Pithapuram is a town and a municipality in the East Godavari 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.
Sripada Sri Vallabha, a prominent Hindu saint of 14th century was born and lived in Pithapuram. He is considered by his devotees as one of the first complete avatars (incarnations) of the deity Dattatreya in Kali Yuga.
History
Pithapuram was originally called Pithikapuram. 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 Pithikapuram. 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. Later, Pithapuram was one of the Rastras, an administrative division, of the Vengi Chalukyas. One of the collateral branches of Chalukyas called Pithapuram Chalukyas, ruled the area around Rajahmundry, Pithapuram and Draksharama in the 12th and 13th centuries.
The town hosts temple of Puruhitika devi. It is one among 18 Sakthi Peethas.
Geography
Pithapuram is located at 17.1167°N 82.2667°E. 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.
Demographics
As of 2011 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%.
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 55 km from Pithapuram.