Tiruchanur Padmavati Temple, Tiruchanur

Tiruchanur is a small town near Tirupati, the famous pilgrim center of the Hindus. In this small town there is a beautiful temple which is dedicated to Padmavati. The Padmavati Temple is an important tourist attraction that is well worth a visit. It is an important pilgrim center as well. Goddess Padmavati is believed to be a very benevolent goddess who readily forgives her devotees if they are repentant.

One is showered with plenty as soon as he / she receives her blessings. This large temple is also popularly known as ‘Alamelumangapuram’. According to popular belief, visit to the famous temple at Tirupati is fruitful only after a visit to Tiruchanur which is just 5 km away from Tirupati.

History of Tiruchanur Padmavati Temple, Tiruchanur
An inscription in the Padmavati Temple tells you in detail about the history of Tiruchanur. Originally there was a temple in Tiruchanur that was dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara. It was difficult for the priests to perform all the religious rituals because of space shortage. So they decided to carry out the activities elsewhere and only two important ceremonies were performed here. Later even this became difficult and so the place of worship was shifted. The place eventually lost all its significance.

In the 12th century, the importance of the place was partially revised when the Yadava kings built the Shri Krishna Balaram Temple over here. Much later in the 16th and 17th century, two additions were made. The deity of Sundara Varadaraja was installed and a separate temple was built for Goddess Padmavathi. According to mythology, she was born in a lotus pond which is actually the tank within the temple premises of Tiruchanur.

Description of Tiruchanur Padmavati Temple, Tiruchanur
There are several deities housed within the temple. However the most admirable is definitely that of Sri Padmavathi. Padmavathi is the consort of Lord Venkateshwara, the presiding deity of Tirupati. She is shown as sitting in Padmasana holding two lotuses in her upper hands. Her posture evokes a lot of love and respect. The lower hands represent fearlessness and benediction. The Deities of Sri Krishna, BalaRama, Sundararaja Swami, and Surya-narayana Swami are also quite beautiful.