Kunthi Madhava Swamy Temple Pithapuram: History, Significance, and Travel Guide

The Kunthi Madhava Swamy Temple in Pithapuram is devoted to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the five temples founded by Indra, the God of Heaven. 

Table of Contents:

1. Historical Significance of Kunthi Madhava Swamy Temple
2. The Legend Behind Kunthi Madhava Swamy Temple
3. Architecture and Renovation of the Temple
4. Daily Poojas and Rituals at the Temple
5. The Pancha Madhava Temples Across India
6. How to Reach Kunthi Madhava Swamy Temple, Pithapuram?

Historical Significance of Kunthi Madhava Swamy Temple

The temple's history spans multiple dynasties. It was initially part of the Mauryan Empire under Chandragupta and later came under the Pallavas in the 3rd century A.D. The Chalukyas controlled the region in the 6th century, after which the temple faced attacks from Muslim rulers. In the 17th century, the Padmanayaka dynasty renovated the temple, restoring its former glory.

The Legend Behind Kunthi Madhava Swamy Temple

According to legend, Chitraketu, an ardent follower of Lord Vishnu, was taught spiritual principles by the serpent ruler Adi Sesha during his difficult times. Adi Sesha himself paid a visit to Chitraketu's home, making him proud. While departing his palace, Adi Sesha gave him a Vimana to fly around.
While traveling around Mount Kailash, Chitraketu beheld Lord Siva with his arm around Parvati Devi. Chitraketu grinned and remarked, "You're embracing Mother Parvati in front of Ganas." Angered, Parvati condemned Chitraketu to become a demon; Chitraketu apologized for his ignorance and respectfully accepted the curse. Chitraketu took on the form of the demon Vritrasura and gave birth to Prajapati Tvashta, a powerful sage. Vritrasura underwent stringent penance and received a gift from the Lord that no weapon known till then could kill him, no weapon could damage him made of wood and metal, and he would not die whether wet or dry.

He is also given power, which increases throughout the conflict. Vritrasura used all of his abilities to dethrone Indra, the God of Heaven. To reclaim control of the Heaven, Indra constructed the 'Vajra Yudha' weapon from the bones of the Sage Dadichi and using seafoam that was neither wet or dry. Indra killed the demon and recovered control of the Indralok. To atone for the sin of killing a Brahmin, he installed five Vishnu idols named 'Pancha Madhava' in five distinct locations: Kasi, Prayag, Padmanabha, Pithapuram, and Rameswaram. Later, during Dwapara Yuga, when the Pandavas were exiled from the realm, Kunti, the Pandavas' mother, prayed here for Lord Vishnu, who appeared to her and blessed her. Hence the shrine popularized by Kunti Madhava Swamy temple. 

Architecture and Renovation of the Temple

The temple showcases a mix of architectural styles from various dynasties. Despite facing invasions, it retains its spiritual essence, thanks to restorations by the Padmanayaka rulers. The sanctum sanctorum houses a magnificent idol of Lord Vishnu, revered by devotees.

Daily Poojas and Rituals at the Temple

Morning hours: Suprabhatham, Theertharu Bindhe, Archana, Sahasra Namarchana, and Balabhogam
Afternoon hours: Archana and Balabhogam
Evening hours for Archana, Dhoopa Seva, Asthana Seva, Bhajan, and Pavalimpu Seva.

The Pancha Madhava Temples Across India

There are pancha Madhav temples throughout India. Two are in Uttar Pradesh, one each in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.

1. Varanasi - It is a well-known ancient and holy location among Hindus. It is the district headquarters in Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and one of the 18 Ashta dasa Shakti Peethas. Also, one of the Pancha Madhava Temples. The BINDU MADHAV Temple is finally here. This temple is located at Pancha Ganga Ghat on the Ganga river.

2) Allahabad - It is the district headquarters city in Uttar Pradesh. It is located on one bank of the Yamuna and Ganga rivers. It is one of the eighteen Shakti Peethas. In addition, it is a Pancha Pancha Madhava Kshetras. Veni Madhav Temple now exists. This shrine is located at Dharagunj Ghat. Allahabad is 120 kilometres away from Varanasi.

3) Pithapuram - It is a town in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the eighteen Shakti Peethas. Also one of the Pancha Madhava Kshetras. Kunti Madhava Temple located here. This temple is near the Kukkuteswara Temple. Pithapuram is only 22 kilometers from Kakinada and 137 kilometers from Visakhapatnam.

4) Rameswaram - It is a temple town in Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu. It is located along the Bay of Bengal. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and one of the Pancha Madhava Kshetras. The Sethu Madhav Temple is here. This temple is located on the grounds of the Ramanathaswamy Temple and features a water tank (koneru). Rameswaram is 170 kilometres from Madurai, 300 km from Kanyakumari, and 555 km from Chennai.

5. Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) - It is the capital of Kerala. It is situated on the Arabian Sea's bank. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams and a Pancha Madhav Kshetra. The Sunder Madhava Temple is here. This temple is located on the Padmanabha Swamy premises. It is 86 kilometres from Kanyakumari.

How to Reach Kunthi Madhava Swamy Temple, Pithapuram?

By Air. The nearest international airport is at Vijayawada, which is 142 kilometers away. The nearest domestic airport is in Rajahmundry, 56 kilometers distant.
By train. The nearest railway station is Pithapuram, which is 1.7 kilometers away.
By Road. Pithapuram Bus Station is well connected to the major cities of Andhra Pradesh.