Pithapuram is a city and municipality in the Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is part of the Godavari Urban Development Authority. The city is renowned for housing one of the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas, significant shrines, and pilgrimage destinations in Shaktism. Sripada Sri Vallabha, a prominent Hindu saint of the 14th century, was born and lived in Pithapuram.
Pithapuram History
Early Mentions and Rule
Pithapuram, originally known as Pishtapuram, has a history dating back to ancient times. It is mentioned in the c. 350 CE Prayaga inscription of the Gupta emperor Samudragupta, where King Mahendra ruled it. Inscriptions from the 4th and 5th centuries by the Vasishtha and Mathara dynasties also mention Pishtapura, describing it as part of Kalinga.
Chalukya Era
In the 7th century CE, the Chalukya king Pulakeshin II annexed Pishtapura to his kingdom. Pithapuram served as the Eastern Chalukyas’s initial capital before they moved to Vengi. The city later became one of the Eastern Chalukyas’s Rastras, or administrative divisions. In the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, the Pithapuram Chalukyas, a tangential branch, governed the region surrounding Rajahmundry, Pithapuram, and Draksharama.
Inscriptions and Dynasties
Inscriptions ranging from 1186 to 1391, belonging to the Velanandu chiefs, the Konas, and the Reddi kings, were found in Pithapuram. The Pithapuram Zamindar family arrived in the Godavari District in 1571, receiving the Jagir of Anaparthi. They were made the Sardars of Rajahmundry, leading 4000 troops, and received the Zamindari sanad in 1749 from Rustum Khan, a general of the Nizam. They made a permanent settlement with the British in 1802.
Cultural Contributions
The Pithapuram Raja sponsored the monumental classical Telugu dictionary “Sri Suryarayandhra Nighantuvu” and commissioned the first typewriter in Telugu.
Religious Significance
Pithapuram is home to the temple of Puruhitika Devi, one of the 18 Shakti Peethas. This adds to its importance as a religious and cultural center.
Geography
Pithapuram is located at 17.1167°N latitude and 82.2667°E longitude, with an average elevation of 10 meters (33 feet). Although landlocked, it is situated near several beaches, with most economic activities centered in Kakinada. The city is also known for the C.B.M. Christian Medical Centre, established by missionary doctor Dr. E. Smith.
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Demographics
As of the 2023 Census of India, Pithapuram has a population of over 100,000. The city boasts an average literacy rate of 75.00%, higher than the national average of 73.00%.
Transport and Connectivity
Pithapuram is well-connected by NH 216 and has a railway station on the Duvvada-Vijayawada section of the Howrah-Chennai main line. Rajahmundry Airport is located 55 km (34 mi) from Pithapuram.
Neighborhoods
Key neighborhoods in Pithapuram include Jaggaya Cheruvu, Drivers Colony, Padagaya Junction, Agraharam, and Satellite City.
Twin City
Pithapuram is considered a twin city of Kakinada, sharing close economic and cultural ties.
Tourist Attractions in Pithapuram
Religious Sites
- Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple
- A famous Shiva temple that attracts devotees from all over the region.
- Sri Pada Vallabha Mahasansthanam
- A holy place dedicated to Sripada Sri Vallabha, a revered saint of the Dattatreya tradition.
- Puruhitika Devi Temple
- One of the eighteen Maha Shakti Peethas, making it a significant pilgrimage destination in Shaktism.
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Historical Sites
- Pithapuram Fort
- An ancient fort that offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history.
- Raja’s Palace
- The historical residence of the Pithapuram Zamindars showcases architecture and heritage.
Natural Attractions
- Gowthami Ghat
- A serene spot by the river, perfect for a peaceful walk and relaxation.
- Nearby Beaches
- While Pithapuram itself is landlocked, nearby beaches like Uppada Beach offer a scenic escape.
Hotels & Restaurants in Pithapuram
Hotels
- Sri Kanya Lodge
- A budget-friendly accommodation with basic amenities.
- Hotel Kiran
- Offers comfortable stays with good service and facilities.
- Pithapuram Residency
- A mid-range hotel providing a pleasant stay with modern amenities.
Restaurants
- Aahar Restaurant
- Known for its delicious South Indian cuisine.
- Hotel Srikanya
- Offers a variety of local dishes in a family-friendly environment.
- Spice Garden
- A multi-cuisine restaurant offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
Schools, Colleges & Hospitals Near Pithapuram
Schools
- Sri Chaitanya Techno School
- Offers quality education with a focus on technological advancements.
- Narayana E-Techno School
- Renowned for its academic excellence and extracurricular activities.
- Aditya Public School
- Provides a holistic education with modern facilities.
Colleges
- Aditya Degree College
- Offers a range of undergraduate courses with excellent faculty.
- Sri Sai College of IT & Management
- Known for its IT and management programs.
- Pithapur Rajah’s Government College
- One of the oldest and most respected colleges in the area.
Hospitals
- C.B.M. Christian Medical Centre
- A well-known hospital established by missionary doctor Dr. E. Smith.
- Sri Sai Hospital
- Provides comprehensive medical services and emergency care.
- Gowthami Hospital
- Equipped with modern medical facilities and experienced staff.
Pithapuram Assembly Constituency
Constituency No. 37 for the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly
Constituency Details
- Country: India
- Region: South India
- State: Andhra Pradesh
- District: Kakinada
- Lok Sabha Constituency: Kakinada
- Established: 1951
- Total Electors: 230,188
Current Representation
- Member of Legislative Assembly (16th Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly): Pawan Kalyan
- Party: Jana Sena Party (JSP)
- Elected Year: 2024
- Majority: 70,279 votes
- Opponent: V. Geetha (YSRCP)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Ans: K.Pawan Kalyan (JSP) is the MLA of Pithapuram.
Ans: Dattatreya Temple is the Famous Temple in Pithapuram.
Ans: Pithapuram is located in the Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh, India.
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