Sri Puruhuthika Shakthi Peetham, Kukkuteswara Swamy [Paada Gaya], Pithapuram, EG, AP

Sri Kukkuteshwara Swamy, a form of Lord Shiva, is the presiding Deity who reveals himself in the form of a Linga. This is a Swayambhu Linga (self originating) of white marble and is about two feet in height. The Linga resembles that of a cock. Hence Lord Shiva is called Sri Kukkuteshwara Swamy.

This place is one among the Trigaya Kshetrams and has become famous as Pada Gaya kshetram. It came to be known as Pada Gaya kshetram because of Gaya Asura, a powerful yet pious Demon who laid his body at the behest of Brahma for doing a great yagam for the betterment of people. He was so huge that his head rested in Bihar and his legs reached Pithapuram. The place where his legs rested was a pond whereafter this pond came to be known as Pada Gaya Sarovar (a sacred pond). It is believed that whoever bathes in this sacred pond will be relieved of their sins and that "PINDA PRADANAM" (last rights) of one’s loved ones performed here ensures salvation of their loved ones. The last rights performed here is equal to the rights performed at Kashi.

Pithapuram which was earlier known as Pithikapuram is one of the Ashta Dasha (Eighteen) Shakthi Peethas and it came to be known as such because this was the place where a part of Satidevi’s body i.e. her left hand fell here. She is known here as Puruhootika Devi.

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