Who is Padmavati
Padmavati, also known as Alamelu Manga, is the presiding goddess of the Padmavathi Temple in Tiruchanur, near Tirupati. She is a form of Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune and prosperity, and the consort of Lord Venkateshwara (a form of Vishnu). Her origin is described in the Venkateshwara Mahatmya, a section of the Skanda Purana, which narrates that she was born as the daughter of King Akasha Raja after he performed a yajna. According to the Bhavishyottara Purana, she is an incarnation of Lakshmi who descended to earth to marry Venkateshwara, who had taken human form to redeem the sins of humanity. Iconographically, Padmavati is depicted with four arms, seated on a lotus, holding lotuses in her upper hands, and with her lower hands in abhaya (blessing) and varada (boon-giving) mudras.
She wears a crown and royal attire, with a golden complexion and a serene, compassionate expression. Elephants often flank her, symbolizing royalty and abundance. The principal myth associated with Padmavati is her marriage to Venkateshwara, which is celebrated as the divine union of Lakshmi and Vishnu. According to the Venkateshwara Mahatmya, Venkateshwara borrowed money from Kubera for the wedding expenses, and devotees offer donations to repay this debt. Padmavati is worshipped as the bestower of marital bliss, prosperity, and family well-being.
Her temple in Tiruchanur is a major pilgrimage site, especially for couples seeking marriage or children. Regional traditions include the annual Padmavati Jayanti, Brahmotsavam, and Varalakshmi Vratam. In Hindu cosmology, Padmavati represents the aspect of Lakshmi that grants material and spiritual abundance, and her worship is considered essential for household harmony. The Padmavati Stotram, a hymn in her praise, is recited by devotees for blessings. Her association with the lotus signifies purity and divine grace, and she is revered across South India and increasingly pan-India as a compassionate mother goddess.
Names by which the divine is addressed
What they hold
Form, mudras, weapons & vahana
Four-armed, seated on lotus. Holds lotuses. Crowned, beautiful. Golden complexion, serene, compassionate expression.