 The Potu or
main kitchen where the food-offerings for the main temple
are prepared, is to the south of the Varadarajaswami shrine.
Inside the Potu, there is a small
shrine dedicated to Sri Maha Lakshmi, who is also called
Potu Amma (lady of the kitchen) or Madapuli Nachiyar.
She is identified with Vakulamalika, who was, according
to the Puranas, sent by Varahaswami to be the house-keeper
of Sri Venkateswara, when he resided on the hill. Vakulamalika
is said to have arranged Lord Sri Venkateswara's marriage
with Padmavathi.
In reality, she is regarded as Sri
Maha Lakshmi, and is worshipped as such. She is worshipped
during Varalakshmi Vratam, in the month of Sravana.
There is a similar icon of Sri Maha
Lakshmi in the Padi Potu, another kitchen located in
the Sampangi Pradakshinam.
Rice prasadam is prepared
in the inner Potu, while other Panyarams like
laddus, vadas appams etc.,
are prepared in the Padipotu.
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