It is believed that Hindu goddess Mahalakshmi was born as Alamelu to Akasha Raja, the ruler of this region, and wed Venkateswara of Tirupati. Lakshmi gave darshan to Venkateswara on a red Lotus flower (Padma in Sanskrit) at Alamelu mangapuram after his deep penance for twelve years. According to tradition, the goddess manifested herself in the holy Pushkarini called Padmasarovaram in a golden lotus. The Venkatachala Mahatyam states that the Sun-god Suryanarayana was instrumental in blossoming of the lotus in full splendour. A temple dedicated to 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 Venkateswara . The manifestation of Padmavathi occurred in the month of Karthika on Sukla Paksha Panchami when the star Uttarashada in the ascendent. The Brahmotsavam of the goddess is celebrated with all pomp and glory to commemorate the occasion.[2]
Deity
Padmavathi (or Alamelumanga) is the main deity of the temple. Padmavathi is the incarnation of goddess Lakshmi and is consort of Venkateswara. The deity is facing towards east.
Temple timings
The temple typically opens at 4:50 am on most days and closes at 9:30 pm. However, on Fridays, it opens at 3:30 am.[3]
Padmasarovaram is the Temple tank of the Padmavathi Temple. It is believed that Padmavathi manifested in this tank in a golden lotus.[4]
Festivals
In Padmasarovaram, Chakra Snanam will be held on last day of Annual Padmavathi Brahmotsavams (Panchami Teertham) which will witness lakhs of devotees taking a dip in the holy waters.[5]
Krishna Swamy Temple and Sundararaja Swamy Temple are sub-temples within the Padmavathi Temple. Krishna Swamy Temple, dated 1221 CE, is the earliest of the temples inside the temple complex. Sundararaja Swamy Temple was built in the 16th century and is dedicated to Varadaraja Swamy (Vishnu) and his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi. There is also a temple dedicated to Suryanarayana opposite to the temple tank. The icon of Suryanarayana is believed to installed by Venkateswara.[6]
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