Padmavathi Temple, Tiruchanur, Tirupati, Andhra
Pradesh
Padmavathi Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to
Goddess Padmavathi or Alamelumangai, the consort of Lord Venkateswara. The Temple is situated in Tiruchanur, at a
distance of 5 Kms from Tirupati in Chittoor
district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Tiruchanur is also known as Alamelumangapuram or
Alivelumanga Puram. The Temple is being administered by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.
Legends
It is believed that the Goddess Lakshmi was born as Alarmelu to Akasha Raja, the ruler of
this region, and wed Venkateshwara of Tirupati. Goddess Lakshmi gave darshan to Lord Venkateswara on a red Lotus
flower (Padma in Sanskrit) at Alarmelu Mangapuram after his deep penance for
twelve years. 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 Uttara Shada in the ascendant. The Brahmotsavam
of the Goddess is celebrated with all pomp and glory to commemorate the
auspicious occasion of her Avathara.
Etymology
It is originally called as Alarmelmangai Puram as attested
in various inscriptions found in and around Tirupathi, much later got corrupted
to Alamelu Mangapuram.
History
Tiruchanur, formed a part of Tiruvenkadam under the rule
of Pallavas and was a part of Rajendra Cholamandalam, under
the Cholas. An inscription in the Padmavati Temple, informs about the
history of Tiruchanur. Originally there was a temple in Tiruchanur, that was
dedicated to Venkateshwara. It was difficult for the priests to perform all the
religious rituals because of space shortage. So, they decided to carry out the
activities elsewhere and only two important ceremonies were performed
here. Later even this became difficult and so the place of worship was shifted.
The place eventually lost all its significance.
In the 12th century,
the importance of the place was partially revised when the
Yadava kings built the Shri Krishna Temple over here. Much later
in the 16th and 17th century, two additions were made.
The deity of Sundara Varadaraja was installed and a separate temple
was built for Goddess Padmavathi. According to mythology, she was born in
a lotus pond which is actually the tank within the temple premises of
Tiruchanur.
The
Temple
For brief details, please refer below link;
Festivals
Navarathri Festival (Dasara), Karthika Brahmotsavam, Float
festival, Vasanthotsavam and Ratha Sapthami are the festivals celebrated here. The
Brahmotsavam of the Goddess is celebrated with all pomp and glory to commemorate
the auspicious occasion of her Avathara. This resplendent festival celebrated
for ten days attracts devout pilgrims from far and wide. The Panchami Tirtham
marks the highlight of Tiruchanur Brahmotsavam. Turmeric, Tulasi, Silk Saree
and other sacred presents are brought from Tirumala Temple in an impressive
procession on this occasion and offered to the Goddess. In an exquisitely
decorated mandapam built on the banks of Padma Sarovaram, Sacred bath is
offered to Goddess Padmavathi Devi and Sri Sudarsana Chakra amidst Vedic
chants. The ten-day Brahmotsavam at Tiruchanur is a spectacular event witnessed
by her myriads of devotees.
Contact
Padmavathi Temple,
Tiruchanur, Tirupati,
Andhra Pradesh – 517 503
Phone: +91 877 226 4585
/ 226 4586
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 500 meters from Tiruchanur
Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Tiruchanur Railway Station, 6 Kms from Tirupati Railway
Station, 5 Kms from Tirupati Central Bus Station, 8 Kms from Renigunta Railway Junction,
14 Kms from Tirupati Airport, 73 Kms from Chittoor, 129 Kms from Chennai and
141 Kms from Chennai Airport. Tiruchanur provides rail connectivity and is one of the
satellite railway station for Tirupati. Buses from Tirupati available for every 30
minutes.
Tirupati is well connected to major cities through national and state
highways. APSRTC is the state-owned service, which operates buses
to various destinations from Tirupati bus station complex. Tirupati is in close proximity with the states
of Karnataka and Tamil
Nadu. Hence, buses from KSRTC, TNSTC and SETC also operates their services. There is also
private transport which operate in the city.
Location
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