Padmavati, also known as Alamelu Manga or Alamelu, is a Hindu Devi. In Sanskrit, the literal meaning of her name is ‘the one who emerged from lotus or Padma.’ People consider Padmavati as the goddess who is the consort of the avatar of Lord Vishnu. However, devotees also know him by the names of Sri Venkateswara and Lord Balaji.
There are several opinions on the identification of Goddess Padmavati. A few believe that she is an incarnation of the goddess Lakshmi. Besides, other parties believe that she is an avatar of goddess Bhudevi, the second wife of Lord Vishnu.
- Extensively worshipped in Southern Indian regions, the most prevalent temple of the goddess Padmavati is the Sri Padmavati Ammavari Temple in Tiruchanur. According to tradition, every pilgrim must offer reverence at this temple after visiting the famous Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.
- Like Goddess Lakshmi, this goddess also brings auspiciousness to her devotees during the festival of Lakshmi puja. During this time, devotees witness the divine marriage of Goddess Padmavati and Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala temple.
- Among all the festivals held at Tiruchanur, the Brahmotsav bears incredible importance as devotees celebrate this day as the birth anniversary of goddess Padmavati.
- On this auspicious occasion, Lord Srinivasa gifts his consort with an expensive saree, holy Tulsi, turmeric leaves, and other food offerings.
- In Jainism, there’s another goddess with the same name. The Jain people acknowledge that this deity is the serpent goddess. So, they generally worship her with Yaksha Dharanendra and Parshwanath.
- Along with the spouse name Dharanendra, the divine idol is believed to be the protecting deity of the 23rd Jain Tirthankar—’Parshwanath.’
- The deity sits on the lotus throne with the serpent hood covering her head like Lord Vishnu, and a small image of Parshwanath is placed in her crown.
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