Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple

Introduction to Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple

Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple, or Alarmelu Mangapuram, is an ancient temple in Tiruchanur, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Devotees visit the temple to receive her blessings for prosperous and happy lives around the year. It is under the administration of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam and follows the Pancharatra Agama and Vadakalai traditions.

Alarmelu Mangapuram means (Alar-Lotus, Mel-top, Manga-Goddess, Puram-town). According to temple legend, Mahalakshmi emerged on the golden lotus as Padmavathi Devi in the middle of the temple tank Padma Sarovaram, and this place became known as "Alarmelu Mangapuram." Devotees take a holy dip in the sacred temple tank before entering. Pilgrims visit Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple first to receive her blessings before visiting Venkateswara in Tirumala during their pilgrimage.

Legend of Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple

According to the Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple legend, Maharishi Bhrigu once came to meet Vishnu at Vaikuntam. When he entered, Vishnu was asleep, which angered Bhrigu. Unable to bear the insult, he kicked Vishnu in the chest, which awakened him.

However, instead of showing his anger on the sage, Vishnu paid his homage. Lakshmi Devi, watching all these, could not bear the insult. So, she went to Patala Loka on the banks of the River Swarnamukhi. After 12 years of penance, she emerged as Sri Padmavathi on a golden Lotus on the day of Panchami in Karthikai month. By this time, Vishnu had come to earth in search of Lakshmi. He later married Padmavathi as Venkateshwara.

The Architecture of Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple

The temple's construction began during the reign of the Pallavas, and later, the Vijayanagara kings expanded it. Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple features the Dravidian style of architecture. It has a 5-tier Rajagopuram with seven kalasas on top. A Dhwaja Sthambam is before the main shrine, and the Gaja Vahana is embossed on its bottom. The temple faces east.

Intricate carvings, gateway towers, and vast courtyards enhance the beauty of the Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple.

Seven kalasas with golden covers adorn the Gopuram above the sanctum called Shati Nilayam. It faces the Tirumala shrine. The inscriptions in the Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple explain its history. The main Mandapams of the Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple are the 16-pillared Ashirwada Mandapam, Dhwaja Stambha Mandapam, Kalyanotsava Mandapam, Archana Mandapam, Mukha Mandapam, and Antarala Mandapam.

Sri Padmavathi is the main deity, the divine consort of Lord Venkateshwara. She is an incarnation of Lakshmi Devi. Padmavathi graces the sanctum in Padmasana posture, holding a lotus in both her upper hands. Her lower hands display 'Abhaya' (protection) and 'Varada' (benediction) Mudras. Beautiful jewels and flowers adorn her body.

Surya Narayana, Sri Krishna Swamy, and Sri Sundararaja Swamy have separate shrines in the courtyard. Venkateswara is believed to have installed Surya Narayana here. It is traditional to worship Sri Krishna first and then visit Sri Padmavathi.

Festivals in Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple

Navaratri, Karthikai Brahmotsavam, Vara Lakshmi Vratham, Theppotsavam, Vasanthotsavam, and Rathasapthami are the main festivals celebrated in the Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple.

On the last day of Padmavathi Brahmotsavam, Chakra Snanam will be held in the Padma Sarovaram temple tank. Hordes of devotees will take a dip in the holy waters.

The temple conducts special Poojas to Sri Padmavathi on Fridays.