Tirupati: The Governor of Karnataka, Thaawarchand Gehlot, recently paid a visit to the sacred Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple in Tiruchanur, Tirupati.
He was accompanied by family members during the visit.
Upon arrival, the Governor and his family were accorded a warm welcome by officials of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), and temple priests performed traditional rituals and offered ‘prasadam’ to the dignitary as per temple protocol.
About the shrine
Tiruchanoor is one of the oldest pilgrim towns located 5km away from Tirupati, and is the abode of Goddess Padmavathi Devi, the consort of Lord Venkateswara.
This pilgrim centre is popularly known as ‘Alarmelmangapuram’ (Alar meaning Lotus, Mel meaning top, Manga meaning Goddess and Puram meaning town).
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’
There is a strong belief among devotees that they should first visit Padmavathi and seek Her blessings, and then only visit Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala.
