Page 38 - History of Tirupathi Balaji and comparison of Sri Vaishnava

So Surya went to Kolapur in Maharashta, and informed Lakshmi devi,
“Srinivasa is living in the Sheshachala hill and He is very sick. He is asking for
You to be by His side.”
Lakshmi devi agreed to go immediately to Srinivasa
When she arrived, Srinivasa fell to the ground. He pretended He was sick.
Her heart became very soft, but when she saw so many guests, she wondered,
“What’s happening? Why are all these guests here?” Then the Lord lifted the
curtain of Yogamaya (the illusion that permits devotees to come very close to
the Supreme Lord in intimacy without any formality of awe and reverence).
Lakshmi became aware of everything by remembering the past.
Lakshmi spoke to her Lord, “I know what’s happening. You are fulfi lling
Your vow to marry Vedavati who has appeared in this world as Padmavati!”
The Lord replied, “Yes.” Lakshmi rejoiced, “I am thrilled with joy that you will
do this. It is a source of profound happiness for Me. In fact, I will personally
perform the ritual bathing ceremony to prepare You for marriage.” She organized
the holy bathing ceremony. Then the Lord descended to the royal city Narayan
puram, where Aksharaj was awaiting His arrival to begin the marriage. The
ceremony and festivities lasted for several weeks. Every one of the attendees
were thrilled with joy witnessing the heavenly opulence of the proceedings. After
the celebration was fi nished, Bakula devi asked permission of Aksharaj to return
with Srinivasa and His new bride to their home in the Tirumala Mountain.
Padmavati and Srinivasa chose to live in the ashram of Agastya muni
near the summit of the Tirumala mountain. They lived happily together for a
period of time. One day Padmavati noticed that there was sadness in the eyes of
Srinivasa. She said, “I know why You are sad. You are feeling separation from
Lakshmi. Please bring her back.” Srinivasa replied, “Will she come back? She
is continuing to perform tapasya (austerity) because of Bhrigu muni’s stepping
on My chest.” “Of course she will come back,” replied Padmavati. Srinivasa
looked at Padmavati, “But what about you? Will you be satisfi ed? Padmavati
said, “It will be the greatest honor and joy of my life to share our home with
Lakshmi. Together we will serve You for all eternity.”
Srinivasa journeyed to Kolapur to bring Lakshmi back but she could
understand that He was coming for her. She disappeared by descending to
Patala (the underworld kingdom below the Earth’s surface) where she took
shelter in the ashram of Kapila muni, the avatar of Lord Vishnu. Srinivasa could
not fi nd her. The Lord realized that He should perform tapasya to fi nd Lakshmi.
The Lord Meditates on Lakshmi devi
Srinivasa dug a pond (kund) on the Tirumala Mountain with His own
hands. When He fi nished it, He asked Varuna deva (the demigod of the ocean
and rivers) to fi ll the pond with ambrosial waters of sacred rivers. When this
was done, He installed a magnifi cent golden lotus. He sat on the whorl of the
fl ower and mediated on Lakshmi.
By the power of His meditation and the love He felt in separation from
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