Top: Pithapuram Railway Station
Bottom: Paddy fields near Pithapuram
Pithapuram is located in Andhra Pradesh
Pithapuram
Pithapuram
Location in Andhra Pradesh, India
Coordinates: 17°07′00″N 82°16′00″E / 17.1167°N 82.2667°E / 17.1167; 82.2667
CountryIndia
StateAndhra Pradesh
DistrictKakinada district
Government
 • TypeMunicipal
 • BodyMunicipality
Area
[1]
 • Total112.6 km2 (43.5 sq mi)
 • Rank10
Elevation
10 m (30 ft)
Population
 (2011)[2]
 • Total154,859
 • Rank10
 • Density1,400/km2 (3,600/sq mi)
Languages
 • OfficialTelugu
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
Vehicle RegistrationAP05 (Former)
AP39 (from 30 January 2019)[3]

Pithapuram (also spelled as Pitapuram) is a city and municipality in the Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh, India. With a history spanning over 1,500 years, it is one of the oldest towns in the state. Pitapuram served as the capital for various kingdoms of Andhra, dating back to the 4th century CE, and continues to be an important pilgrimage destination.

The city is renowned for the Kukkuteswara Temple complex, which also houses the Puruhutika Devi Temple, one of the eighteen Maha Shakti Pithas, considered among the most significant pilgrimage destinations in Shaktism.[4] Pitapuram is also the birthplace of Sripada Sri Vallabha, a prominent 14th-century Hindu saint.[5] The town holds significant historical and religious significance, being mentioned in ancient texts such as the Skanda Purana and Srinatha's Bheemeswara Puranam (c. 15th century).[6]

Historically, Pitapuram has roots dating back to ancient times as a sovereign Town .[7] It is referenced in Samudragupta's Prayaga inscription (c. 350 CE)[8] under the name Pishtapura, during the reign of King Mahendra.[9] In the 7th century CE, it served as the initial capital of the Eastern Chalukyas before they moved their capital to Vengi.[10][11] Over time, Pitapuram later became one of the administrative divisions, or Rāṣṭras, of the Eastern Chalukyas.[12] During the late 12th century, Pruthviswara (r. 1186–1207) of the Velanati Chodas ruled from Pitapuram. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the Pitapuram Chalukyas, a collateral branch of the Chalukyas, controlled the surrounding region, including Rajamahendravaram, Pitapuram, and Draksharamam. By the 18th century, Pitapuram became the centre of the Pitapuram Estate, which covered an area of 393 square miles (1,020 km2) by 1903.[13]

History[edit | edit source]

Pitapuram, originally known as Pishtapura, is first mentioned around 350 CE[8] in the Prayaga Pillar inscription of the Gupta emperor Samudragupta, which records his victory over King Mahendra of Pishtapura.[9][7] Inscriptions from the 4th and 5th centuries by the Vasishtha and Mathara dynasties refer to Pishtapura as part of the Kalinga region.[9][14]

In the 7th century, Chalukya king Pulakeshin II annexed Pishtapura into his kingdom.[9] The Town initially served as the capital of the Eastern Chalukyas before they shifted their capital to Vengi.[10][15][11][16] Subsequently, Pitapuram became one of the administrative divisions, or Rastras, under the Chalukyas.[12]

During the late 12th century, Pruthviswara (r. 1186–1207), of the Velanati Chodas ruled from Pitapuram.[17] The Town was later governed by the Pitapuram Chalukyas, a cadet branch of the Chalukyas, who controlled the area around Rajamahendravaram, Pitapuram, and Draksharamam during the 12th and 13th centuries.[18] Inscriptions from 1186 to 1391 CE also highlight its significance under the rule of the Konas and the Reddi kings.[7]

The Pitapuram Zamindar Pithapuram Estate family arrived in the Godavari District in 1571 and was granted the jagir of Anaparthi. They served as Sardars of Rajamahendravaram, commanding 4,000 troops, and received the Zamindari sanad in 1749 from Rustum Khan, a general of the Nizam of Hyderabad. In 1802, they established a permanent settlement with the British. By 1903, their estate covered 393 square miles (1,020 km2) and generated a revenue of ₹9,14,000, with a peskash of ₹2,44,000.[13]

The Pitapuram Rajas were notable patrons of education and healthcare. They sponsored the classical Telugu dictionary Sri Suryarayandhra Nighantuvu and commissioned the first Telugu typewriter.[19] They founded the Pithapur Raja's Government College (PR Government College) in Kakinada and supported the establishment of the Christian Medical Centre (CMC) by the Canadian Baptist Mission, which has been renowned for its medical services since the eighteenth century.[20]

Geography[edit | edit source]

Pitapuram is located at 17°07′00″N 82°16′00″E / 17.1167°N 82.2667°E / 17.1167; 82.2667.[21] It has an average elevation of 10 meters (33 feet). The town is approximately 20 kilometres from the district headquarters, Kakinada, and 75 kilometres from Rajahmundry.[22] In 1957, Pitapuram was designated as a 2nd grade Municipality and an urban local body (ULB). It is spread over an area of 19.57 square kilometres.[20]

Pitapuram is landlocked but is located near several beaches, although none are within the town itself. Most of its economic activity is centered in Kakinada.[citation needed] Notable neighborhoods in Pitapuram include C.B.M. Christian Medical Centre, Jaggayya Cheruvu, Drivers Colony, Pada Gaya Junction, Agraharam, and Satellite Town.

Climate[edit | edit source]

Pitapuram experiences a tropical climate, with winters extending from November to February and summers from March to June. The town receives an annual rainfall of 178 mm, predominantly during the monsoon season from July to September.[20]

Religious sites[edit | edit source]

Pitapuram, an important pilgrimage destination, is renowned for its religious significance and historical temples. The town hosts the Kukkuteswara Temple complex, which houses several significant shrines, including the Puruhutika Devi Temple—one of the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas. This temple is venerated in Shaktism as a major pilgrimage site, marking it as the 10th Shakti Peetha. The Kukkuteswara Temple, dedicated to Lord Siva in the form of a self-originating (Swayambhu) Lingam, and the Puruhutika Devi Temple are central to the town's religious landscape.[22]

Additionally, Pitapuram is known for its other notable temples, such as the Kunthimadhava Swamy Temple and the Sri Pada Vallabha Anagha Datha Kshethram. The town is also famous for the Pada Gaya Sarovar, a sacred pond believed to grant salvation to those who bathe in it, and for performing "Pinda Pradanam" (last rites), which is considered as auspicious as performing them in Varanasi. The town is closely associated with Sripada Sri Vallabha, an important 14th-century Hindu saint, believed by his followers to be an incarnation of Dattatreya, further adding to its religious prominence.[5]

Demographics[edit | edit source]

As per the 2011 Indian Census, the Town had a population of 54,859. The average literacy rate stands at 75.00% with 35,434 literates, higher than the national average of 73.00%.[2][23]

Transport[edit | edit source]

Pithapuram Town is situated on NH 216. Pithapuram railway station is located on Duvvada-Vijayawada section of Howrah-Chennai main line. Rajahmundry Airport is located 55 km (34 mi) from Pithapuram.[24]

Members of Legislative Assembly[edit | edit source]

Year Candidate Party
2024–Present Konidela Pawan Kalyan Janasena Party

Notable residents[edit | edit source]


References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Municipalities, Municipal Corporations & UDAs" (PDF). Directorate of city and Country Planning. Government of Andhra Pradesh. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 January 2016. Retrieved 28 January 2016.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Census 2011". The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved 24 August 2014.
  3. ↑ "New 'AP 39' code to register vehicles in Andhra Pradesh launched". The New Indian Express. Vijayawada. 31 January 2019. Archived from the original on 3 February 2019. Retrieved 9 June 2019.
  4. ↑ "Constitution of Godavari Urban Development Authority with headquarters at Godavari" (PDF). Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department. Government of Andhra Pradesh. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 January 2017. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Sree Pada Sree Vallabha | Sree Datta Vaibhavam".
  6. ↑ Rao, P. R. Ramachandra (2005). The Splendour of Andhra Art. Akshara. p. 82.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Hemingway F. R. (1915). Madras District Gazetteers Godavari (1915).
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Full inscription, Fleet, John Faithfull (1888). Corpus Inscriptionum Indicarum Vol. 3. pp. 1-17.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Ashvini Agrawal (1989). Rise and Fall of the Imperial Guptas. Motilal Banarsidass. p. 109. ISBN 978-81-208-0592-7.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Sen, Sailendra Nath (1999). Ancient Indian History and Civilization. New Age International. p. 362. ISBN 978-81-224-1198-0.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Epigraphia Indica. Vol. 29. Manager of Publications. 1987 [1888]. p. 46.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Role of Chalukyas of Vengi and its Polity During Post-Gupta Period". History Discussion. 31 July 2014. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Glory of the Pithapuram Estate". 1915.
  14. ↑ S. Sankaranarayanan (1977). The Vishṇukuṇḍis and Their Times: An Epigraphical Study. Agam Prakashan. p. 51.
  15. ↑ Desikachari, T. (1991) [1933]. South Indian Coins. Asian Educational Services. p. 39. ISBN 978-81-206-0155-0.
  16. ↑ Nigam, M. L. (1975). Sculptural Heritage of Andhradesa. Booklinks Corporation. p. 16.
  17. ↑ Rao, B. S. L. Hanumantha (1995). Socio-cultural History of Ancient and Medieval Andhra. Telugu University. p. 67. ISBN 978-81-86073-08-7.
  18. ↑ "Historical Background" (PDF).
  19. ↑ Blackburn, Stuart H.; Dalmia, Vasudha (2004). India's Literary History: Essays on the Nineteenth Century. Orient Blackswan. p. 157. ISBN 978-81-7824-056-5.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 "About Pithapuram Municipality". Commissioner & Director of Municipal Administration, Government of Andhra Pradesh.
  21. ↑ "Maps, Weather, and Airports for Pithapuram, India". www.fallingrain.com.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 "Pithapuram". East Godavari District Web Portal.
  23. ↑ "Chapter–3 (Literates and Literacy rate)" (PDF). Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. Retrieved 24 August 2014.
  24. ↑ "Vijayawada Division – A Profile" (PDF). South Central Railway. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 January 2016. Retrieved 19 January 2016.

Template:Kakinada district

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