Who is Padmavati
Padmavati is a form of the goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Venkateshwara (an incarnation of Vishnu) at the sacred hill of Tirumala in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Her name means 'she who dwells on the lotus' (padma). The earliest references to Padmavati appear in the Venkateshwara Mahatmya, a text from the Skanda Purana, which narrates her origin as the daughter of King Akasha Raja of the Solar dynasty. According to the legend, while the king was performing a yajna, the goddess Lakshmi emerged from a lotus in the sacrificial fire pit, and was adopted as the princess Padmavati. She later married Venkateshwara, who had taken the form of a prince to redeem a debt to Kubera.
This marriage is celebrated as the divine union of Vishnu and Lakshmi on earth. The Padmavati Temple in Tiruchanur, near Tirupati, is one of the wealthiest and most visited temples in India, where she is worshipped as the bestower of fortune and prosperity. Iconographically, Padmavati is depicted with four arms, seated on a lotus, holding lotuses in her upper hands, and often shown with elephants (gajalakshmi motif) symbolizing royal sovereignty and abundance. She wears a crown and royal attire, with a golden complexion and a serene expression. In the Bhagavata Purana, Lakshmi is described as the eternal consort of Vishnu, and Padmavati is considered her earthly manifestation.
Regional traditions, especially in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, celebrate her as Alamelu Manga, and she is central to the annual Brahmotsavam festival at Tirumala. Padmavati's role in Hindu cosmology is that of the goddess of fortune who sustains the universe by providing wealth and auspiciousness to devotees. Her worship is particularly associated with marital bliss and financial well-being. The Padmavati Stotram, a hymn in her praise, is recited by devotees seeking her blessings. The Venkateshwara Mahatmya details her grace in granting boons to those who visit her shrine.
Thus, Padmavati embodies the compassionate aspect of Lakshmi, ever ready to bless her devotees with material and spiritual prosperity.
Names by which the divine is addressed
What they hold
Form, mudras, weapons & vahana
Four-armed, seated on lotus. Holds lotuses. Crowned, beautiful. Often depicted with Venkateshwara. Golden complexion, serene expression.