Padmavati (Hinduism)

Padmavati
Image of Padmavati
Other names
  • Alamelu Manga
  • Alar Mel Mangai
Venerated inSri Vaishnavism
AffiliationAvatar of Lakshmi
SymbolGolden Lotus
MountElephant
TemplePadmavati Temple, Tiruchanur
ParentsAkasha Raja, Dharani Devi
ConsortVenkateshvara

Padmavati (Sanskrit: पद्मावती, lit.'she of the lotus'), also known as Alarmel Mangai (Tamil: அலர்மேல் மங்கை, lit.'Goddess at top of Lotus') or Alamelu Manga is a Hindu goddess and the consort of the deity Venkateshwara, a form of Vishnu. She is described as the adopted daughter of a local king and an avatar of goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu.

The most prominent shrine of Padmavati is Padmavati Ammavari Temple situated at Tiruchanur, a suburb of Tirupati. Tradition dictates that every pilgrim to Tirupati must offer obeisance at this temple before visiting the Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala, the central temple of her consort.