Akasha Raja, a king near Tirupati performed yajnas and worshipped the gods, praying for a child. As a result of his austerities, a lotus arose from the earth, holding a beautiful baby girl. The child grew into a charming young maiden, with skin as radiant as gold. The king named his daughter Padmavati (lotus-like or lotus-born woman). The divinely beautiful princess was none other than Goddess Lakshmi who after an argument with her consort, decided to leave Vaikuntha.
