Padmavathi Temple in Tiruchanur, Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh is dedicated to deity Padmavathi, who is also known as Alamelumanga. She is the consort of Lord Vishnu and is worshipped by devotees. As per the scriptures, it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi was born as Alamelu to the ruler of the region- Akasha Raja and wed Venkateswara of Tirupati.
Thousands of devotees visit the Tiruchanur to worship the Goddess. It is customary for devotees to first visit Padmavathi temple and then seek the blessings of Lord Venkateswara (Vishnu). Historically speaking, the area was the hermitage of Sage Shukra. It later gained the name Shukra Vuru, then was renamed Shukranuru to Tiruchakkanuru and finally Tiruchanur. As per the religious scriptures, there is quite a history behind the manifestation of the Goddess Padmavathi.
It is believed that Sage Bhrigu was testing the Trimurtis- Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. He visited the various realms and Vaikuntha- the abode of Lord Vishnu. But, when the Lord failed to notice his arrival, it left the sage angry. He kicked the Lord in the chest. This mark of disrespect left Goddess Lakshmi angered and she descended to the Earth and settled in Kolhapur. When Lord Vishnu could not bear the separation, he kept looking for the Goddess and was unable to find her.
The entire area where the Goddess resided was golden. To get her attention, Lord Vishnu was instructed to perform penance on the banks of a river. He ended up arriving at Shuka Ashram, which is present-day Tiruchanur. To seek her attention, he created the Padma Sarovara using just a bow and an arrow and installed golden lotuses. Further, to ensure that the golden lotuses keep blooming, Lord Venkateswara installed and worshipped Sri Suryanarayana on the eastern side of the Padma Sarovara.
After 12 years of continuous penance, he gained Goddess Lakshmi’s favour. Soon, in the month of Karthika, on Shukla Paksha Panchami, Goddess Lakshmi manifested from the lotus petals.
Hence, the Annual Padmavathi Brahmotsavams on Panchami tithi of Karthik month is celebrated with utmost pomp and zest to commemorate this occasion. This is held in the Padma Sarovara and a Chakra Snanam is held on the last day of the festival, where devotees take a dip in the Holy waters.
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