PADI POTU - TIRUMALA

The Lord’s kitchen is located in the route of Sampangi Pradakshinam. This kitchen is referred to as ‘Padi potu’.

Inside the Potu, there is a small shrine dedicated to Sri Maha Lakshmi. She is identified with Vakulamalika, who was, according to the Puranas, sent by Varahaswami to be the house-keeper of Sri Venkateswara, when he resided on the hill. Vakulamalika is said to have arranged Lord Sri Venkateswara's marriage with Padmavathi.

In reality, she is regarded as Sri Maha Lakshmi, and is worshipped as such. She is worshipped during Varalakshmi Vratam, in the month of Sravana.

There is a similar icon of Sri Maha Lakshmi in the Padi Potu, another kitchen located in the Sampangi Pradakshinam.

Rice prasadam is prepared in the inner Potu, while other Panyarams like laddus, vadas appamsetc., are prepared in the Padipotu.