Meeting of Srinivasa and Padmavati at Venkatachala

(Skanda Purana - Venkatachala Mahatmya - 4)

Sr Venkateswara

• Sri Narada meeting Devi Padmavati: When Devi Padmavati was in the prime of youth, one day She was wandering in a garden with Her companions. The garden was filled with the sounds of parrots and cuckoos. Sri Narada came there by chance. Seeing Her divine beauty Sri Narada enquired about Her. Devi Padmavati told about Herself. Sri Narada asked Her to show Her hand, and then described Her physical beauty from toe to head and told about Her distinctive marks. Finally Sri Narada concluded that She looked like Devi Lakshmi born of the Milky Ocean and befits Lord Vishnu. Sri Narada then disappeared after being duly worshipped by them.

• Devi Padmavati going to collect flowers in the forest with Her companions: It was spring season and Devi Padmavati and Her companions entered the forest to collect flowers. The forest was filled with various flower trees and creepers like Karnikaras, Campakas, Paribhadrakas, Palasas, Patalas, Kundas, Raktasokas, Padminis, Sindhuvaras, Malatis, Yuthikas, Kahlaras, Karaviras etc. While wandering inside the forest they saw a majestic male elephant whose tusks were shining. Streams of ichor was flowing from his cheeks. The majestic male elephant was accompanied by many female elephants. His body was covered with dust and he was spraying water on his face with his trunk. Devi Padmavati and Her companions were frightened and hid behind a tree.

• Srinivasa arriving there in course of hunting and meets Devi Padmavati: Srinivasa arrived there in course of hunting riding a white horse. The horse shone like a spotless moon. It was fitted with various golden outfits. Srinivasa of dark-complexion was seated on the horse. He was beautiful and captivating like the god of love. His eyes were like extended lotus petals. His head was adorned with a blue gear tied with silk clothes. His waist was decorated with yellow silk cloth. His hairs were curly and His chest was broad. He had a golden sacred thread over his shoulder. He was adorned with various ornaments like gem-studded ear-rings, bangles, armlets and waist-band. He held the divine Saranga bow which was covered with gold and studded with gems. With the other hand He held a golden arrow. He was chasing a wolf. On seeing the maidens He was struck with wonder and stopped. The majestic male elephant on seeing Him saluted with his trunk and vanished inside the forest. Srinivasa then approached the ladies and enquired about them, specifically about Devi Padmavati. They told that She was the daughter of king Akasa. The companions of Devi Padmavati in-turn enquired about Him. Srinivasa hinted about His divine origin and told that His names are innumerable. The traditions call Him as the Lord of heroes residing at Venkatadri. Srinivasa then asked the companions whether He can obtain Devi Padmavati as His wife. The companions became furious and threatened Him to go away quickly lest Akasaraja bind Him with fetters and imprisons Him. Srinivasa mounted His horse and vanished.

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