The Divine love between Sri Venkateswara and Ma Padmavathy cannot be expressed in words. It is pure and is expressed from their divine soul, since it is entirely different from ordinary love. Ordinary love, that is the love affair between the lovers would mostly consists of lust, selfishness and jealousy, whereas Divine love contains purity, and this love comes only from their soul and not comes out of sensual feelings. Ma Padmavathy loved Sri Venkateswara so much and their love must be considered as a Divine love only, as She has dedicated Her entire soul to Sri Venkateswara, and in that, there were no sensual feelings.
Vedavati is the previous incarnation of Ma Padmavati, the holy consort of Sri Venkateswara of Tirumala. According to ancient legend, Vedavati was a devotee who wanted to marry Bhagwan Vishnu. Sri Vishnu promised to marry her in a future birth, resulting in her rebirth as Princess Padmavati.
Vedavati was the daughter of Brahmarishi Kusadhvaja, who was a great devotee of Sri Vishnu. After Ravana tried to molest her, she cursed him, prayed to Bhagwan Vishnu to marry her in her next birth, and then she entered into the fire. In her next birth, she was born as Padmavati, who was found in a golden lotus by King Akasha Raja. To fulfil the wishes of Ma Padmavathy, Sri Venkateswara (Srinivasa) married Padmavati (Vedavati) at Tirumala.
Though this divine couple had got married a few thousand years ago, yet, it is still believed, that every night, Sri Venkateswara leaves Tirumala to meet His beloved wife Ma Padmavathy at Tiruchanur. There Swami would unite with his beloved wife Ma Padmavathy for a few hours, and then He leaves for Tirumala again. This incident is believed to take place even today!
Srinivasa had taken the form of Sri Venkateswara, during the time of his marriage with Ma Padmavati, and as per the request of His consort, Padmavati, He still remains in the same form (KALYANA VENKATESWARA) which He took during the time of His marriage ceremony. After the completion of marriage ceremony, Bhagwan Venkateswara wanted to settle down at the sacred Tirumala Hills. Hence, He had ordered the then king of Tirumala, to decorate his murti in the present form (IN THE FORM OF BRIDEGROOM).
Padmavathi also known as Alamelu manga is the consort of Sri Venkateswara and an avatar of Mata Lakshmi Devi. The famous Temple of Padmavathi is situated at Tiruchanur, near Tirupati. According to legend, those who prefer to travel to Tirumala, must first visit and worship the shrine of Mata Padmavathi at Tiruchanur to offer their prayers and only then can they proceed to Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Temple.
“OM SRI VENKATAPADMANABHA NAMO NAMAHA”
(Featured Image Source: Exotic India Art)
