Pithapuram

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. Pithapuram 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. Pitapuram is also the birthplace of Sripada Sri Vallabha, a prominent 14th-century Hindu saint. 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). Historically, Pitapuram has roots dating back to ancient times as a sovereign Town. It is referenced in Samudragupta's Prayaga inscription (c. 350 CE) under the name Pishtapura, during the reign of King Mahendra. In the 7th century CE, it served as the initial capital of the Eastern Chalukyas before they moved their capital to Vengi. Over time, Pitapuram later became one of the administrative divisions, or Rāṣṭras, of the Eastern Chalukyas. 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.