Tirupathi Sri Venketeswara Story and Mahatyam Part 40

Scuffle between Lakshmi and Padmavathi-Srinivasa becomes a Deity

Lakshmi was in deep meditation about Lord Narayana at Kolhapur. Once Narada approached her singing the 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 though that she was not aware of Srinivasa's marriage with Padmavathi. 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 Padmavathi, daughter of Akasa Raju'

The agony created by this news was too much for her to bear. She grew furious. She immediately rushed to Seshchalam.

In Seshadri, Srinivasa was having pleasant time with his new wife moving in the garden freely this way and that way and enjoying the beautiful sights of rivers, mountains, waterfalls, garden, wild beasts, birds and etc. After a little time they arrived before Ananda Nilayam. Meanwhile Lakshmi arrived there.

She could not bear the sight of her husband moving with another lady. Her anger knew no bounds. Srinivasa was stunned a her presence.

Padmavathi neared Lakhsmi 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 saying that he horns that come up later are sharper than the ears that there withthe birth. You must know that he is my husband first and your married him even without my knowledge.

Padmavathi said you must know that he married me in the presence of Agni, according to religious rites. So he is my husband.

That way they began quarelling and calling names. Meanwhile, Srinivasa silently moved seven paces back and converted himself into a deity. When the quarrelling women turned back they could find in place of Srinivasa only a deity of his shape. So they stood on either side of the deity and began to weep.