Pithapuram


Pithapuram or Peetika Puram is a town and a municipality in East Godavari district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The town also forms a part of Godavari Urban Development Authority. The temple town is one of fifty five Sakti Peetikas.
Shripada Shri Vallabha, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Dattatreya by his devotees, lived in Pithapuram. He is considered one of the first complete avatars of the deity Dattatreya in Kali Yuga.

History

Pithapuram was originally called Pishtapura. 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 Pishtapura. The inscriptions of the 4th and 5th century Vasishtha and Mathara dynasties also mention Pishtapura, describing it as a part of Kalinga. In the 7th century, the Chalukya king Pulakeshin II annexed Pishtapura to his kingdom.
The town hosts temple of Puruhitika devi. It is one among 18 shakti peethas.

Geography

Pithapuram is located at. It has an average elevation of. 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.

Demographics

, the town had a population of. The total
population constitutes males, females and
children, in the age group of 0–6 years. The average literacy rate stands at
75.00% with literates, higher than the national average of 73.00%.

Transport

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 55km from Pithapuram.

Literature