Padmavati Temple Tirupati /Tiruchanoor and Its Secret
Lord and Maha Lakshmi Reunited, Spreading Infinite Joy
Across the Universe
The tale of Goddess Padmavathi Devi, the divine consort of Lord Venkateswara, is recounted in
numerous ancient texts. As per one legend, …
The Lord’s Quest to Find Lakshmi
Feeling a sense of incompleteness without His eternal divine companion Lakshmi, the Lord decided
to honor Padmavathi’s presence. He suggested that Padmavati stay at Vakula Matha’s ashram while
He embarked on a quest to find Lakshmi.
The Lord’s Penitent Journey to Kolhapur
When the Lord arrived in Kolhapur, all the deities became visible, except for Lakshmi, even though
she had manifested herself. Troubled by this, the Lord decided to cleanse himself in Padma Kund,
Panchaganga, and Rudraprayaga—a sacred confluence that remained unknown—to appease his
eternal consort.
Despite undergoing ten years of intense tapasya (penance), he still could not catch a glimpse of
Lakshmi. His distress remained unresolved.
Akashvani: The Divine Voice
a divine voice (Akashvani) informs the Lord that Goddess Lakshmi has chosen to manifest in her
unsympathetic form (Rajo Guna), to eliminate the prevailing evil. Due to this, the Lord is unable
to perceive her presence, as she will only be visible in her purest form of divine goodness
(Suddha Sattva).
The divine voice instructs the Lord to visit the hermitage (Aashram) of Suka Maharshi. There, he
is to construct a pond and plant a lotus . The Lord must ensure that these lotuses remain vibrant
and unharmed for approximately 12 years while he engages in deep meditation (tapasya) on
Lakshmi
Subsequently Goddess Lakshmi will emerge on Karthika Panchami in her suddha Sattvika form
and she will grace the Lord.
The Lord’s Divine Pond: A Tale of Visiting Suka Maharshi’s
Hermitage/Tiruchanoor
The Lord, following the divine voice, visits the hermitage (aashram) of Suka Maharshi. He digs a
divine pond. Vayu Deva is given the responsibility to adorn the excavated pond with majestic
golden lotuses from Deva Loka (the realm of the gods).
To ensure that the lotuses do not wither, the Lord commands the Sun to stay for twelve years.
The Lord engages in deep meditation (Tapasya) on the heart of the lotus, reciting Maha Lakshmi
moola mantra, while contemplating the pure and divine form of Lakshmi, for a period of 12
years.
The Miraculous Return of Goddess Lakshmi
In Padmasarovaram the Gods and sages prayed intensely, begging goddess Lakshmi to return to
the Lord.
On the fifth day (Panchami) of the month of Karthika in the twelfth year, while the Lord was
deeply engrossed in meditation (Tapasya), something magical happened. The golden lotus at the
center of Padmasarovaram slowly opened up, revealing a peaceful form of Maha Lakshmi.
She looked stunning, adorned with jewels and shining brightly in white attire. Majestic elephants
showered her with the sacred Akasha Ganga.
Maha Lakshmi had now appeared before everyone. The Gods were overjoyed and showered her
with heavenly flowers. At that moment, the Lord opened His eyes and saw Maha Lakshmi before
Him. He warmly embraced her and placed a garland around her neck.
Some important points.
Maha Lakshmi emerged in Padmasarovaram, and Suka Maharshi and the Gods
requested her to manifest.
She graciously obliged and manifested as Sarva Swatantra Veera Lakshmi in
Tiruchanur.
The deity at Tiruchanur is suddha sattva Lakshmi surrounded by lotuses, not
Padmavathi who was on Venkatachalam at that time.
The name “Alarmelu Manga” comes from her emergence seated in a golden
lotus.
Lakshmi, being associated with lotuses, is also referred to as “Padmavathi Devi”
in a mellifluous manner.
Tiruchanur’s Padmavathi Devi is not Akasha Raja’s daughter but rather a partial
incarnation of Lakshmi, named Padmavathi Devi.
