Pithapuram Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple

Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple in Pithapuram

Kukkuteswara Swamy History, Timings, Pooja details

As per the folklore, The demon Gayasura was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu did penance for years. Lord Vishnu appeared before and granted his wish that whoever sees him will attain Moksha. Gayasura increased his body size using his spiritual powers so that everyone on this Earth will attain Salvation. The God of Heaven, Indra and Devas raised the concern with the three deities that there is Imbalance in the creation. Lord Vishnu, Brahma and Siva disguised themselves as a Brahmins and approached Gayasura seeking space of Yajna. The Brahmins told that there are many evil spirits present on this Earth so they want to perform Yajna on Gayasura body which is sacred. Brahmins then asked him to lie down on the Earth for 7 days without any movement so that they can perform Yajna peacefully. Any deviation in the said conditions will result in the death. Gayasura agreed to the terms and laid down on the Earth. He increased his body size so big that his head laid in Siro Gaya which is in GAYA in Bihar, Navel in Nabi Gaya which is in Orissa, Legs in Pada Gaya which is in Pithapuram. Gayasura counting each by listening to the cock crowing at early mornings. On the last day of the Yajna, Siva transformed himself as a cock and Crowed in the midnight. Gayasura got up on listening to the sound and Yajna got disturbed. Angered Brahmins shouted at Gayasura that if he can’t stick to the promise for 7 days how can he take up sins of all human beings. Gayasura ready to sacrifice as he had met the laid conditions. Lord Vishnu, Brahma and Siva appeared before him in their actual forms and granted a wish that the place where he laid down will be a sacred place with Head part to be for Lord Vishnu, Nabi part to be for Lord Brahma and Lord Siva at the feet.

It was noted in Skanda Purana, that Sage Vyasa, Pandavas, Kunti visited in Dwapara yuga. Lord Rama visited during Tretayuga. Lord Vishnu, Brahma and Indra during Krutayuga.