Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple – Panchami Theertham Significance & Padma Pushkarini Legend
Scriptural Importance
- Padma Puranam
(one of the 18 Mahapuranas by Sri Veda Vyasa Maharshi) highlights the
sanctity of Padma Pushkarini and the divine emergence of Goddess
Padmavathi Devi.
- The festival commemorates the appearance
of the Goddess in Padma Sarovaram (temple pond) on Panchami Tithi,
Uttarashada Nakshatra, Friday.
The Legend
- Sage Brigu’s Test:
When Sage Brigu struck Lord Srimannarayana’s chest (the abode of Goddess
Mahalakshmi), she left in anguish to Patala Loka.
- Lord’s Search:
Srimannarayana wandered across 56 countries, finally locating her
in Kolhapur.
- Divine Guidance:
A cosmic voice instructed Him to perform penance on the banks of River
Swarnamukhi for the Goddess to re‑emerge as Padmavathi Devi.
- Creation of Padma Sarovaram:
Lord Srinivasa dug a pond with the weapon Kuntala and asked Lord
Indra to fill it with golden lotuses.
- Penance & Emergence:
With those lotuses, He worshipped Lord Suryanarayana Swamy.
Pleased, Goddess Padmavathi appeared in a 1000‑petal golden lotus
in Padma Sarovaram.
- Unique Aspect:
While the Goddess performed penance across 108 Divya Desams to
attain the Lord, here it was Lord Srinivasa who performed penance for
12 years to win Her grace.
Ritual Significance
- Panchami Theertham
marks the divine union of Lord Srinivasa and Goddess Padmavathi Devi.
- Devotees believe that taking a dip in
Padma Pushkarini on this day cleanses sins and grants blessings of
prosperity, harmony, and marital bliss.
- It is the grand finale of the Navahnika Karthika Brahmotsavams, drawing lakhs of pilgrims to Tiruchanoor.
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