Mahalakshmi Kolhapur, Swatantra Veera Lakshmi Tiruchanur, Vyuha & Bhootha Karunya Lakshmi Tirumala – Legends, Manifestations, Rituals

Ashtalakshmi Manifestations

Veda Lakshmi (Treta Yuga)

Origin: Born as Vedavathi, daughter of Brahmarishi Kushadhvaja, who was devoted to the Vedas.
Legend:

Ravana encounters Vedavathi during her penance in the Himalayas.
She self‑immolates in indignation, enters Agni Loka.
During Sita’s abduction, Agni substitutes Vedavathi for Sita to shield her.
At Agni Pravesha, Vedavathi’s selflessness is acknowledged by Sita and Agni.
She wishes to be Vishnu’s eternal consort; Vishnu assures her this will manifest in Kaliyuga.

Significance: Vedavathi’s spirit endures as Veda Lakshmi, awaiting union with Lord Narayana.
Temple Connection: Lord manifests as Matsya Narayana (Veda Narayana) at Vedanarayana Swamy Temple, Nagalapuram (near Tirupati).

Srivatsa Lakshmi (Vaikunta)

During Kaliyuga’s onset, Vishnu advises Lakshmi to descend to Earth first.
Lakshmi hesitates, as she traditionally follows Vishnu in every avatar.
Vishnu explains this avatar is unique—evil cannot be eradicated, only devotees safeguarded.
He takes the honorific Srinivasa, explicitly in homage to Lakshmi.
At that moment, Bhrigu Maharshi visits, strikes Vishnu, enraging Lakshmi.
In resentment, Lakshmi leaves Vaikunta, vowing to return only in her shuddha sattva form.

Significance: Symbolizes Lakshmi’s descent to Earth ahead of Vishnu, setting the stage for their reunion in Tirumala.

Mahalakshmi (Kolhapur)

Origin: Goddess Lakshmi performed penance at Kapilaranya, the hermitage of Kapila Maharshi.
Legend:

Sati’s eyes fell on Padmavatipuram during her self‑immolation at Daksha Yagna.
Lord Brahma’s manasaputras—Gaya, Lavana, and Kolha—turned unrighteous.
Vishnu destroyed Gayasura and Lavanasura, but Kolhasura and his son Karavira tormented sages.
Agastya and other sages sought Lakshmi’s help; she slew Kolhasura and Karavira.
As a dying wish, they asked Lakshmi to name the land after them—thus Kolhapur.

Manifestation: Lakshmi appeared as Mahalakshmi, safeguarding devotees.
Temple Connection: Vishwakarma replicated Manidweepa (Shakti’s abode) for Kolhapur Mahalakshmi.
Significance: This is Lakshmi’s third manifestation after Veda Lakshmi and Srivatsa Lakshmi.

Swatantra Veera Lakshmi (Tiruchanur)

Veda Lakshmi’s spirit was discovered as Padmavathi Devi by Akasha Raja, found in a lotus.
Lord Venkateswara married Padmavathi, but she was only a partial incarnation of Lakshmi.
The Lord longed for Lakshmi’s full presence, leading to his penance.

At Kolhapur, Lakshmi manifested in her fierce rajo guna form to destroy evil.
Lord Venkateswara, guided by divine voice, performed penance at Shuka Maharshi’s hermitage.
He excavated Padmasarovaram, filled with golden lotuses from Deva Loka, sustained by Surya for twelve years.
On Karthika Shukla Panchami, the golden lotus bloomed, revealing Lakshmi in her serene shuddha sattva form.
She manifested as a radiant sixteen‑year‑old maiden, embraced by the Lord.

Lakshmi manifested as Sarva Swatantra Veera Lakshmi at Tiruchanur, seated in a golden lotus.
Known as Alarmelu Manga / Padmavathi Devi, symbolizing purity and prosperity.
Rituals at Tiruchanur are devoted entirely to Lakshmi, even though Venkateswara’s idol was consecrated later.

Tradition: Every Karthika Panchami, temple honours are sent from Tirumala to Kolhapur, commemorating her manifestation.

Vyuha Lakshmi

She assures the Lord that she will eternally remain on His chest to convey devotees’ prayers directly to Him.
Worship of Vyuha Lakshmi secures eternal prosperity and protection.

After the Venkatesa Sahasranama Archana each morning, priests worship Vyuha Lakshmi with the Shodasha Nama Stotra (16 names of Lakshmi), offering Tulasi leaves.
Padmavathi Devi on the Lord’s left chest is also worshipped simultaneously.
Special worship occurs during Friday Abhishekam and Makara Sankranti, when perfumed water is offered.

The Srivatsam mark on the Lord’s right chest symbolizes her presence.
Visible only during Nijapada Darshanam on Fridays or when jewels are removed.
Known as Dvi‑bhuja Vyuha Lakshmi in Vaikhanasa Samhitas, depicted as two‑armed, seated in lotus posture.

Significance: Her presence explains why Vishnu is called Sri‑nivasa—the abode of Lakshmi.

Bhootha Karunya Lakshmi

Form: Manifested to console Padmavathi Devi after her reunion with Lord Venkateswara.
Role:

She unifies with Vyuha Lakshmi, becoming the fifth and sixth manifestations of Ashta Lakshmis.
Symbolizes compassion (karunya) and the Lord’s inseparability from His consorts.

Both Vyuha Lakshmi and Bhootha Karunya Lakshmi are worshipped during Srivari Abhishekam every Friday.
Unlike other Vaishnava temples where the Lord is accompanied by consorts, in Tirumala, their presence is mystically borne on His chest.

Devotees visit Tiruchanur to worship Goddess Mahalakshmi directly.
Padmavathi Devi manifests as a radiant bride in Narayanavanam and is honored in Tiruchanur temple rituals.

Significance: This dual manifestation emphasizes the unity of Lakshmi and Padmavathi with the Lord, ensuring His devotees’ prayers are always heard.