Sri Dattatreya Swami Temple Pithapuram

Recognized as an ancient temple and sometimes referred to as Dakshina Kasi or Pithikapuram, this temple is celebrated for its Dravidian architectural style and living heritage status.

Built in 2002 by Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, it has become a spiritual destination for devotees seeking darshan and blessings. The temple is dedicated to Lord Dattatreya and houses shrines for Sripada Srivallabha, Rama, Ayyappa, and Durga Devi.

Devotees can participate in a variety of poojas conducted daily in Telugu, Sanskrit, and Hindi. The temple opens its doors from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and again from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM, offering free darshan to all visitors.

Rituals such as Suprabhatam at 5:00 AM, Kakad Harathi, Abhishekam to Padukas, Satya Datta Vratham, Go Pooja, Panchamrutha Abhishekam, Rudrabhishekam, and Maha Naivedya are performed at scheduled times, with some poojas requiring a nominal fee.

Evening rituals include Pradosha Pooja, Pallaki Seva, Rajitha Pallaki Seva (Silver Palanquin), and the Closing Harathi at 8:30 PM. The best time to visit is during the winter months from November to February, especially in the early mornings or during the festival season.

Major festivals celebrated here include Datta Jayanti in December (Margashirsha), Sripada Jayanti, Guru Dwadashi, Navaratri, and the monthly Chitta Nakshatra Puja. Panchamrutha abhishekam prasadam is distributed daily, and free Annadanam is provided, particularly during festivals.

For those planning a visit, the temple is easily accessible. The nearest railway station is Pithapuram Station (PAP), just 1 km away, while Samalkot Junction (SLO) is 10 km distant.

Rajahmundry Airport (RJA) is about 55 km from the temple, and Visakhapatnam International Airport (VTZ) is 155 km away. Pithapuram is well-connected by road to Kakinada and Rajahmundry, with APSRTC buses and private vehicles available.

Private parking is provided nearby, and the temple is within walking distance from the railway station and bus stand. Accommodation options include temple-run facilities such as Paduka Mandir, Sri Datta Paduka Nivas, Sri Datta Ananda Nilayam, and private lodges in the China Bazar area.

Visitors can also explore nearby attractions like Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple, Shri Puruhutika Shaktipeeth, Kunti Madhava Swami Temple, Annavaram Satyanarayana Swamy Temple, and Draksharamam Bhimeswara Swami Temple.

Photography is prohibited inside the main sanctum but allowed in the outer complex as per signage. For further details, devotees can visit the official website or contact the temple directly.