Tirupati Sri Venkateshwara balaji story

Naimikaranyam is a dense forest in India.

Sownaka and other sages lived in this forest. They spend
their time in penance. Hence this forest is considered as
sacred.
Once Sootha maharishi, explained to those sages,
the eighteen puranas written by vyasa maharishi, his guru.
The sages heard him devotedly. During this period sownaka
and others had a desire to hear from him the story of Sri
Venkateshwara. So they requested Sootha maharishi to
narrate to them that story also.
So he said,” Sri Venkateshwara was born on earth, as
a savior to help and protect mankind. He is an incarnation of
maha Vishnu on earth he is the god who is visible. He is
always ready to answer the calls of his devotees. He comes
to their aid when they are in difficulties, At all time and in all
circumstances. So his story is a sacred one. You are very
fortunate to hear the same.
All those who read his story and hear his story will be
devoid of rebirth. So you hear me devotedly.
Sootha maharishi intellectually prayed to his guru, Veda
vyasa. Immediately the story of Sri Venkateshwara reeled
before his mind. He then began to narrate the story to
sownaka and other sages sitting before them.
 Sootha maharishi tells sages the story of
venkateshwara
 1. NARADA MEETS BRAHMA IN SATHYA LOKA

Brahma is the god of creation. He lives in sathya

loka. Narada is his son. He is great devotee of
narayana. Narada always chant the name ‘Narayana’.
He has free access to all the fourteen lokas.
He always moves from one place to another,
carrying some sensational news. Thus he creates
troubles, between gods, deva’s, asura’s and sages. He
is popularly known for his troubles. But such troubles
will ultimately end in universal good. This way he helps
to maintenance of good deeds.
One day Brahma was seated on his Lotus seat. By
his side was his consort, Saraswathi, playing on the
veena, a musical instrument. The assembly was
attended by Indira, sapta rishis, Dikpalakas, sun god,
and others. They were present there to meet the
creator and take his directions.
It was at that time that Narada entered the
Sathyaloka, the abode of Brahma, chanting the hymns
of Narayana. He saluted his parents Sarawathi and
Brahma. After getting their blessings occupied the seat
offered to him. All those present there were sure about
that Narada, must brought something sensational. So
they were anxious to hear him.
Narada said to Brahma, “Father, after the
incarnation of Krishna, Sri Hari didn’t go to earth again.
Hence earth has become a hell to live. People have
become fearless. Lawlessness prevails there. ‘Might is
Right ‘is the motto of today. The innocent are teased by
the wicked people. This is the time for God to incarnate
again on earth and restore the righteousness. ’
Brahma replied to him, “dear child you are always
going round all the worlds. There is nothing unknown to
you. You can create problem and solve it. I don’t have
 anything to teach you. Then why do you ask me? .carry
on what you wish. I wish you all the success.”
Hearing his father, narada took leave of his father
and decide to go the earth.

Narada

2. NARADA MEETS SAGES ON EARTH

Chanting the names of Hari, narada reached the

bank of the river Ganges. There Kashyapa and other sages,
performing a grand yajna, a ritual sacrifice, for universal
good. The sages received him respectfully.
Narada appreciate their effort. Yet he had a doubt. He
asked the sages, “Who will bear the effect of Yajna? And
who among the three gods, you consider as suitable for
that?”
It is a difficult question. So the sages did not answer.
They looked at each other. They couldn’t come to a
decision. They confused. The sages were divided into three
groups and argued about the issue.
Devotees of Shiva said, it should go to Maheshwar.
Vaishnavaites said, Narayana is the right person. Some of
them preferred Brahma the creator. Each one argued in
favors of their god. It became a battle field than a Yajna
yard.
Narada tried to compromise them. He said, “You have to
select the right person by test. It is not easy to test the,
three gods. It is something like playing with the fire. I
consider, Brihu maharishi, who has super human powers by
his great penance, is the perfect person to test the gods.
You may entrust this job to him.”
Everybody accepted his suggestions. In this critical
situation Brihu doesn’t have any other option but to accept
this.
Brihu is always very proud of his super human powers. By
selecting him for this critical job, Narada wants to teach
him.
Having succeeded in his plan, took leave of the place
cheerfully.
 3. BRIHU TESTS LORD BRAHMA

In sathyaloka, Brahma and saraswathi were seated

on a golden throne. Maharishi’s Devarishi’s, Rajarishi”s,
and Brahmarishi’s are all assembled there. Brahma
explains them about Veda’s.
At that time Brihu maharishi arrived there. He sees
the audience. He without even addressing Brahma
occupied the throne. Everybody felt happy about his visit.
But none appreciated his negligence towards Brahma.
Brahma felt bad about his behavior. He could not
tolerate. He gets anger. His eyes became red. In an angry
tone, he burst out, “Brihu, you belong to the same race as
I am. But by your great penance you acquired so many
powers. But your behavior is not good. Do you think, you
are superior to the Maharishi’s in this court? Are you
greater than Anusuya, The chaste woman? Who
converted tirumoorthis as babies? Are you greater than
Gouthama, who cursed devendira? Are you more powerful
than Jamagni?”
Brihu immediately got down from the throne. He
thought that “he is not courteous. Only those with rajo
guna should possess such temperament. . He is not the
right person for accept the yajna gift.’
So he addressed Brahma, “o lord, you never understand
why I came here to visits you. But you unnecessarily
rebuked me. Therefore you hold my curse. You will not
have any temples on earth. And none will worship you’ he
then marched on to Kailash, the abode of Shiva.

4. BRIHU CURSES LORD SHIVA.

Kailash is a silver mountain. Shiva is also known as

maheshwar. On that day, nandhi, bringee, and chandee
and all other disciples are chanting the names of lord
Shiva. And the entire mountain echoed with those
prayers. All are absorbed in meditation.
 At that time Brihu enter there. He is directly gone to
Shiva’s private room. At that time Shiva dances with his
wife parvathi. Shiva’s personnel guards warned Brihu
about that. But Brihu didn’t heed their warning. He
enters into the room.
On seeing Brihu parvathi felt shy. Siva got wild. He burst
out,’ you Brihu, you belong to the same race as the creator.
You have learnt the Vedas. You have done great penance.
Still you didn’t learn any decency. Your manners are not
good. . It’s a shame on your part” so saying he took his
trident to aim at Brihu. But parvathi intervened and stopped
him. Shiva became calm.
But Brihu get angry at Shiva. He said, “maheshwar,
without even knowing the reason of my visit, you were
aimed your trident to me. Therefore you hold my curse. “You
are only worshipped in the shape of the Lingam, instead of
your real shape” saying so Brihu left the place and
proceeded to vaikundam, the abode of lord Vishnu.

5. BRIHU KICKS MAHAVISHNU

 Vaikundam is beautiful place. In vaikundam, MAHAVISHNU
or Sri Hari lives with his consort, Lakshmi. Lakshmi is the
goddess of wealth. Wealth flows only from her. So
vaikundam always gives festive appearance.
One Maha Vishnu takes rest on the snake bed, in the
ocean of milk. Lakshmi, is sitting near his feet, and pressing
his legs .
Brihu had already finished testing Brahma and
Shiva. He decides that they both do not eligible for receiving
the benefits of the yajna. Thus only Vishnu remains to be
tested. Thinking so he reached vaikundam.
Sri Hari, though aware of the arrival of Brihu,
pretended to do not know. This reminds Brihu, the treatment
he received from sathyaloka and kailash. He feared that he
may receive the same fate here also. This thought provoked
him. Without second thought, he rushed towards
MAHAVISHNU and kicked him on his chest with his right foot.
 Maha Vishnu being known of brihu’s visit got up
from his bed and fondly held brihu’s hand. And make him sit
on his bed and started pressing his legs. While doing so
Vishnu pinched the third eye that was embedded in brihu’s
right foot, tactfully. The pride of the maharishi lay in this
eye.
He then said, “O! Great sages, forgive me for my
negligence, and kindly let me know the purpose of your
visit.’
Having lost his power Brihu realizes his folly and begged
pardon of the lord. Sri Hari said ‘o! Maharishi, you are not to
be blamed. You have not done anything out of the way. It all
happened as planned. You are only an instrument. Therefore
do not worry. I wish you all the success.’
Brihu then explained the purpose of his visit, and
requested MAHAVISHNU to come and receive the benefit of
the yajna. Maha Vishnu agreed. He said he would present
there, at the appropriate time .
Brihu was very much pleased. He took leave of Sri
Hari and reached the bank of river Ganges. He explained
everything about his visits to the three worlds. And how he
considered maha Vishnu be the best person to receive the
gift. All the sages felt glad and thanked Brihu.
 6. LAKSHMI LAVES FOR EARTH
The yajna on the river bank of Ganges continued for
forty days. As promised maha Vishnu presents there and
received the benefits of the yajna. He then returned to
vaikundam.
Brihu kicked Vishnu on his chest. That is the place
where lakshmi lives. By that act of Brihu, that place lost its
purity. So lakshmi thought, she was dishonored, and put to
shame. She is very angry with his husband, because he
tended such a rude person, who dishonored her .
She said, “you are the leader of the fourteen world,
thirty three crore of deva and eighty four lakhs of creatures.
And yet, you loved and served the maharishi, who dared to
kick you on your chest and thus put me to shame. I am
unable to tolerate this.’
 “Why do you feel worried? Don’t you know that I am the
savior of my devotees? Brihu is our child. Will the parent get
angry and punish when their child kicks them. Moreover the
maharishi came over here with a purpose. He doesn’t
dishonored us, you take my words” said Vishnu soothingly.
Lakshmi replied that, “dear, I know you will excel
everybody in justifying your actions. But I am unable to
tolerate. Our bonds are broken from this moment. I am
quitting this place. But I will not leave that Brahmin
unpunished”
He cursed the entire Brahmin community on earth will be
deprived of wealth. They would live only by selling their
knowledge.
Lakshmi then say good bye to her husband and left
vaikundam. She reached Kolhapur, a place on earth and
started to meditate.
 7. MAHAVISHNU ARRIVES TO EARTH

When lakshmi left vaikundam, the prosperity also left

with her. There is no pomp and prosperity. The inhabitants
were quite unhappy. They approached maha Vishnu and
appealed that; lakshmi should be brought back to
vaikundam.
Naha Vishnu was helpless. He doesn’t know what to do.
He was perplexed. He left vaikundam.. And he reached
earth in search of his dear wife. He ran helter shelter. He
climbed the hills, ran to the forests. He searched tirelessly
without food or sleep. But he could not find her .
He calls her name. Lakshmi….. Lakshmi……and he ran
hither and thither, up and down. He queried about lakshmi
to peacocks, monkeys, animals, birds, elephants, lions,
bears, etc.
Feeling tired and fatigued and getting no clue about
lakshmi, Sri Hari at last reached tirupati. Under the shade of
a tamarind tree, he sat in meditation praying for the return
of his dear wife lakshmi.
NARADA MEETS LAKSHMI
Narada came to know about the dissertation of
vaikundam. He went to sathyaloka. He told Brahma his
father that as per his advice he had arranged Vishnu being
born on earth. Therefore lakshmi and Vishnu got separated.
She is staying in Kolhapur and doing penance. Sri Hari is
taking shelter at valmika at varahashetra. But He is starving
for food. He does not get sleep. So narada ask his father to
arrange food for Vishnu.
Brahma thought over it for some time and asked
Narada to go and meet lakshmi in Kolhapur. And He himself
started for kailash. In kailash, Siva receives Brahma with
due honor and enquired about the purpose of his visit.
Brahma explained in detail, the differences arose between
narayana and lakshmi. Thus lead to their separation. And
explain him about how narayana suffering without food and
sleep. He suggested that Shiva and he should take the
shape of a cow and calf and feed Vishnu with milk, to help
him to survive. Shiva agreed.
Narada as directed by Brahma went to Kolhapur and
met lakshmi. He saluted her and said , “ o mother , why
have you left your rightful place vaikundam, and now suffer
here in earth like an ordinary woman, wearing saffron robes
and doing penance”
Lakshmi could not avoid bursting into tears. She
however she managed to control her tears and told narada
about her plight in detail.
After hearing her narada said, “This is how fate plays.
After you left vaikundam, narayana also left the place and
wandering from place to place in search of you. And he now
takes shelter in valmika under a tamarind tree in Tirupati.
He is deprived of food and sleep. He has gone down very
much. He is always thinking of you and you only, so arrange
him to feed.’
Narada then left taking leave of lakshmi.

8. BRAHMA AND MAHESHWAR TURN COW AND CALF

Having heard from Narada the suffering of her

husband, lakshmi was very much worried. She could not
understand what could be done to feed her husband. She
therefore, prayed to Brahma and MAHESHWAR to come to
her aid. Both of them appeared before her.
Lakshmi prostrated before them, and explained what
narada told her about her husband. Brahma and maheshwar
thought for a while and told her that they would take the
shape of a cow and a calf. They asked her to become a
cowherd woman and take them to chandragiri and sell them
to the Chola king, to facilitate them to feed her husband
with cow’s milk. Lakshmi Devi agreed.

9. LAKSHMI DEVI SELLS THE COW AND CALF TO THE

CHOLA KING.

Brahma took the form of a cow, while maheshwar

became a calf. Lakshmi Devi took the shape of a cow herd
woman. She drove the cow and the calf to chandragiri town
and reached the king’s palace.
She told the king that she intended to sell the cow and
calf to him. She added that those animals belonged to a
special bred and that ordinary people cannot rear the same.
That is why she said, she wanted to sell it to the king.
 Both the king and the queen were attracted by the
appearance of the cow and calf and purchased the animals
from her. Taking leave of the royal couple, lakshmi returned
to Kolhapur and continued her meditation.
The chola queen had desired to feed her child with the
milk from the new cow, though they had several cows. So
she called their cowherd and ordered him that he should
take special care in grazing that new cow and that cow’s
milk should be brought to her separately.
The cow herd used to drive the new cow along with
other herds for grazing towards venkatachalam. But the new
cow doesn’t mix with other cows. It used to get itself
isolated from others and without noticing by anybody, the
cow go to valmika where Sri Hari is sheltering and pour milk
from her udder directly into the valmika and rejoin the herds
by the evening. When the herd returned home, they found
that there is no drop of milk left with the new cow. This
continued for some days.
 10. SRI HARI CURSES THE CHOLA KING

One day the Chola queen called the cow herd and
ask, “You have not brought the new cow’s milk is the cow
not give milk? Or have you been gulping all the milk from
the cow or making money out of it. Come out with the
truth.”
The cow herd said, “I am innocent. I do not know
anything. Every evening, soon after driving the cattle
back home, I do try to milk this cow, as I do to the other
cows. To my surprise I found its udders are always empty.
I do not understand that” .
The queen said, “How could anyone believe this? Will
any cow with a tender calf go without milk? I don’t believe
your words. If you don’t bring the milk tomorrow you will
be punished.”
The cow herd trembled in fear. He prostrated before
her and went away.
The next morning when the cowherd took the
cattle for grazing, the cow herd keeps an eye on that new
cow. After reaching venkatachalam, he found that the new
cow going astray. He silently followed her. As usual the
cow goes to valmika and began to pour milk from its
udder into its opening. The how herd’s anger gets no
bound. He took his axe and tries to hit the animal.
Sri Hari saw that the cow, which all these days
were feeding him, was going to face the forceful blow
from the cowherd’s axe.
He immediately came out of the valmika and tried
to save the cow. And in that attempt, he bore that blow on
his head. His head began to bleed heavily. The sight of
the blood makes the cowherd fainted. He fell down
unconscious. The blood that oozed out from sri hari’s
head spread on the cow also.
The divine cow moved from there and reached
the palace of the king. It mooed loudly to attract the
attention of the king. Hearing the roar like sound of the
cow, the king and his army men came out. The cow was
thumping its leg on the ground as if inviting to follow it.
The king noticed the blood stains on the cow. He along
with his army men followed the cow. The cow was quickly
marching towards venkatachalam. It stopped where the
cow herd fell unconscious .
The Chola king heard someone moaned. He
ordered his men to find out where it comes from or who it
is. They began their search. When the king neared the
valmika he found narayana in a pool of blood flowing from
his head. He said, ‘o! Great man, may I know who you
are? Kindly forgive me for committing this sin to you”
Sri Hari heard those words. He opened his eyes
and saw the Chola king. He got up and said, “Do you want
to, who I am? See me now” so saying he showed his real
form. And with an angry voice he said, “You fool. You have
thoughtlessly caused me this wound through your
cowherd. For that act I cursed you become a ghost”.
The king begged his pardon. He said, “I never
ordered the cowherd to wound anybody. Narayana! Had I
known you were here, I would have personally to serve
you. I am innocent. Kindly forgive me. I beg you my lord,
kindly withdraw your curse’.
Sri Hari said that, “the king is responsible for the
sins committed by his subjects. My curse cannot be
withdrawn. After this birth, you will be reborn in this
family .and will be named Akasaraju. You will then give
your daughter padmvathi in marriage to me. You will also
present me a ruby studded crown, which I will adorn on
Friday’s. . You will then attain moksha.’
The cowherd by now regained conscience. He
prostrated before Sri Hari and begged his pardon.
Sri Hari pitied on him and said, “Dear lad, don’t
worry. This is not your mistake. Hence I saved you. After
my birth in earth, you were the first person, who has had
my dharshan. Therefore, even in my temple, people
belonging to your generation will have my dharshan first.
You will become historically famous. You need not fear. “
According to this, even today, a person from the
cowherd’s generation is getting the first dharshan of the
lord, in all the temple of lord venkateshwara. Only after
this, the other programs are carried out in the temple.
 11. BHOOVARAHAMOORTHY
Once sanaka, sanandana and other sages took the
form of dwarf went to vaikundam, to have the dharshan of
Lord Sri Hari. Jaya and vijaya were the guards at the
entrance. They did not allow the sages to enter. On the
other hand they pushed them out. The sages felt ashamed.
They could not tolerate the dishonor so they cursed jaya
and vijaya to turn as rakshasas .
Jaya and vijaya requested them to pardon their
mistake and take back the curse. The sages said they could
not withdraw the curse. They assured that after three births
they will get back their original form and position. And in all
the three births, they will oppose Sri Hari and be killed by
him. So saying the sages returned.
Jaya and vijaya were born as hiranyaksha and
hiranyakasipa.
Hiranyaksha was a very cruel person. He gave troubles
to rishis, and the devotees of hari. Once he rolled the earth
like a mat and hid it in underworld water.

Unable to bear the troubles created by hiranyaksha,

the people approached Vishnu and prayed him to help them
.Vishnu console them. He took the form of a white pig and
diving into the sea and reached the underworld. With his
sharp horns, he killed hiranyaksha and brought the earth up.
His form was known as bhoovarahamoorthy.
As he rescued the earth, all are requested varaha
moorthy to stay in earth and help the mankind. Therefore he
made seshachalam as his abode. There were many sages
with him. He used to have discussion with them he is
protecting his devotees.
 12. BIRTH OF VAKULA DEVI

In dwapara Yuga, people in dwarka came to know that

Krishna avatar was coming to an end. Therefore, they
immersed in sorrow. On hearing this news Yasodha Devi the
foster mother of sri Krishna, came to Krishna and said, “dear
child, I have heard that your avatar is coming to an end. I
am fortunate that I tended you from childhood, and I
enjoyed your love and affection. But I am not fortunate to
witness your marriage. So give such an opportunity.”
Sri Krishna consoled her and said, “Mother doesn’t
worry. In kaliyuga I will be born as venkateshwara. Then I
will get my marriage celebrated by you. You will then be
born as vakuladevi and will be a devotee of Sri
VARAHASWAMI. I will meet you there and live with you.”
At these words; of Sri Krishna yasodha getting overjoyed.
In her next births yasodha born as vakuladevi and became
the devotee of VARAHASWAMI.

13. SRI HARI ASK VARAHASWAMI FOR LAND

Sri Hari was wandering in the woods in search of

herbs, to heal his head injury, brihaspathi the deva guru
came to know of this. He therefore went o venkatachalam
and met Sri Hari.sri hari received him with due respect. And
he requested him to suggest a medicine for his wound.
The guru pitied on him. He suggested that the fibers
of the milk weed soaked in the milk from the fig tree can be
applied to the wound. Then the wound will cure in a week
time. He then took leave of hari and returned to his ashram.
Sri Hari then went in search of the fig tree. On his way
he came across a cottage. He walked towards it. He heard
Sri Krishna bhajan being conducted inside the cottage.
Unable to bear the pain Sri Hari cried, “Mother, mother ”
Vakula Devi, who was conducting the bhajan, heard
the cries of Sri Hari. She had a feeling that Sri Krishna
himself was calling her. She immediately stopped the bhajan
and came out. She saw Sri Hari standing before her cottage.
She took him in. she fondly enquired what medicine could
be applied to the wound.

Sri Hari repeated what brihasbathi had suggested.

Vakula Devi applied the medicine and fed him with fruits
and milk. After he had taken a little rest, she enquired as to
who he was and what injury was due to.
Sri Hari said, “Mother, have you so soon forgotten me.
Look at me attentively” saying so he gave her the mentally
vision to recollect her previous birth. She could see then the
Krishna avatar. That sight overwhelmed her. She fondly
embraced Sri Hari. Sri Hari explained her, about his story.
Next morning, she bathed him and took him to Sri
VARAHASWAMI mandhir nearby. Narayana worshipped
VARAHASWAMI devotedly. VARAHASWAMI blessed him. He
learnt narayana story through his mental vision.
Sri Hari requested VARAHASWAMI to give some land in
the hills for him to live. VARAHASWAMI said that he would
give him the land if he was prepared to pay the cost.
Sri Hari told him that since lakshmi was not with him.
He was not having any money. He added that if some land
was allotted to him he would live there. And all those who
came to see him would first see VARAHASWAMI and then
only come to him.
VARAHASWAMI agreed to this and gave narayana one
hundred square feet land. Then vakuladevi and Vishnu took
leave of VARAHASWAMI and returned to their cottage.
Vakula Devi asked Vishnu by what name he would like
to be called by her. He replied that she might call him
srinivasa. From that day Vishnu was known as srinivasa.
As per the promise made by Vishnu to VARAHASWAMI,
even today all the pilgrims to tirupati first visit Sri
VARAHASWAMI temple and then have dharshan of Sri
Venkateshwara. Even the prasadams are presented to Sri
VARAHASWAMI first and then to Sri Venkateshwara.

14. BIRTH OF AKASA RAJU

Narayanapuram is about 20 miles from tirupati. It
was king sudharma’s capital. Chola king was once cursed by
Vishnu. As a result of that he turned a Rakshasas. That
period lapsed. He had to be reborn in a royal family as per
that curse. So, he entered the womb of sudharma’s wife and
was born as their son. He was named AKASA RAJU. He was
very dear of his parents and was brought up with much love
and care.
Sudharma once went for hunting. After some time
he felt thirsty. So he came to kapilatheertha to quench his
thirst and rest for a while. While he was resting there, a
naga girl was found bathing in the kapilatheertha. Her
beauty attracted Sudharma. He approached her and made
enquiries and married her in the gandhara way. To him, she
bore one son. He was named thondaman.
When Sudharma grew old he made AKASA RAJU as king
and left thondaman to his care. Sudharma died. AKASA RAJU
ruled well. His wife, the queen dharani Devi treated the poor
kindly. People lived happily under their rule. All their
subjects were obedient. The royal couple had no children.
Only that was their grievance. That worried them much.

15. AKASA RAJU PERFORMS PUTHRAKAMESSTI YAGA.

On one auspicious day AKASA RAJU invited his Kula

guru suka maharishi. He devotedly washed; the guru’s feet
and prayed him to advise what he should do to beget
children.
Suka maharishi said, “Long long ago king janaka
performed PUTHRAKAMESSTI YAGA and got janaki as his
daughter. You may also do the same. God will bless you’
Akasa raju was very much pleased at the
maharishi’s suggestion. He collected all the materials
necessary for the YAGA. On an auspicious day he invited
Brahmins and did the puja. After the puja he started to
plough the field with his golden plough, where YAGA was to
be performed .
 While plough something struck the plough and the
plough did not move. So, the mud was dug out. They found
a box embedded in the soil. When the box was taken out
and opened, to their surprise they found a beautiful female
child in the midst of a thousand petal lotus flower. At that
time there was a bright lighting in the sky and a voice from
heaven heard. It said ‘Akasa raju you are very fortunate. As
a result of the good deeds, you did in your last birth, you got
this child. On account of her your race will benefit”

On hearing those words from heaven suka maharishi,

Brahmins, Akasa raju, dharani Devi and all other present
were happy. Akasa raju took the child in his arms, got the
blessings of the maharishi and others, left the YAGA yard
and reached his palace. Since the child was born in lotus
flower [padma] she was named padmvathi. They brought up
the child with love and affection.
 To their good fortune and on the account of the
favorable placement of the stars at the time of
padmavathi’s birth, dharani devi soon became pregnant and
give birth to a boy on an auspicious day. He was named
vasudamudu. The king and the queen brought him up with
loving care.

16. PADMAVATHI’S PREVIOUS BIRTH

Padmaksha maharaja performed varalakshmi

vratha and by the grace of that deity had one female
child. The child was named masulungi. Gradually
masulungi grew brighter and brighter and shone like the
full moon. At sixteen she attained puberty.
From her childhood, masulungi was an ardent
devotee of Sri Hari. She worshipped him daily with
devotion. She dedicated her life to Vishnu and decided to
marry Him only.
Padmaksha came to know of her desire. He
therefore announced swayamvara for masulungi. Kings
from several kingdoms were invited and all of them were
present. Ravana was not invited. But when he learned
about the swayamvara, he has also come to the
swayamvara.
Having been attracted by the beauty of musulungi,
ravana tried to get her by force. Her father intervened.
But ravana killed him. He continued to force musulungi.
The swayamvara field became like a battle field. Kings
from other kingdom fled with fear .
Musulungi appealed to Sri Hari. And reciting his
name on her lips, she managed to disappear from the
scene. She reached a place in a forest where rishis were
reciting Veda’s. As she appeared before the rhishi’s, they
were chanting Veda’s. So she was named as vedavati by
them. After some time she took leave of the rishi’s and
reached Himalaya’s. And there she sat in meditation, with
her eyes closed.
The disappointed ravana was returning to his kingdom
by air. On his way he saw musulungi in the Himalayas
doing penance. A ray of hope passed through his mind.
He got down from his chariot and stood before musulungi.
Deeply immersed in meditation, she didn’t open her eyes,
and therefore do not know ravana’s presence.
Ravana touched masulungi cheek with his index finger
and said, ‘darling, having fled from there, you have
arrived here. Do you think that narayana will save you?
You cannot escape from me. I am the only person who
matches for you. Come and accept me.”
Masulungi was stunned to see Ravana again. She
angrily shouted, “You devil, how you dare force a woman
against her will? Because of you I am going to end my life,
throwing myself in fire. You and your race perish on
account of a lady like me.” Having said like that, she
created a fire by her yogic power and threw herself in it
and reduced to ashes, and thus absorbed in the fire.
In Rama avatar, Rama with sita and lakshmana
spent fourteen years in exile. They spent that period in
dandakaranya. One day when Rama and lakshmana were
away from the cottage and sita was left alone, ravana
tried to carry away sita. Having come to know about this
attempt of ravana before hand, Agni substituted sita by
vedavathi. He took sita with him and left her under his
wife swahadevi’s protection. Ravana carried vedavathi to
lanka .
After ravana was killed by Rama, sita entered into
fire to prove her chastity. From that fire Agni deva
 appeared with both sita and vedavathi, and explained to
Rama how ravana was deceived. Agni requested Sri Rama
to marry vedavathi, who had undergone untold sufferings
in ravana’s hand and who had been praying all the time
to marry him. Sita also agreed that.
But Rama said that he was observing ekapahni vratha
in that avatar. Rama Promised to marry vedavathi in
kaliyuga, when he would be born as srinivasa and she as
padmvathi, daughter of Akasa raju.
Pleased with that, vedavathi absorbed her with Agni.
That vedavathi is this padmvathi.

17. NARADA STUDIES PADMAVATHI’S PALM AND

PREDICTS HER FUTURE.

Padmvathi was gradually bigger and brighter day by

day. As she was a child born out of a boon, she was very
intelligent and soon learnt all arts from her masters. At
fourteen she attained age. She was as beautiful as rathi,
learned as saraswathi, and pure as parvathi, and lovely as
lakshmi. Her learning, conduct and character earned her
name and fame.
It was one Friday. She did gowri puja and was
playing with her mates. Just then narada appeared before
them chanting the hymns of narayana. Padmvathi
prostrated before him and offered him a seat.
Her polite manners won narada’s appreciation.
Having been pleased with her behavior narada offered to
study her palm, and predict her future. With shyness,
padmvathi stretched her left palm before narada .
Narada examined her palm and said, “Padma, the
line in your palm predict that you will become the wife of
srimannarayanan. You will have abundant wealth and
prosperity. And you lead a royal life. You will have fame and
gain the appreciation of the people’
Blessing her early marriage narada went on his way.

18. SRINIVASA GOES FOR HUNTING.

Under the lovely care of vakuladevi srinivasa was
spending his time very happily in venkatachalam. As days
passed, one day srinivasa felt he should go for hunting. He
informed this to his mother. Vakuladevi said, “Dear son, you
are too tender a lad. How can you face wild beast?
Somehow, I fear very much. So don’t go”
Srinivasa said, ‘fear not dear mother. The wild
beasts cannot harm me. Don’t you know my capacity?
Permit me to fulfill this small desire of mine’.
Vakuladevi didn’t say anything further. She blessed
him success and asked him to return soon.
Srinivasa wore a hunter’s dress. He took his bow and
arrow. Then taking leave of his mother, he went towards the
forest. When srinivasa raised his bow and aim the arrow, it
made a thundering noise and the whole forest echoed.
Hearing that sound the wild animals ran helter skelter for
life.
Availing this opportunity, srinivasa aimed sharp
arrows and killed lions, tigers, pigs etc. he chased elephants
and create great havoc in the forest. One haughty elephant
trumpeted and made a great noise. Srinivasa ran toward the
direction of the sound and chased the animal. As he could
not make pace with the elephant, he prayed to Brahma.
Immediately a white horse appeared before him. Galloping
on the horse, srinivasa followed the elephant. After running
some distance, the elephant lifted its trunk, saluted
srinivasa and disappeared.
Srinivasa felt pleased at the elephant saluting him. He gave
up hunting those dump animals. He then entered a garden
that was nearby. He found a pool there and went near it to
quench his th

irst and have some rest.

19. PADMAVATI MEETS SRINIVASA

In the garden, srinivasa made his horse drink water in

the tank. He also quenched his thirst and was lying down
taking rest under the shade of a tree. A melodious song
attracted his attention. He lent his ears to the direction of
the voice and was enjoying the music. Just then padmvathi
came that way. He saw her and stunned by her beauty. He
lost himself in love for her. He thought that she excelled
apsaras in beauty. His mind was longing to posses her. He
politely asked what her sweet name was. And, who her
parents were? He slowly advances towards padmvathi.
Padmvathi directed her maids to enquire about
him. They asked him who he was. Why he was coming that
way. Srinivasa replied that he was a lonely man and there
were none to look after him. He added that he lived in
seshachalam.
Padmvathi now came very near to srinivasa and
answering his queries and said that she was padmvathi, and
her parents were Akasa raju and dharani devi. She advised
him that it was a private garden and as no stranger was
allowed inside .she further said that if her father came to
know of his presence there, he would not let him go
unpunished.
Srinivasa said, “dear love, I am attracted by your
beauty. I have no mind to leave you and go. God Has gave
you this birth only for my sake. Since I love you dearly, you
please marry me”
On hearing those words padmvathi got angry. Her
eyes reddened. She said, “You fool, who do you think I am?
What a wonder! A hunter desires to marry a princess. If you
have desire for your life please get away at once. Be quick ”
Srinivasa smiled and said, “My dear, it is not
unnatural that you rebuke at me. Status does not bar
anyone in the matter of love. I admire your beauty. I am
sure you will be mine. This is true. Therefore agree for
marriage with me”. Saying so srinivasa advanced towards
her.
Padmvathi felt that it would be dangerous to wait any
longer. So she hinted her maids by the wink of her eye to
chase him out. They chased him by aiming stones at him.
His horse which was standing behind him could not tolerate
the pain caused by the stone throwing and it died. Srinivasa
was also bleeding heavily. Sorrowfully glancing at
padmvathi, he left the garden with a heavy heart and
reached varahagiri.

20. SRINIVASA EXPLAINS HIS EXPERIENCES IN THE

GARDEN TO VAKULADEVI

After reaching his cottage, srinivasa lay down on his

bed and was groaning. Vakuladevi brought him some fruits
to eat. He did not touch them. When vakuladevi went near
him she found wounds all over his body. She asked what
that was due to and who did it. She asked what that was
due to and who did it. She was anxious to know it. She
begged him to narrate what all had happened.
Srinivasa said, “Mother, I was chasing a furious
elephant. It ran some distance and after saluting me it
disappeared. I felt thirsty. I found a garden nearby and
entered it to quench my thirst. When I was resting there I
heard a melodious music. Soon I saw there a beautiful girl.
She was padmvathi, the daughter of Akasa raju. Her beauty
attracted me. I fell in love with her. I expressed my desire to
her and these wounds are the results.
Vakuladevi said, ‘my child, what a grave mistake
you have committed! Can you imagine marrying a princess?
Will any king agree to give his daughter in marriage for a
pauper? Please take my words and forget her.’
Srinivasa said, “In tretha Yuga I was born as rama.
To keep up my father’s word I spent fourteen years in the
forest. During that period ravana tried to carry away my
wife sita. Agni came to know of ravana’s plan and he
substituted vedavathi for sita and thus saved her. After
ravana was killed by me, sita threw herself in fire. From the
fire vedavathi and sita appeared. Agni requested me to
marry vedavathi. Sita also agreed to that proposal. But since
I was observing “ekapathni vratha, I promised vedavathi
that in kaliyuga I would be born as srinivasa and she as
padmvathi and at that time I would marry her.
Akasa raju’s daughter padmvathi is the same
vedavathi. Please tell me mother should I not keep up that
promise.’

21. PADMAVATHI’S MENTAL DISCOMFORT

 After the hunter was chased away from the garden,
padmvathi returned to the palace with her maids. But she
was attracted by the good physique and form and had
already given her mind to him though she had not revealed
it openly. Whether her eyes were open or shut, his form only
was appearing before her mind. She felt shy to reveal this
either her parents or to her maids. She was sure her mother
would never agree for such an alliance and her father would
say that, that was not the proper person.
She therefore couldn’t relish food nor could get sleep.
She never spoke to her maids and never went to the
garden. She was bed ridden and was always muttering
something. She was become weaker day by day.
Her parents got worried. They could not find the
reason behind. They called for doctors, who gave her
medicines. But there is no effect. Thinking that some evil
spirits were playing on her they performed puja’s. Talismans
were prepared. But nothing could cure her ailment. Where
they can find cure for a mental discomfort?

22. SRINIVASA IN THE FORM OF A FORTUNE TELLER

PREDICTS PADMAVATHI’S FUTURE.

The whole night srinivasa could not get sleep.

The happenings in the garden reeled before his mind. He
felt that padmvathi couldn’t recognize him in his hunter’s
attire. She would have recognized him, if he had shown her
his real form. That was his mistake. He realized. What is the
use of this after thought? He spent that night, sleepless. The
day broke, meantime.
Vakuladevi couldn’t tolerate srinivasa’s plight. She
consoled him and asked him not to be perturbed. She said
she would meet Akasa raju and to the best of her ability try
to convince him. She started for Narayanapuram on this
mission.
Doubting whether the king and queen would agree to
his mother’s request, srinivasa thought of another plan to
win padmavathi’s hand. Accordingly he dressed himself like
a female fortune teller. He bore a red sari and a green
blouse. He put a green tilak on the forehead and forearms,
applied collieries on the eyelids, and resembled like a lady.
Holding a basket on her waist she reached Narayanapuram.
Standing before the king’s palace she cried “fortune teller,
fortune teller” in a peculiar tone. Dharani Devi wanted to
find out what the exact illness of her daughter was. So she
ordered the fortune teller be brought in
When she came in, singi the fortune teller placed
her basket on the floor and squatted before it. Dharani Devi
called her daughter padmvathi there. Singi said that she
would tell ‘what is as is’ and would not hide any facts. She
requested that she may be richly rewarded. She then asked
padmvathi to stretch her palm.
Padmavathi’s maids told singi that she should tell
only the truth and if she revealed what was in the mind of
the princess, she would be suitably rewarded.
Singi made padmvathi sit before the basket. She
placed a bamboo tray before her and got it filled with
pearls. She decorated the fortune plank with saffron and
kumkum, prayed to gods and goddesses. She prayed to
vigneshwara, veerapadthra, kumara swami, visveshwara,
lakshmi, parvathi, tirumoorthis, ashta tik balaka’s, Madurai
meenakshi, kanchi kamatchi, kasi visalakshi, kanaka durga,
etc. she prayed them to bless her and guide her to tell what
is hidden in the princess mind. Holding a cane in her hand
and passing it on the palm of padmvathi she began to tell,
“hear o mother, you have a desire in your mind. You would
like to know what it is. You would also like to whether it is
good or bad. You would feel glad if I say it is good. You would
like me to tell you it is good only. It is not bad. If there is
anybody happy about it, it is you only. You loved one person.
He is black in complexion. You met him in the garden. You
talked to him. He stole your heart. You are thinking about
him only. See this; you have this line running in your palm. It
is the marriage line. It is strong. Your desire is sure to be
fulfilled. None can avoid it. You would like to know when you
will get that bridegroom. It will not be too long. Please wait.
Time tide waits for no man. Here look into this basket.
Padmvathi immediately looked into the basket. She
could see srinivasa, whom she met in the garden. She was
pleased to see him. But bent her head in shyness and kept
silent.
Singi continued … even the three crore of deva’s
cannot stand in your way and cannot stop your marriage
with the person whom you loved. Padmvathi was overjoyed
and could not contain her happiness. She ran away into her
apartment smiling.
Dharani Devi was struck with wonder. She could not
understand the miracle that cured her daughter. She
anxiously asked whether all that she said was true. Singi
replied ‘asks your daughter’. Getting suitable present’s singi
moved away
 23. DHARANI DEVI DISCUSSES WITH AKASA RAJU

The words of singi very much pleased padmvathi.

On the other hand it worried her mother. She went to her
husband, Akasa raju and said that she would not sustain the
idea of her daughter marrying of an ordinary person. She
asked how her daughter accustomed to a royal way of life
could, lead a life in woods.
Akasa raju consoled her. He said dear how narada’s
words could become untrue. Do not worry. We will invite our
guru and consult him.
While they were talking, padmvathi entered into the
room. She with great respect to her parents politely told
them that srinivasa had already stolen her heart and she
would not marry anyone other than him. She added that her
decision was final and she would not change her mind even
if the sun and moon changed their directions.
Finding the determination of their daughter they said
that her desire would be fulfilled.

24. VAKULA DEVI MEETS AKASA RAJU

Vakuladevi, taking the blessings of

VARAHASWAMI left venkatachalam and reached
Narayanapuram on her mission. She meets Akasa raju and
dharani Devi in their palace. They received her respectfully,
offered her a seat and enquired who she, who is looking like
yogi was? Where was she live? And what brought her here?
Vakula Devi said, “My name is Vakula devi. I live
in seshachalam that is nearby. I have son named srinivasa.
He has the power ruling the three lokas. At present hr has
lost his all wealth. He loves your daughter padmvathi and
desire to marry her. So I have come on his behalf to request
you to give your daughter in marriage to him. He belonged
to Sri Hari vamsa [family]. If you agree to this proposal, you
would not only earn name and fame but also attain mukthi.”
Her words pleased the king and the queen. They
however said that they would send a word after consulting
the elders.
Vakula Devi blessed the royal pair and returned to
her cottage.

25. AKASA RAJU INVITE SUKA MAHARISHI

 After Vakula Devi left, Akasa raju wanted to
consult sukamaharishi regarding padmavathi’s marriage.
So, he sent his brother thondaman to bring sukamaharishi.
Thondaman brought suka maharishi. Akasa raju received
the maharishi with due honor and offered him a seat. He
then narrated to the maha rishi what happened to the
padmvathi in the garden, narada’s predictions; singi’s
reading of the palm of padmvathi, vakuladevi conversation
with him etc. and asked for his opinion about padmavathi’s
marriage with srinivasa.
Sukamaharishi said, “Dear king, you are a very
fortunate person. No less than a sriman narayana is going to
become your son in law. Do not hesitate. Send words to
vakuladevi immediately, about your acceptance for the
marriage of your daughter padmvathi with srinivasa’
Akasa raju dharani Devi and all other who were
present there were very much pleased.

26. SUKA MAHARISHI MEETS SRINIVASA.

Having thus agreed to give their daughter in

marriage to srinivasa, Akasa raju invited brihasbathi and
others and explained to them what had all happened and
how they have agreed for the marriage. Brihasbathi pleased
to hear that. He said that not only he but the entire human
race will stand to benefit for that marriage. The three cores
of deva’s rishis garuda, ghandharva, etc will have the
benefit of witnessing the marriage of narayana. He agreed
at the request of Akasa raju to write an invitation for
marriage to srinivasa.
He turned the almanac. He then looked into it
carefully. Calculated the placement of stars etc. and finally
concluded that vaisakha sukla dasami. [The tenth day after
the new moon day in the month of vaishaka]] As the most
auspicious day for the marriage of the lord.. He similarly
drafted the lagna patrika thus:
Akasa raju of Narayanapuram addressed Sri
Srinivasa of seshachalam, great soul. We were very much
pleased to hear most learned men and elders about you. We
therefore without any hesitation, are anxious to offer you
our daughter padmvathi in marriage and thus make you our
son in law. Elders have fixed vaishaka sukla dasami as the
most auspicious day for the marriage. We therefore,
requested your good self to accept our offer with all your
relatives and friends sufficiently early”.
Suka maharishi requested to carry this
invitation to srinivasa and get his acceptance for the
marriage. He was very glad to do so. He considered it as his
good fortune, so he left Narayanapuram with the invitation,
and arrive seshachalam safely. He was received by
vakuladevi and entertained with fruits etc. after a little rest;
suka maharishi handed over the invitation to srinivasa.
Srinivasa read the invitation and thanked the sukamaharishi
heartily.
 27. SRINIVAS SENDS REPLY TO AKASA RAJU.

Srinivasa of seshachalam addresses his highness the

king Emperor Sri Sri Akasa raju of narayana puram thus:
“prostration to thee. I am very much pleased with your
invitation. I accept your offer heartily. We are agreeable for
the date fixed by you. I will be arriving your place in time
with all our relatives and friends and solemnly accept your
daughter as my wife”.
The above letter was handed over to sukamaharishi
for delivery to Akasa raju personally, suka maharishi left
seshachalam for Narayanapuram and handed over the letter
to Akasa raju. Akasa raju read that letter and felt glad. He
praised sukamaharishi and thanked him heartily. Suka
maharishi then left for his place.

28. SRINIVASA RECEIVES LOAN FROM KUBERA.

We know sriman narayana left vaikundam and reached
earth. After some time narada met him at seshachalam and
saluted him. Srinivasa offered him a seat. He occupied the
seat. He told srinivasa that in Tretha Yuga he gave word to
vedavathi that he would marry her in kaliyuga and at that
time had arrived to fulfill that promise. He added that he
was feeling glad to witness the marriage.
Srinivasa was not having any money. He was
worried as to how he could get the required amount for the
marriage. He told narada that since lakshmi was not living
with him he became poor and he was unable to fin d out
ways and means to make up the money needed.
Narada said: “padbanaba, why do you worry? You can
obtain any amount from KUBERA as loan”
That was a good and timely suggestion. Srinivasa
immediately ordered garuda to go and bring KUBERA before
him. Garuda did so.
Narada said to KUBERA, “you know that srinivasa
marriage with padmvathi has been fixed to be celebrated on
sukla dasami day of vaishaka month. I request you
therefore, to help srinivasa with the money needed for the
marriage.”
Unhesitatingly KUBERA lent srinivasa 3364 cores of
Rama coins and obtained a bond for that sum from him. The
bond was witnessed by Brahma, maheshwar, and
aswathama.
 Srinivasa promised to pay KUBERA only interest till
end of kaliyuga and clear the principal immediately
thereafter
Both narada and KUBERA were satisfied. They took
leave of srinivasa and left the place happily.

29. ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE MARRIAGE

Since he managed to secure the money required for

the marriage, srinivasa’s joy knew no bounds. He called his
brother govindaraja and told him to receive the money from
KUBERA and proceeded with the arrangements for
accommodation with viswakarma’s assistance.
 Accordingly, with viswakarma”s help govindaraja
built necessary halls , erected shady coverings, tied banners
of green leaves and flowers and made decorations and
illuminations to give seshachalam a festive appearance , so
as to remind one that vaikundam had come to earth.
A peculiarity with govindaraja was that his palm
carried a wealth line by which as he goes on spending, the
wealth goes on multiplying four fold. That was the very
reason why that work was entrusted to him.
Srinivasa consulted his mother as to whom all
invitations for marriage should be sent. She said, “You are
god incarnation on earth. All that are in the world are your
men. It is therefore, your duty to spread the invitation to all
the fourteen lokas’ so this work had been entrusted to
garuda. On receipt of the invitation, everybody started for
sheshadri.
Brahma and Sarawathi, maheshwar and parvathi,
indra and sasi devi, narada, Dikpalakas, vasista, sownaka,
Sootha, garuda, kinnara, yaksha, deva’s, hanumantha,
ramba, oorvasi, menaka, tilothama, savithri, arundati,
Anusuya, subramanya,and devayani, vinayakam, etc were
some among those who arrived seshachalam.
Agni deva received the guests with due honor. Agni
offered them sandal paste, flowers etc. and arranged for a
grand feast. Vasudeva sprinkled scented water on the
guests, while Anusuya, parvathi, savithri, and Sarawathi
applied scented paste; srinivasa had his auspicious bath and
was neatly dressed with silk pithambaram, and apply kasturi
tilak, and decorated with diamonds, rubies and gems,
studded crown and other ornaments. He rode on the
garuda. Vigneshwara lead on mooshika vahana. Maheshwar
on Nandi blew conch. Brahma and VARAHASWAMI chant the
Veda’s. The procession moved with the beating of the drums
and nadaswaram music. After some time the procession
reached the ashram of suka maharishi.
Suka maharishi, performed foot puja to srinivasa, and
humbly requested him to stay in his ashram. Srinivasa said
all those in the procession were his guests and if he alone
received his offerings, what about them all?
Suka maharishi said, “O, lord, if I have your
grace, it is not a difficult task for me to feed them all”. By
the grace of the lord, he fed all those present to their
heart’s content. The maharishi said the grace of him proved
the fact that he was “baktha banthava” and praised him in
many words.
Srinivasa having satisfied suka maharishi’s desire
started on his journey to Narayanapuram.

30. AKASA RAJU RECEIVES SRINIVASA

The entire narayana puram was covered with

shady pandals. Green leaves banners were tied. Grand
illuminations were made on all the four sides and drawings
with pearls drawn. The entire place presented a festive
appearance. Different musical instruments were played.
Married women applied scented paste and got padmvathi
bathe in scented water. They dressed her with beautiful and
costly silk clothes and decorate her with ornaments made of
gold, diamonds etc
 Meanwhile a messenger came there and informed
that the bridegroom’s party nearing the place. Akasa raju
marched towards them accompanied by his ministers,
subordinates kings, and with music. He meets them halfway
and brought srinivasa to hiss palace on a well decorate
elephant in a procession moving along the main roads of
Narayanapuram. On arrival near the palace he was allotted
a beautiful cottage to stay.
Similarly, Sarawathi and Brahma, parvathi and
maheshwar and deva’s etc. were also allotted appropriate
camps for stay. Grand feasts were also arranged for all of
them. All of them were very comfortably placed and well
attended to .
Having thus arranged facilities for the guests,
Akasa raju was then busy in collecting and arranging the
materials such as coconuts, fruits, flowers, betel leaves etc,
required for the marriage.

31. PADMAVATHI’S MARRIAGE WITH SRINIVASA.

The marriage was scheduled at sun rise. The time was

fast approaching. Vasista maharishi sent for dharani Devi
and Akasa raju. They came and performed foot puja to
srinivasa using milk, rose water, sandal paste, flowers, rice
coated with saffron, and camphor etc .
Srinivasa was then seated on a palanquin
decorated with pearls. Arthi was given. He was then carried
from his cottage to the marriage hall and was seated on a
plank decorate with diamonds.
Then while vasista, brihasbathi, and Brahma chanted
Veda’s dharani Devi brought padmvathi holding her hand
and made her to sit next to srinivasa. Akasa raju held
padmavathi’s hand while dharani Devi was dropping water
from a gold vessel he made those waters pass from his palm
into srinivasa palm. Through That act he gives padmvathi to
srinivasa.
Vasista tied the yellow rope to srinivasa and
padmvathi. While married ladies were singing. Srinivasa tied
the mangal sutra around padmavathi’s neck. Brahma,
maheshwar and other deva’s sprinkled saffron coated rice
over the couple as mark of blessing.
Sarawathi and parvathi gave them the Arthi.
Gandharva’s showered flowers from the sky. Thus the
marriage of padmvathi with srinivasa was celebrated on a
grand manner.
Vakuladevi was very much pleased and shed tears
of joy and blessed the couple heartily.
 32. AKASA RAJU GIVE GIFTS TO THE COUPLE

The marriage thus being over, Akasa raju gave

his son in law srinivasa, a crown studded with diamonds,
rubies and gems, gold and other valuable ornaments,
2,00,14,000 gold coins, gold and diamond necklaces,
rubies studded dollars and many other valuable vessels,
gold embroidered mats, 10,000 horses, a number of
servants and many more presents as dowry.
He gave padmvathi a gift of silk clothes, varieties
of diamond ornaments covering the 7 days wear and
another gift of 2000 villages etc.
The learned men and invitees present were also
suitably rewarded. They were entertained with rich food
for five days.
Akasa raju and dharani Devi then ceremonially
made over padmvathi to srinivasa by placing padmavathi’s
palm over srinivasa and pouring milk over their palms.
Akasa raju said to srinivasa, “I very well know you
are narayana himself born on earth, I am able to get you as
my son in law. You are the savior of dharma. I therefore
neither need nor tell you anything. But yet as the father of
the bride I have to say a word. My daughter padmvathi is
very innocent. She caused stones being hurled at you and
wounded you. Please do forgive her.”
To padmvathi he said. “Dear daughter, hear me
attentively. Your husband is none other than god himself.
You are fortunate to become his wife. To women, husband is
equal to god. Never go against him. Always keep serving at
his feet. By your good manners and behavior you must get
name and fame to your parents and the family of your
husband. Remember the stories of savithri and Anusuya, the
dutiful wives.” He advised her also many m ore morals.
 Srinivasa then took leave of his parent’s in-law.
He then leaves for seshachalam with padmvathi. Others
present there also rode back to their respective places.

33. SRINIVASA STAYS AS GUEST OF AGASTHIYA.

Moving along with his procession, srinivasa
reached the ashram of agasthiya. The sage received them
respectfully and offered puja. It is a custom that newlyweds
should not climb the hills for six months. AGASTHIYA
therefore requested them to spend that period in his
ashram. Srinivasa agreed. He advised Brahma, maheshwar
and others that as per the advice of the sages he would be
staying in the ashram for a period of six months.
Brahma, maheshwar and others took leave of
srinivasa and left to their respective places.
Padmvathi and srinivasa were spending their
time happily in the agasthiya ashram.

34. AKASA RAJU ATTAINS MOKSHA

One day a messenger arrived agsthiya ashram
from Narayanapuram. He met srinivasa and padmvathi and
with tears filled in his eyes said, “O, lord, our king Akasa raju
has suddenly fallen ill and is very serious. Please do come
quickly”.
On hearing him padmvathi and srinivasa started
urgently for narayana puram. With them Vakula Devi and
agasthiya also went. When they arrived there Akasa raju
was lying on his bed unconscious.
 Srinivasa filled with sorrow enquired Akasa raju.
Padmvathi embraced her mother and wept. Akasa Raju just
opened his eyes a little and saw his daughter and son in law
before him. Picking up strength he cried out “govinda,
Vasudeva, jagannatha, Padbanaba, and said, “In my last
seconds, I am able to see you. I consider my life as a
success. I do not have any desires. I do want nothing. My
son Vasudanan and my brother thondaman are very
innocent. So I request you to guide them’ .
Turning towards his daughter he said, “Dear
daughter you are lokamatha herself. Our fame has risen up
by your birth. Our bondage is coming to an end. We are
parting”. Then he breathes his last.
All those present burst into tears. Cremation
was arranged for Akasa raju and dharani Devi threw herself
into that fire and died.
After the rituals ceremonies srinivasa, padmvathi,
vakuladevi, and agasthiya left Narayanapuram and reached
agsthiya ashram.

35. VASUDANAN AND THONDAMAN FIGHT FOR THE

THRONE.

Srinivasa, padmvathi and vakuladevi were spending

their time happily in agsthiya ashram. After the demise of
Akasa raju, his son Vasudanan and his brother thondaman
quarreled for the throne. As they could not come to an
agreement, each one prepared for a battle against the
other. Gathering their armies each of them proceeded to
agsthiya ashram and requested srinivasa to help them on
their side.
Srinivasa treated each of them respectfully and said,
“both of you are dear to me. Both of you are came to me for
the same purpose.”
He gave the coach and the wheel to his devotee
thondaman. And he himself fought on the side of
Vasudanan.
There were heavy causalities on both sides.
Thondaman son fiercely fought with srinivasa but could not
overcome him. So he tried the sudarshan [the wheel] on
him praying Sri Hari. That hit srinivasa on his chest and he
fell unconscious on the chariot.
On hearing that her husband fell down
unconscious, padmvathi rushed to the battle field and
rendered him first aid, which helped him recovered soon. He
soon became conscious. Padmvathi then suggested to
srinivasa that since both Vasudanan and thondaman were
their near relatives, the kingdom may be equally divided
between them. Srinivasa did so. From then onwards
Vasudanan and thondaman lived in peace co operating with
each other.

36. THONDAMAN BUILDS SRINIVASA A TEMPLE.

On completion of six months period, srinivasa took

leave of agsthiya and accompanied by his wife padmvathi
and mother vakuladevi reached seshachalam. On an
auspicious day he invited thondaman and said, “O, child,
your name is rangadass in your previous birth. You desist
from your attention being drawn towards women; I made
you a maharaja in this birth. I desire to make seshachalam
my permanent abode till the end of kaliyuga. So, you build
me a temple.
Thondaman agreed to do so. He then took leave of
him and invited viswakarma’s to assist him. On an
auspicious day he laid the foundation for the temple. The
temple was completed in a short time. The temple,
contained many rooms, halls, kitchen, elephant shed, horse
shed , cow shed, golden well, prakara gopuram etc. on
either side foot path leading to seshachalam were provided
and gopuram [tower] and mandapams constructed.
Thus completing the temple, he informed srinivasa.
Information was sent to the three lokas. Brahma,
maheshwar, deva’s and others arrived to seshachalam. On
an auspicious day srinivasa along with padmvathi entered
‘ananda nilayam’ .
That happy occasion was marked by a grand feast and
distribution of clothes, jewels, scents, sandal paste etc. to
the invitees.

37. SRI SRINIVASA BRAHMOTSAVAM.

When srinivasa entered the temple built by thondaman.

Brahma himself lit two akhanda jyothi’s and said that those
would be burning till the end of kaliyuga. He said “o, lord I
have a desire to celebrate an utsav for you”.
Srinivasa said, “Whatever you do will always benefit the
universe. You may fulfill your desire”’
Brahma said, “you must promise me that you would
protect those who pray for your help and give them health,
wealth and happiness.” Srinivasa agreed.
Brahma then invited viswakarma and ordered that all
vahana required for the utsav.
Viswakarma agreed to do so. Those prepared by
him were Dwajarohanam, pearls pandals, simha’s [lion],
hamsa [swan], garuda, gaja [elephant,] surya prabha, and
Chandra prabha. And Kalpaviksha, hanumantha, aswa
[horse], and chariot etc,
 Brahma celebrates the BRAHMOTSAVAM and took a
grand procession along the streets. The celebrations were
witnessed by the kings and the subjects of Karnataka,
kamboja, Kerala, Andhra, Dravidian, vanga, anga, kalinga,
and Maharashtra kingdoms. As the celebrations were at the
instance of Brahma, that was called BRAHMOTSAVAM. From
then on, the utsav is being celebrated every year in the
month of aswayuja.

38. SCUFFLES BETWEEN LAKSHMI AND PADMVATHI –

SRINIVASA BECOMES AN IDOL

Lakshmi was in deep meditation about narayana

at Kolhapur. Narada approached her singing hymns of
narayana. He enquired lakshmi about her welfare.
Narada’s visit must have some background. She could
not guess what that could be. She feared that there
could have been some trouble for her husband. She
therefore anxiously enquired narada whether her
husband was safe or has gone into any troubles .
Narada smiled at her ignorance. He was
surprised at her queries. He thought that she was not
aware of srinivasa marriage with padmvathi. He
therefore told her ‘why do you anticipate any trouble
for your husband. He is quite happy with his new wife.
How strange it is that he married another lady when
you were still alive and that too without your
knowledge? He married padmvathi, daughter of Akasa
raju”
The agony created by this news was too much for
her to bear. She grew furious. She immediately rushed
to seshachalam.
In seshachalam, srinivasa was having pleasant
time with his new wife moving in the gardens freely,
and enjoying the beautiful sight of rivers, mountains,
waterfalls, gardens, wild beasts, birds etc. after a little
time they arrived before ananda nilayam. Mean while
lakshmi arrived there.
She could not bear the sight of her husband
moving with another lady. Her anger knew no bounds.
Srinivasa was stunned at her presence.
Padmvathi neared lakshmi and asked her who
she was and what brought her there and whether she
did not feel ashamed to stand before a husband and
wife when they were together.
Lakshmi’s anger knew no bounds. She cried
out, it is like the saying the horns that come out later
are sharper than the ears that are with the birth. You
must know that he is my husband first and you married
him even without mu knowledge.
Padmvathi said you must know that he married
me in the presence of Agni, according to religious rite
 he is my husband.
That way they began quarrelling and calling
names. Srinivasa silently moved seven paces back and
converted himself into an idol. When the two
quarrelling women turned back they could find in place
of srinivasa only an idol of his shape. So, they stood on
either side of the idol and began to weep.

39. SRINIVASA ADVICE TO LAKSHMI AND PADMVATHI

Srinivasa who was in the form of an idol spoke

thus: dear lakshmi, padmvathi also belongs to the same
amsa as you belong. In tretha Yuga I was born as Rama.
During that period, ravana tried to carry away my wife, sita.
Vedavathi substitute her and she underwent untold
sufferings at the hands of ravana. I gave her my word during
that time that I would marry her in kaliyuga, since I was
observing ekapathni vratha at that time. That vedavathi is
this padmvathi. Nobody is to be blamed for this.
Lakshmi on hearing this embraced padmvathi
and requested her to forgive her hasty action. Padmvathi in
turn requested lakshmi to excuse her too.

40. LAKSHMI AND PADMVATHI ADORN SRINIVASA CHEST

Srinivasa said to lakshmi, “I have borrowed a
lot of money from KUBERA for the marriage and thus
become a debtor. I have agreed to pay him interest in this
Yuga and am thinking as to how I could pay him the interest.
I would suggest that you give my devotees good wealth.
They will then be tempted to commit more sins and pray me
for relief. I will appear in their dreams and advise them to fill
my coffers in the form of offerings and get their vows
fulfilled. They will do likewise and I will then easily pay
KUBERA the interest due to him. This will continue till
kaliyuga ends. When kaliyuga ends, we will pay him the
principal and return to vaikundam .
My chest which became impure when Brihu kicked
me has since been purified. You may therefore occupy your
original place in my chest’. Lakshmi was pleased his words
and readily occupied on the right side, while padmvathi
occupied left side.
Srinivasa said that while Lakshmi’s will remain in his
right chest, her amsa will dwell in padmasarovar and bless
the devotees. And after midnight each day he will go to her
mandhir and return to ananda nilayam before day break.
Lakshmi in obedience to her husband’s wishes
dwells in padmasarovar constructed by viswakarma, at
alamelumangapuram in the form of an idol.
 41. VAKULA DEVI ADORNS SRINIVASA NECK AS TULSI
GARLAND.

A s srinivasa and padmvathi who went for a stroll in the garden did
not return for long, Vakula Devi with the help of govindaraja , who arrived
ananda nilayam, only to find srinivasa in the form of an idol. She pathetically
cried “srinivasa’.
She could then hear from the idol these words; ‘o, mother I am blessing
you mukthi. You adorned my neck in the form of a tulsi garland.” She
immediately went round srinivasa neck as a garland of tulsi beads.
 From that day onwards the lord is worshipped with tulsi petals, which
he likes most dearly.

THE END