Immense Grace of Goddess Padmavathi Devi at Tiruchanur

Goddess Padmavathi Devi at Tiruchanur

The temple town of Tiruchanur located at the base of Tirumala is the abode of Goddess Padmavathi Devi, the divine consort of Lord Srinivasa. To the millions of devotees pouring in from all over the world, the pilgrimage to the Seven Hills begins with the ‘darshan’ of the Devi.

Once they are showered with the blissful grace of the Divine Mother, they feel confident of approaching the Lord on the Hills. They pray to the Goddess to make their Tirumala Yatra fruitful and entreat Her to intervene on their behalf and secure the Lord’s ‘darshan’ and blessings for them.

“Sahadharmachareem sourehe
sammantiritha jagaddhitham
Anugrahamayeem vande
nithyam agnyatha nigraham”
(Yatiraja Saptati – Swami Desikan)

The prayer of Swami Desikan throws light on the significant role of the Divine Mother in protecting the world. She is the consort who is ever-present with the Almighty. She is the compassionate one who is incapable of punishing anyone. It can be said that She is the personification of benevolence.

Tiruchanur is constantly humming with daily ‘pujas’, ‘archana’ and the endless flow of the devotees. Kalyanothsavam is performed every day like on the Seven Hills and Fridays auspicious to the goddess, elaborate ‘abhishekam’ is performed.

Padmavathi Ammavari Temple - Tiruchanur - Shanti Nilayam

Tiruchanur Karthika Brahmotsavam

The month of Karthika marks the day when the Goddess Padmavathi appeared in the Padma Sarovar, the temple tank. This celestial event is celebrated with an annual Brahmotsavam of ten days culminating in the Theerthavari on the sacred Panchami. On this holy ‘avatara’ day the priests invoke the bountiful grace of the Goddess for peace, prosperity and happiness to all.

This year Tiruchanur Karthika Brahmotsavam will be celebrated starting with Dwajarohanam on 28th November 2024 and concluding with the Panchami Theertham on December 6th 2024. The Gaja Vahanam special to the Goddess will be on 2nd December 2024.

Lakhs of devotees will be present to enjoy the festivities while millions who cannot be there will get blissful ‘darshan’ from their homes through the SVBC telecast. The live coverage brings beautiful visuals of the temple Rajagopuram, the glittering gold inlaid Vimanam, the gorgeous decorations, the sacred Pushkarini, the Vahana Sevas, Prabandha and the chanting of the Vedas, dance and musical performances of the devotees.

Goddess Padmavathi Devi at Tiruchanur

More importantly, the TV coverage gives us ‘darshan’ of the glowing form of the goddess giving a personalized special satisfaction that can’t be experienced even when we are physically present there in the big crowd.

Lord Sriman Narayana incarnates in the various ‘yugas’ in different forms and in all these incarnations His divine consort Sri Mahalakshmi also assumes suitable roles to be with Him for the welfare of the world. In the Lord’s ‘archa avatara’ as Lord Srinivasa, the divine consort was born as Akasha Rajas’s daughter Padmavathi Devi and married Lord Srinivasa.

The very name of Sri Mahalakshmi is commonly associated with worldly riches. But to understand the real significance of Her grace one must look at the eight different forms in which She is worshipped. All these are representations in iconography to explain the numerous ways in which Her abundant grace manifests.

‘Adi Lakshmi’ is the primordial form of the Goddess who is with the Almighty when He creates the entire universe which He does for Her pleasure and per Her desire. The origin of all life is from the Divya Dampatulu (Divine couple). When the Lord makes various incarnations the Goddess too takes various suitable forms to participate in all His ‘leelas’ and to protect us.

‘Dhana Lakshmi’ is the Goddess of wealth who bestows the resources needed by us for pursuing our ‘sanatana dharma.’ Taking care of the family, contributing to social and religious activities are the duties of all householders for which we pray for abundant income.

‘Dhaanya Lakshmi’ grants abundance of food grains and bountiful harvests. Food sustains all life and copious rains ensure food security and freedom from hunger and famines.

Gaja Vahanam - Tiruchanur 2023

Goddess Padmavathi is presiding in the form of ‘Gaja Lakshmi’ at Tiruchanur. The resplendent, regal ‘archa moorthy’ seated on a golden lotus is worshipped by two elephants on either side. This captures the incarnation of the goddess in the Padma Sarovar, the temple tank when She was worshipped by celestial elephants with ‘abhishekam’ and floral garlands. Gaja Lakshmi is the symbol of power and strength.

‘Santhana Lakshmi’ is the form of the Divine Mother that grants the boon of good progeny. We all want our children to have good health, and character and pray that they follow traditions in the path of their elders.

The course of life in this world is rough and we face various trials and problems. To face these challenges we require mental strength and faith which is granted by ‘Dhairya Lakshmi’. The mercy of the Goddess follows us like an umbrella sheltering us from torrid heat or like a boat that sails through the turbulent sea. We are assured victory in our rightful pursuits by ‘Vijaya Lakshmi’.

There are numerous fields of knowledge and expertise necessary for our material and spiritual progress. We pray to ‘Vidya Lakshmi’ to bless us with success in all our endeavours. Let us offer obeisance to Sri Padmavathi Devi, the consort of Lord Srinivasa, who is the Mother of the Universe and is the personification of the Lord’s grace. May She bless us with the milk of spiritual wisdom!

“Samasta jananeem vande
chaitanya stanya dhayineem
Shreyaseem Srinivasasya
karunamivaroopineem”
(Daya Sathakam – Swami Desikan)

Sri Padmavati Ammavaru Brahmotsavams 2024, Tiruchanur – Majestic Festival of Devotion

Sri Padmavati Ammavaru Brahmotsavams 2024

Tiruchanur, the divine domain of Goddess Sri Padmavati Ammavaru, is one of the highly exalted places in Andhra Pradesh. The temple of Sri Padmavati Ammavaru is situated 5 km from Tirupati town and is exclusively dedicated to Sri Padmavati Ammavaru, the consort of Lord Sri Venkateswara.

Tiruchanur Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Kartika Brahmotsavams
28-11-2024 to 06-12-2024

It attracts countless devotees who seek her blessings every day. The temple was established during the reign of the Vijayanagara kings in the 14th century, reflecting its architectural grandeur, and evoking a sense of awe and admiration.

Sri Padmavati Ammavaru, also known as Alamelu Manga, is the mother of auspiciousness, prosperity, and fertility. According to the sacred texts and tradition, the divine manifestation of the Goddess took place by emerging in a golden lotus from the ‘Padmasarovaram’, the sacred lake, surrounded by lush greenery adorned with picturesque lotus flowers.

Padmavathi Ammavaru - Tiruchanur

Karthika Brahmotsavam

This is why devotees often take holy dips in the Padmasarovaram to perform rituals and offer prayers to the Goddess as it is considered to have purifying properties and is auspicious to bathe in its waters. As described in the Padma Purana, Sri Padmavati Ammavaru rises on the Golden Lotus in the auspicious month of Karthika on Shukla Paksha Panchami when the star Uttarashada ascends.

This event is well known as the ‘Karthika Brahmotsavam’, celebrating Sri Padmavati Ammavaru’s birth, also known as Aavirbhava Dinotsavam, uniting the devotees to showcase their communal celebration and seek spiritual solace.

This temple’s sacred proceedings are practised as per the tenets of one of the most revered Agama, the Pancharatra Agama. This Agama is believed to be taught by Lord Sri Venkateswara himself to five divine personalities in five nights.

5 Personalities

The five personalities are

  1. Ananta, the Serpent King,
  2. Garuda, the king of Birds,
  3. Commander in Chief Lord Vishwaksena,
  4. Chatur Mukha Brahma and
  5. Lord Parameshwara.

The annual Brahmotsavam unfolds over nine days, and each day is meticulously planned with an array of rituals designed to invoke divine blessings. The event commences with the ceremonial flag hoisting, known as Dwajarohana, at the Dwajastambha.

The flag is uniquely adorned with the symbol of an elephant, representing auspiciousness, deep affection, and reverence it holds for the Goddess. In many Vishnu temples, it is customary for Garuda, the divine eagle, to serve as the mount to the Lord; thus, the flag also features his emblem during the hoisting ceremony.

Hence, this symbolism enriches the ritual highlighting the endearment to the Goddess. The event proceeds further with the Ankurarpana, a ceremony of planting seeds in the divine land of Bhuma Devi for prosperity, while the deity of the Commander in Chief, Vishwaksena, is carried around the circumambulation path to make sure the event is functioning effectively.

Sri Padmavati Ammavari Brahmotsavams – Vahana Sevas

Sri Padmavati Ammavaru Brahmotsavams 2024, Tiruchanur

First Day

The very first Vahana Seva of the Brahmotsavam takes place on the evening of the first day. The Chinna Sesha Vahana, also known as Vasuki, the female serpent, is designated as the divine vehicle, marking a significant moment in the ceremony. The Vahana is embellished with intricate designs and vibrant flowers.

Second Day 

On the morning of the second day, Ammavaru mounts the Pedda Sesha Vahana, the male serpent, symbolizing strength and protection. As she graces her devotees, the goddess is seen displaying her Abhaya Varada Hasta, a gesture of reassurance and blessing.

On the night of the second day, Sri Padmavati Ammavaru elegantly mounts the Hamsa Vahana, the majestic swan. Ammavaru is attired as Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, holding a finely crafted Veena in her hand, embodying the pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment.

Third-Day

The Vahana Seva on the third day commences with the Muthyapu Pandiri Vahana, where Ammavaru is ornamented with radiant pearls that serve as Talambralu, the sacred rice traditionally used in Telugu wedding ceremonies.

In the evening, Ammavaru majestically rides the Simha Vahana, a powerful symbol of courage and might, showcasing her strength and fierce protection over her worshippers.

Fourth Day

On the morning of the fourth day, Alamelumanga transforms into the divine attire of Lord Krishna, in the Kalpavriksha Vahana, holding a sword and a Yogadanda, committing to safeguard the cows.

In the evening, Lord Hanuman is delegated as Sri Padmavati’s divine vehicle, embodying strength, devotion and loyalty.

Fifth Day

On the morning of the fifth day, the Goddess of lotus royally mounts the Pallaki, the palanquin, in her Mohini Avataram, her hair elegantly braided with an ornate design featuring Surya and Chandra, the Sun and the Moon respectively, casting a celestial glow around her.

In the evening, the cherished Gaja, or the elephant, serves as the majestic vehicle for Padmavati Ammavaru, and takes her on a stroll around the temple, signifying the blessings of abundance and sovereignty.

Sixth Day

On the sixth day of Vahana Seva, the festivities commence with the Sarvabhupala Vahana, where Ammavaru is gracefully carried aloft as she embodies the beloved daughter of the Sea and the Lord of all rivers.

Pilgrims gather to worship her on this auspicious occasion believing that their devotion can lead to the attainment of power and immense wealth.

Lord Sri Venkateswara’s vehicle, Garuda, sets out to be Ammavaru’s vahana for the evening, on the sixth day of the Vahana Seva. Garuda, known for his capability of overcoming any adversary, and serving the god in his battles against evil, is embellished with exquisite ornaments to shimmer in the temple lights.

Surya, the Sun, is the designated chariot for Ammavaru on the seventh day in the morning, radiating brilliance, energy, and vitality, and reflecting his sun rays, on the seventh day in the morning.

Similarly in the evening, Chandra, the moon, takes Ammavaru around the circumambulation path, symbolizing tranquillity, as his luminous yet calming rays soothe the devotees with serenity.

Eighth Day

The eighth day commences with Rathotsavam. During this festivity, Ammavaru’s towering chariot is studded with ornaments and decorated with flowers, and colorful silk fabrics, reflecting the splendor of Sri Padmavati.

This Ratha is surrounded by a large number of devotees to witness the procession, as the chariot is drawn through the temple streets.

As night falls, the final vahana of Sri Padmavati Ammavari Brahmotsavams is Ashwa, the divine horse. It is believed that the Ashwa had witnessed the sacred union of Lord Venkateswara and Goddess Padmavati.

Ninth Day

The ninth day of the festival, revered as the most auspicious by women, is celebrated as Panchami Teertham, also known as Chakra Snanam.

Devotees from around the globe eagerly partake in this sacred tradition, immersing themselves in the serene waters of Padmasarovaram.

This day holds special significance for worshippers, as it is believed to commemorate the miraculous emergence of Goddess Padmavati from the sacred pond on a golden lotus, marking the divine communion between the Lord and the Goddess.

Sri Padmavati Ammavaru Brahmotsavams 2024, Tiruchanur

Offerings from the Lord

The festivities of the Panchami Teertham commence early in the morning with the welcoming of the ‘Saare’, brought forth by the Ekangis, who arrive bearing exquisite gifts for the Lord’s Pattapuraani. The Saare, a royal basket, is filled with vibrant turmeric, royally scented sandalwood, fresh fruits, luxurious silk fabrics, and fragrant holy basil leaves—all of which have been lovingly applied to the Lord Himself.

The Saare holds a place of great significance during Panchami Teertham, as the holy basket is carefully balanced atop the Ekangi’s head, embodying devotion and auspiciousness. The Ekangis carry the saare from Tirumala to Alipiri along the sacred steps and take the path via the ‘Komalamma choultry’ to honour Komalamma, en route to Sri Kodanda Rama Swami Temple.

Komalamma was an ardent devotee of the Lord. Back in the day, Komalamma played a pivotal role in establishing a choultry for devotees travelling to Tirumala, ensuring that accommodation facilities were accessible and welcoming for all. This choultry used to be on the outskirts of Tirupati.

Saare to Ammavaru from Tirumala - Elephant

From here, the Ekangi rides on an elephant, bearing gifts from Srivaru in a basket filled with turmeric, vermillion, pleasantly scented sandal, Srivari Laddu, vada, appam, and jilebi. A Paricharaka sits behind him, gently swaying the flying whisk, also known as the Chamara, to preserve the fragrance of the offerings.

The elephant then comes to a halt in front of Sri Kodanda Rama Swami Temple, where they perform a Harati for the prasadam sent by the Lord before taking a stroll around the temple grounds.

The prasadam is then carried to Sri Govindaraja Temple, with the elephant following the route along Chinna Bazaar Street before descending the steps to reach the temple via Uttara Mada Street. A similar honour is offered to the elephant in front of the temple.

The elephant finally arrives at its destination, Pasupu / Turmeric Mandapam in Tiruchanur, after a majestic journey through the streets of Tirupati. The officials of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams and the archakas of the Tiruchanur Temple extend a warm welcome to the elephant outside the Pasupu Mandapam, celebrating its remarkable journey to deliver these precious presents from the Lord to the goddess.

In the past, people would grind the turmeric in this mandapam, believing it to bring prosperity and blessings into their lives. Following the Snapana Thirumanjanam of Sri Padmavati Ammavaru and the Sudarshana Chakra, Sri Shatari of the Ammavaru and Sudarshana Chakra are elegantly processioned to the Padmasarovaram.

During the auspicious moment of Abhijeet Lagna on Panchami, around noon, the archakas recite the sacred hymns from the Pancharatra Agama. They then immerse the deities in the Pushkarini, sanctifying the water. It is believed that Lord Sri Venkateswara himself comes to visit the Goddess from the Sarovaram, arriving on his Garuda Vahana.

An eagle is often seen flying around the sacred pond during the moment of Panchami Teertham, a miraculous event that continues to leave the devotees in awe. Sri Padmavati Ammavaru, revered as the mother of auspiciousness and fertility, bestows her blessings of abundance and prosperity upon her devotees.

Panchami Theertham - Tiruchanur

It is said that, Purchasing turmeric and Vermilion from Tiruchanur on this sacred occasion is believed to promote health, wealth, and overall well-being, enriching one’s life with fruitful opportunities.

Tiruchanur Sri Padmavati Ammavari Karthika Brahmotsavam culminates on the ninth evening, with the spiritually significant event, the Dwajavarohanam, marking a grand conclusion to the celebrations.

Laksha Kumkumarchana at Padmavathi Temple – Tiruchanur

This article is about Laksha Kumkumarchana at Padmavathi Temple – Tiruchanur

Sri Padmavathi Devi temple – Tiruchanur

Goddess Padmavathi is the queen of Lord Srinivasa and enjoys a separate identity with equal status. The Goddess is inseparable and enjoys an equal position as she is a Purushakara or instrumental in protecting the devotees from the wrath of the Lord.

As the temple of Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru is as important as the Venkateswara Swami temple, pilgrims throng to this temple throughout the year and offer their prayers.

Laksha Kumkumarchana

According to the Hindu Sanatana Dharma, ‘Kumkum’ or vermilion is considered sacred, especially for married women, as it is applied by them over the forehead seeking the longevity of their husbands. It is also considered as the symbolic representation of Goddess Shakti, who is also revered as Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswathi, and Goddess Parvathi.

Laksha Kumkumarchana - Tiruchanur

‘Laksha Kumkumarchana’ will be performed on a grand note at Sri Padmavathi Devi temple in Tiruchanur every year. This ritual is performed before the commencement of nine day ‘Karthika Brahmotsavams’.

So, before starting brahmotsavams or any mega religious event in a Hindu Goddess temple, the priests usually perform “Laksha Kumkumarchana” seeking the execution of the religious event smoothly and successfully by appeasing Mother Goddess with this unique ritual.

In the temple of Tiruchanoor, which happens to be the abode of Goddess Padmavathi Devi, the temple priests carried out “Laksha Kumkumarchana” from 7am till 12 noon to the processional deity of Goddess Padmavathi seated on a finely decked Asan in Mukha Mandapam located opposite Sri Krishna Swamy temple located within the main temple premises.

laksha kumkumaarchana - Tiruchanur

On this occasion, the processional deity of goddess Padmavathi will be seated on ‘Asan’ (platform) amidst the renditions of sacred chants and mellifluous hymns. The priests will chant the 1000 divine names of Goddesses during this fete.

The priests recited “Lakshmi Astottaram”, and “Lakshmi Sahasranamam” several hundred times and carried out “Laksha Kumkumarchana” with devotional fervour. Whenever they were reciting the multiple names of the Goddess, archana was done with vermilion to the processional deity. Hundreds of women devotees took part in this special ritual.

This ritual is considered as a prelude to Brahmotsavams appeasing Goddess for the successful conduct of mega Brahmotsavam.

Tiruchanur

Tiruchanur is a very holy town, situated about five km from Tirupati. It is called Alarmelmangapuram. ‘Alar’ means lotus flower, ‘Mel’ means above, ‘Manga’ means lovely woman (here Goddess Mahalakshmi), ‘Puram’ means place.

It denotes that the goddess Mahalakshmi resides permanently, blesses all who visit Her, and grants Her benediction. Her Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy has His sacred temple in Tirumala which is very near to Her. It is customary to visit Alarmelmangapuram first and then go to Tirumala to seek the blessings of the Lord.

The intercession or recommendation is indispensable to gain the favour of the Lord.

Sri Nammalvar addresses Sri Venkateswara “Agalakillen iraiyum endra Alarmelmangai urai marbhaa” which means that Sri Alarmelmanga (Padmavathi) permanently resides on the chest of the Lord, indicating Her importance. This is evidenced by the fact that Lord Venkateswara wears the Dollar of Sri Padmavathi devi on His chest even today.

Tiruchanur gets its name from the fact that the sage Sukha, who preached Srimad Bhagavatha Purana to the king Pareekshit, did penance here and got the blessings of the Goddess.

The Presiding Deity – Sri Padmavathi Thayar

Sri Alarmelmanga Thayar is the Presiding Deity of this temple. She is believed to be the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. Padmavathi Thayar is the Utsava Deity (taken in procession during festivals). Since She emerged from the lotus of the Padma Sarovar, the Holy Pushkarini, situated in Tiruchanur, She came to be known as Sri Padmavathi Thayar.

Sri Annamacharya, the most renowned Telugu poet had composed a number of ‘Kritis’ on the Goddess. Sri Vedanta Desika, the Vaishnava Acharya had even composed the Daya Sataka, containing 108 excellent slokas in Sanskrit on the Goddess and Sri Venkateswara, enlightening their boundless mercy on their devotees.

Rituals in the Temple

Sri Padmavathi Thayar resides in a very lovely temple in Tiruchanur, backed by the Padma Sarovar Pushkarini, the sacred tank. Apart from Thayar Sannidhi, there are two more sannidhis in the temple complex, wherein Lord Sri Krishnaswami and Lord Sri Sundararajaswami are enshrined to bless the devotees.

Sri Padmavathi Thayar has a separate Dwajasthamba (Flag Post) in front of Her Sannidhi and the sacred flag is hoisted during the Brahmotsavams. The Thayar enjoys Kalyana utsavam (like in Tirumala) daily around 10 a.m., and has Abhishekam on Fridays (as in Tirumala). Important Annual ‘utsavams’ are the Brahmotsavams, the Pavitrotsavam and the Teppotsavam.

The Brahmotsavam for Thayar is conducted in the month of Kartik (November). It begins with Dwajarohanam, followed by different Vahanotsavam. Goddess goes round the streets in various vahanams during the festival.

Panchami Theertham
Panchami Theertham

The festival concludes with Panchami Teertham – Theerthavari – Chakra Snanam in the Padma Sarovar. On the Day of Panchami Teertham, Lord Sri Venkateswara sends offerings to the goddess. Thousands of devotees take bath in the sacred tank after the Chakra Snanam, to cleanse all their sins and be blessed with prosperity.

Why Padmavathi is not in Tirumala

Why Padmavathi is not in Tirumala

Story Behind

The husband, Srinivasa lives up the Seven Hills in ‘Ananda Nilaya’! His wife Alamelu Manga lives in Tiruchanur, down the hills in ‘Shanti Nilaya’! Doesn’t it look queer? There seems to be a special reason for this.

Long ago, Padmavathi used to live in ‘Shanti Nilaya’, a golden palace, perched on a hill as high as the Seven Hills. But the mata in ‘Shanti Nilaya” used to bestow a little more benevolence than the Swami in ‘Ananda Nilayam’.

Because of the weight of her benevolence, the hill on which her palace was perched, sank into the ground. That was the reason for both being separate – one on the top of Seven Hills and another on the ground level in Tiruchanur. This is the story, some say.

Swami – Standing in Ananda Nilayam

Another point to note: Swami is in the standing posture in the temple on the hill, with all his weaponry as if he is ready to go somewhere. It’s difficult for the devotees to convey to him any of their problems. Due to this diffidence, we forget to seek from him all that we want.

Sri Venkateswara Swamy - 108 Divya Desams

Alamelu – Sitting on Lotus

But downhill! Alamelu Manga mata sits on a lotus very leisurely holding two lotuses in her hands in abhayamudra [assurance], as if saying, “Come on, tell me what you wish!” She listens to our pleadings and passes them on to her husband. She pressurizes Him and ensures that he grants them.

 

In case, Swami pretends not to have listened to her messages, She says, “Swami, it’s only because of keeping me on your chest as ‘Vyuha Laxmi’, you have been in existence as Srinivasa. It’s because of me you left Vaikunta and did penance on the bank of Lotus.

PushpaYagam - Tiruchanur - Padmavathi Ammavaru

Like that, she teases him and tactfully diverts His attention towards the devotees and their pleadings. Thus she is a mother of Mothers – Alamelu Mangamma.

Final result!!! Swami accedes to her pleadings and recommendations and grants them saying, “You have more benevolence on the devotees than I.” Like that Lord, Srinivasa has been granting the wishes of the devotees with a smile for ages. This is what happened because of Alamelu Manga Mata of Tiruchanur.