Why Padmavathi is not in Tirumala
Story Behind
The husband, Srinivasa lives up the Seven Hills in āAnanda Nilayaā! His wife Alamelu Manga lives in Tiruchanur, down the hills in āShanti Nilayaā! Doesnāt it look queer? There seems to be a special reason for this.
Long ago, Padmavathi used to live in āShanti Nilayaā, a golden palace, perched on a hill as high as the Seven Hills. But the mata in āShanti Nilayaā used to bestow a little more benevolence than the Swami in āAnanda Nilayamā.
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 ā 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. Itās 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.
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, āCome on, tell me what you wish!ā 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, āSwami, itās only because of keeping me on your chest as āVyuha Laxmiā, you have been in existence as Srinivasa. Itās because of me you left Vaikunta and did penance on the bank of Lotus.
Like that, she teases him and tactfully diverts His attention towards the devotees and their pleadings. Thus she is a mother of Mothers ā Alamelu Mangamma.
Final result!!! Swami accedes to her pleadings and recommendations and grants them saying, āYou have more benevolence on the devotees than I.ā 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.