|
|
In Tiruchanur, 5-km from
Tirupati , is
this large temple dedicated to goddess Padmavati, the consort of Lord
Venkateswara or Venkateshwara (Balaji). It also known as "Alamelumangapuram"
and 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.
The 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.
Time Of The Festivity
Once a year there is a large festival that celebrates the marriage of
Lord Venkateswara to Padmavati Devi. Padmavati Devi arrives at Tirumala on
the back of a splendid elephant decorated with 'Tilaka' of solid gold as
Lord Sri Venkateswara comes out to meet her. The main festival,
'Brahmotsavam', is in Nov/Dec. The ninth day of this festival is the
appearance day of Sri Padmavati.
Air: The nearest airport is at
Tirupati.
Rail: Tirupati
is the nearest railway station. There are trains that travel via Renigunta
or Gudur, but do not touch Tirupati. In such cases, Renigunta (just 10-km
from Tirupati) or Gudur (100-km from Tirupati), are convenient points to
alight. From Renigunta/Gudur, one can reach Tirupati by train, bus, or
taxi.
Road: APSRTC buses run from all the important places in the state
and between Tirupati. Tourists can hire taxis, autos, rickshawas from
Tirupati to visit this place.
One can stay at the hotels in Tirupati.
){kind=link}