Tiruchanoor Padmavathi Devi Temple – Pancharatra Agama and Divine Rituals

Etymology and Divine Origin

• Tiruchana means Divine Lady—referring to Goddess Padmavathi Devi, who manifested on a 1000-petal golden lotus in this sacred village.
• Hence, the village is named Tiruchanoor, the abode of the Universal Beauty and consort of Lord Venkateswara.

Agama Foundations

• Agamas are sacred scriptures detailing temple rituals, architecture, and spiritual philosophy.
• There are 11 branches of Agamas, including Vaishnava, Shaiva, Shakta, Saura, Ganapathya, and more.
• In Vaishnavism, two Agamas are most revered:
• Sri Vaikhanasa Agama – followed in Tirumala
• Sri Pancharatra Agama – followed in Tiruchanoor

Pancharatra Agama – Core Teachings

• Composed of over 200 Samhitas, dating back to 3rd century BCE
• Taught by Lord Vishnu to Ananta (serpent king), Garuda, Viswaksena, Brahma, and Parameswara over five nights
• Core principle: Surrender to God, expressed through six aspects:

1.     Atma-Nikshepa – total self-surrender

2.     Kaarpannya – humility and self-awareness

3.     Mahaa-Visvaasa – unwavering faith

4.     Goptrtva – Lord as sole protector

5.     Praatikulya-Vivarjana – renouncing antagonism

6.     Anukulya-Nischaya – resolve to do good to all beings

Temple Rituals and Samhitas

• Rituals follow Sri Padma Samhita and Sri Prasna Samhita
• Three categories of festivals:
• Nityotsavams – daily and annual (e.g., Karthika Brahmotsavam)
• Naimitthikotsavams – occasional
• Sankalpotsavams – intentional vows

Chatusthanarchana Vishesham (During Brahmotsavams)

Performed twice daily:

• Morning: 5:00 AM – 6:00 AM
• Evening: 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Involves invoking:

• Sri Paravasudeva in holy water
• Sri Mahalakshmi in kalasam
• Agni in homam
• Akshata in Chakrabja Mandalam
• Yaga Bera in deity form (Bimbam)