Pithapuram, historically known as Pittapore, is a town and a municipality in the Kakinada district in the Indian 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 Sakthi Peethas, which are significant shrines and pilgrimage destinations in Shaktism.[5]
Pithapuram | |
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Town | |
![]() 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 | |
![]() ![]() Pithapuram Location in Andhra Pradesh, India | |
Coordinates: 17.1167°N 82.2667°E / 17.1167; 82.2667 | |
Country | India |
State | Andhra Pradesh |
District | Kakinada district |
Government | |
• Member of Legislative Assembly | Pendem Dhorababu[1] |
Area | |
• Total | 22.71 km2 (8.77 sq mi) |
Elevation | 10 m (30 ft) |
Population (2011)[3] | |
• Total | 54,859 |
• Density | 2,400/km2 (6,300/sq mi) |
Languages | |
• Official | Telugu |
Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
Vehicle Registration | AP05 (Former) AP39 (from 30 January 2019)[4] |
Sripada Sri Vallabha, a prominent Hindu saint of 14th century was born and lived in Pithapuram.[6] He is considered by his devotees as one of the first complete avatars (incarnations) of the deity Dattatreya in Kali Yuga.[7]
Pithapuram was originally called Pithikapuram. The earliest extant inscription to mention the city is the fourth century king Samudragupta's Allahabad Pillar inscription, which states that he defeated the king Mahendra of Pithikapuram.[8] The inscriptions of the fourth and fifth century Vasishtha and Mathara dynasties also mention Pishtapura, describing it as a part of Kalinga.[8][9] In the seventh century, the Chalukya king Pulakeshin II annexed Pishtapura to his kingdom.[8] Later, Pithapuram was one of the Rastras, an administrative division, of the Vengi Chalukyas.[10] One of the collateral branches of Chalukyas called Pithapuram Chalukyas, ruled the area around Rajahmundry, Pithapuram and Draksharama in the 12th and 13th centuries.[11]
The town hosts temple of Puruhitika devi. It is one among 18 Sakthi Peethas.
Pithapuram is located at 17.1167°N 82.2667°E / 17.1167; 82.2667.[12] It has an average elevation of 10 meters (33 feet). 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.
As of 2011[update] Census of India, the town had a population of 52,360. The total population constitutes 25,891 males, 26,469 females and 5,116 children, in the age group of 0–6 years. The average literacy rate stands at 75.00% with 35,434 literates, higher than the national average of 73.00%.[3][13]
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.[14]
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