Sri Padmavathi Ammavari, Tiruchanoor

Tiruchanoor, also known as Alamelumangapuram, is about 5 km from Tirupati. The temple of Sri Padmavati Devi, the consort of Lord Sri Venkateshwara is situated here. It is said that a visit to Tirumala is fruitful only after visiting the Sri Padmavati Devi temple.

The deity, Sri Padmavati Devi is seated in 'Padmasana', holding a lotus in both of her upper hands. Her lower hands are in poses of 'Abhaya', fearlessness, and 'Varada', benediction. Also in this temple are the Deities of Sri Krishna, Balarama, 'Sundararaja Swami', and 'Surya-Narayana Swami'. It is traditional to first worship Sri Krishna and then to take darshan of Sri Padmavati. Only Hindus are allowed in the temple.

According to tradition, the Mother Goddess manifested Herself in the holy Pushkarini called Padmasarovaram in a golden lotus. The Venkatachala Mahatyam states that Lord Suryanarayana was instrumental in blossoming of the lotus in full splendour. A temple dedicated to Lord Suryanarayana is situated on the eastern side of the Pushkarini. The Padma Purana gives a vivid description of the advent of the Goddess and subsequent wedding with Lord Srinivasa.The manifestation of Sri Padmavathi Devi occurred in the month of Karthika on Sukla Paksha Panchami when the star Uttarashada in the ascendent.

Legend :

Sri Padmavati Devi's though being wife of Lord Venkateshwara her temple is away from Lord Sri Venkateswara's, as according to the legend, the Lord Sri Maha Vishnu, who later took on the incarnation of Sri Venkateswara, showed his reverence towards the sage, 'Bhrigu Maharishi', even though the sage had insulted Vishnu by kicking him on the chest.

In anger, Sri Maha Lakshmi (the Lord's consort) reached 'Patala Loka', where she heard a divine voice stating that a 'Pushkarini' was dug on the banks of the river 'Swarnamukhi', and here She immersed herself in penance for 12 years. In the 13th year Sri Padmavati emerged from a golden lotus. It is believed that Goddess Maha Lakshmi herself emerged as Sri Padmavati.

Festivals :

Varshika Brahmotsavams or the Biggest Temple Festivities is conducted to celebrate her Appearance day on earth. Festivities commence nine days prior to her Appearance day i.e., on Karthika Shukla Panchami (Bright fortnite, fifth day after New moon) so that the Last day would be Chakra Sananam which is the most important and will also put the curtains for the Annual festivities. The Main & most Attractive would be Goddess riding on her Vehicle the Devine Elephant. It would be on the 5th day from the start of the festivities. Devotees usually refer to this festivals as Padmavathi Ammavari Karthika Brahmotsavam.

TEMPLE TIMINGS :

5AM - 9PM

HOW TO GET THERE :

Alamelu mangapuram is located 5 kilometers away from East Railway station and 6 KM from Renigunta Railway Junction and 11 km from the Airport.