Pundarikavalli (also spelled Pundarika Valli) is a rare and lesser-known form of Goddess Lakshmi, primarily revered in select temples in Tamil Nadu. She is associated with the virtues of purity and compassion and is often seen as a symbol of divine grace and sustenance. The name "Pundarikavalli" is derived from two Sanskrit words: 'Pundarika', meaning lotus, and 'Valli', meaning creeper or beloved. This name refers to Goddess Lakshmi as the one who resides on the lotus or as one whose beauty and virtues blossom like a lotus.
Importance and Symbolism
In this form, Goddess Lakshmi is deeply connected with the concept of abundance, prosperity, and spiritual purity. The lotus, symbolizing purity, is significant because it grows in muddy waters but remains untouched by impurity, just as the goddess bestows prosperity without being tainted by materialism. Pundarikavalli represents a compassionate and nurturing aspect of Lakshmi, who grants spiritual and material prosperity to her devotees.
Story and Legends
The origin of the worship of Pundarikavalli is not widely documented in popular myths, but she is connected to the Sri Vaishnava tradition, which regards Vishnu and Lakshmi as inseparable deities who maintain cosmic order. She is often depicted as sitting on a lotus, a symbol of divine beauty and perfection, and is considered a goddess who answers the prayers of her devotees, offering them both material wealth and spiritual richness.
One important legend associated with her comes from the famous Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram, where she is worshipped as a subsidiary deity. According to local lore, Pundarikavalli manifested here as the consort of Lord Govindaraja Perumal, a form of Vishnu. Together, they ensure the spiritual wellbeing of devotees who visit the temple.
Current Status of Worship
The worship of Pundarikavalli is not widespread across India. She is primarily revered in Tamil Nadu in select Vishnu temples, particularly in the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, where she is one of the subsidiary deities. The Chidambaram temple is more famously known for its devotion to Lord Shiva as Nataraja, but the presence of Vishnu as Govindaraja Perumal and his consort Pundarikavalli reflects the Shaiva-Vaishnava harmony that exists in the region.
In this temple, Pundarikavalli has a separate shrine where she is offered daily prayers and pujas. The Chitrai month (April-May) is significant for her devotees, as special pujas are conducted during this time, drawing worshippers who seek her blessings for prosperity and wellbeing.
She is also worshippped at the famous Tirumala Tirupati Temple.
Worship and Puja
Worship of Pundarikavalli involves rituals that are similar to those offered to Goddess Lakshmi in her other forms:
- Offerings: Devotees offer flowers, particularly lotus flowers, as well as fruits, sweets, and rice to seek her blessings.
- Mantras and Prayers: Devotees chant the Sri Suktam (a hymn dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi) and other hymns to invoke her blessings for wealth, harmony, and prosperity.
- Special Occasions: Fridays, considered auspicious for Goddess Lakshmi, are special days of worship for Pundarikavalli. Varalakshmi Vratam, a festival dedicated to Lakshmi, is another significant occasion when special rituals are conducted in her honor.
Benefits of Worshipping Pundarikavalli
- Spiritual and Material Prosperity: As a form of Lakshmi, Pundarikavalli bestows both spiritual and material wealth on her devotees. She helps in removing obstacles and ensures the overall prosperity of families and individuals.
- Purity and Compassion: Devotees believe that worshipping her leads to inner purity and a compassionate outlook on life. She is said to provide mental clarity and peace.
- Relief from Financial Troubles: Devotees who face financial difficulties often turn to her for relief and find their material circumstances improving through consistent worship.
- Harmony in Relationships: Worshipping her also brings harmony within families, promoting love, cooperation, and understanding among family members.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Chidambaram Temple's Subsidiary Deity: While the Chidambaram temple is primarily dedicated to Lord Nataraja (Shiva), the presence of Govindaraja Perumal and Pundarikavalli shows the syncretic nature of Hindu worship, uniting the worship of Vishnu and Lakshmi alongside Shiva.
- Rare Representation: Unlike other more popular forms of Lakshmi like Mahalakshmi or Sri Lakshmi, Pundarikavalli is not commonly found in iconography or temples outside Tamil Nadu, making her a unique deity in the Tamil Vaishnavite tradition.
Similar Goddesses
- Mahalakshmi: The most popular and widely worshipped form of Lakshmi, Mahalakshmi is venerated across India as the goddess of wealth, fortune, and beauty.
- Bhudevi: Another form of Lakshmi associated with the Earth, Bhudevi is seen as the personification of the planet and is worshipped for fertility, abundance, and protection of nature.
- Sridevi: Considered a form of Lakshmi as well, Sridevi is worshipped as the embodiment of prosperity, fortune, and auspiciousness. She is also a consort of Vishnu in many temples, similar to Pundarikavalli.
Pundarikavalli, a lesser-known but potent form of Goddess Lakshmi, offers devotees the opportunity to connect with her as the embodiment of purity, abundance, and divine grace. Though her worship is limited to a few temples in Tamil Nadu, especially in Chidambaram, she remains a powerful and compassionate goddess. Devotees seek her blessings for prosperity, peace, and spiritual growth, and she continues to play an essential role in the Vaishnavite tradition of South India.