Sri Padmavati Ammavaari Temple, Tiruchanur - Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh

Padmavathi Temple is the temple dedicated to Goddess Padmavathi or Alamelumanga, the consort of Lord Venkateswara. The temple is situated in Tiruchanur, Tirupati in Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is under the administration of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.

It is believed that the Goddess Lakshmi was born as Alamelu to Akasha Raja, the ruler of this region, and wed Venkateshwara of Tirupati. Goddess Lakshmi gave darshan to Lord Venkateswara on a red Lotus flower (Padma in Sanskrit) at Alamelu mangapuram after his deep penance for twelve years. According to tradition, the Mother Goddess manifested Herself in the holy Pushkarini called Padmasarovaram in a golden lotus. The Venkatachala Mahatyam states that Lord Suryanarayana was instrumental in blossoming of the lotus in full splendour.

The temple is conveniently located on the other side of the highway slightly away from the city, yet well connected with public transport. It is believed that the devotees who wish to visit the Tirumala temple, have to first visit the Ammavari temple and take blessings and permission to visit. The temple is not as crowded as the Tirumala temple (unless there is a special occasion), yet the general darshan or Sarvdarshan takes quite a bit of time. There is also a quicker way of darshan if you opt for Kumkum Archana, but it happens only between 3pm to 4pm and the tickets are also dispensed at the spot and only between 3pm to 4pm (no online booking available). Besides the advantage of quicker darshan, devotees opting for Kumkum archana, get to visit the inner sanctum and get a good view of the deity. The cost of Kumkum archana is 250/- per head.

This pilgrim centre is popularly known as “Alarmelmangapuram” (Alar-Lotus, Mel-top, Manga-Goddess, Puram-town) or Alimelumangapuram. According to temple legend as Goddess Mahalakshmi emerged on the golden lotus as Padmavathi Devi located at the centre of Padmasarovaram-the temple tank, this place became famous by the name “Alarmelmangapuram”. Goddess Padmavathi is the main deity of the Tiruchanur temple. Goddess Padmavathi is an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. In this temple Goddess is facing East direction. Godesses Padmavati Devi is seated in "Padmasana", holding a Lotus in both of her upper hands. Her lower hands are in poses of "Abhaya";, fearlessness, and "Varada", benediction.

Sri Padmavathi Devi's special appearance happened in the month of Karthika on the fifth day of the bright fortnight, under the influence of the Uttarashada star. To celebrate this divine event, a festival called Brahmotsavam is held for ten days, filled with joy and splendor. People from far and wide come as devoted pilgrims to be part of this auspicious celebration. The most exciting part of the Tiruchanoor Brahmotsavam is the Panchami Tirtham. On this day, a grand procession brings special gifts like turmeric, tulasi, silk sarees, and more from the Tirumala Temple to offer to the Goddess. At the beautiful Padma Sarovaram, a decorated platform becomes the stage for a sacred bath ceremony. Vedic chants fill the air as Goddess Padmavathi Devi and the divine Sudarsana Chakra are honored.

The ten-day festival at Tiruchanoor is a fantastic sight, capturing the hearts of countless devotees. It's not just a visual spectacle; it's also a time for people to feel the loving grace of the Goddess, receiving her blessings with open hearts.