Heritage · Faith · Tradition
About the Temple
Introduction
The Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple at Tiruchanur – also known as Alamelumangapuram – is the sacred home of Goddess Padmavathi, the divine consort of Lord Sri Venkateswara of Tirumala. It lies about 5 km from Tirupati and is administered by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). A cherished tradition says that a pilgrimage to Tirumala is complete only after receiving the blessings of the Mother at Tiruchanur, and so lakhs of devotees visit her every year, before or after their darshan of the Lord on the hills.
Main Deity – Sri Padmavathi Ammavaru
The presiding deity is Sri Padmavathi Devi, also called Alamelu Manga – "the Mother seated on the lotus" – a form of Goddess Mahalakshmi. She is seated in padmasana and holds lotuses in her upper hands, while her lower hands bless devotees with protection and boons. She is worshipped as the Mother of compassion who grants prosperity, harmony in married life and the fulfilment of heartfelt prayers.
Sthala Puranam – The Golden Lotus
According to the temple legend, when Sage Bhrigu struck Lord Mahavishnu on the chest – the very place where Lakshmi dwells – the Goddess left Vaikuntha, and the Lord followed in search of her. He came to this place and worshipped the Sun God, praying for the Mother's return. Through that worship, a radiant golden lotus blossomed in the temple tank, the Padma Sarovaram, and Goddess Lakshmi emerged from it as Padmavathi – "she who was born of the lotus". This divine appearance is believed to have taken place on the Panchami (fifth day) of the bright fortnight in the month of Karthika.
In the beloved story of Srinivasa and Padmavathi, the Goddess is also remembered as the daughter of King Akasha Raja, and her marriage to Lord Srinivasa was arranged with the loving help of his foster mother, Vakula Devi – honoured today at the Sri Vakulamatha Temple, Peruru.
Shrines in the Temple Complex
- Sri Krishna Swamy (Alagiya Perumal) shrine: the earliest shrine in the compound, in existence by about 1221 CE, with Krishna seated alongside Balarama.
- Sri Sundararaja Swamy shrine: dedicated to Lord Varadaraja with Sridevi and Bhudevi, dating from around the 16th century.
- Sri Suryanarayana Swamy temple: nearby, honouring the Sun God whose grace, the legend says, made the golden lotus bloom.
Festivals
- Karthika Brahmotsavam (November–December): the grandest festival of the temple, held for nine days with morning and evening processions of the Goddess on a different vahanam each day – including the Gaja (elephant), Garuda and Surya Prabha vahanams – and the Rathotsavam (chariot festival).
- Panchami Theertham: the sacred finale of the Brahmotsavam, on Karthika Shukla Panchami, the day of the Goddess's appearance. The Chakrasnanam is performed in the Padma Sarovaram, and thousands of devotees take a holy dip at that auspicious hour. On this day, gifts (saare) are sent from the Tirumala temple to the Mother as an offering of love from the Lord.
- Varalakshmi Vratam (July–August): a special day for the worship of the Goddess, with many women joining the vratam.
- Teppotsavam: the float festival, when the Goddess is taken around the Padma Sarovaram on a decorated float.
- Fridays: considered especially sacred to the Mother, with special abhishekam and large crowds.
Sevas and Darshan
The temple offers sevas such as Kumkumarchana, which is very popular with devotees, along with Kalyanotsavam and other arjitha sevas. Details and bookings are available through TTD's official channels.
Temple Timings
- The temple is generally open from early morning until night.
- Timings change during the Brahmotsavam and on special days; please check TTD's official channels before your visit.
How to Reach
By Road: Tiruchanur is about 5 km from Tirupati. TTD buses, APSRTC buses, autos and taxis connect it with Tirupati and the Tirumala bus stations.
By Train: Tirupati railway station is about 5 km away; Renigunta Junction is also nearby.
By Air: the nearest airport is Tirupati Airport at Renigunta (TIR), about 15 km away.
Visitor Information
- Dress code: traditional dress is expected, as at other TTD temples – dhoti or pyjama with an upper cloth for men, and saree or churidar with dupatta for women.
- Tirupati pilgrimage: devotees usually combine their visit with darshan of Lord Sri Venkateswara at Tirumala, and the Sri Vakulamatha Temple, Peruru.
- Nearby temples: the Sri Kalahasteeswara Swamy Temple, Srikalahasti and the Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple, Kanipakam.
- Brahmotsavam: expect very large crowds during the Karthika Brahmotsavam, especially on Panchami Theertham day.
