In Jain tradition, “Padmavathi Amma” usually refers to Goddess Padmavati, the Yakshini (protective goddess) of Bhagwan Parshvanath, especially worshipped at Humcha (Hombuja) in Karnataka. Here is her famous story in simple English.

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Who is Padmavathi Amma?

• She is Padmavati Devi, the Shasan Devi / Yakshini of Bhagwan Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankar.
• Jains worship her as a powerful protector who removes obstacles and supports spiritual progress.
• In South India, especially Karnataka, devotees lovingly call her “Padmavathi Amma”.

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Story of Humcha Padmavathi Amma

Long ago, there was a Jain king named Jinadatta Raya from the Mathura region. He was a great devotee of Padmavati Devi. When he left his native place and travelled towards the South, he carried with him a golden idol of Padmavati for protection.

Rest under the Lakki Tree

After a long journey, he reached a forested area that is now known as Humcha (Hombuja) in Karnataka. Tired from travel, he rested under a big Lakki tree (a special tree still revered there).

While he was resting, he had a divine dream:

• Padmavati Devi appeared to him and told him:

- This place is very auspicious. - He should establish his capital here. - He should build a city and Jain temples in her honor.

Jinadatta understood that this was a clear instruction from Padmavathi Amma. He accepted her command with great faith.

Muttina Kere and the Two Pearls

Nearby there was a pond. By the grace of Padmavati Devi, two precious pearls appeared in this pond. Because of this, the pond became known as “Muttina Kere” (Pearl Lake).

• A person found the two pearls and brought them to King Jinadatta.
• The king got two beautiful nose-rings made from these pearls.

- One nose-ring he gave to his queen. - The other he offered to Padmavati Devi as a symbol of devotion.

From that time, the pond and the whole place became very sacred for Padmavathi Amma’s devotees.

Installing the Idol of Padmavathi

Padmavati Devi again guided Jinadatta that:

• The old idol he had brought from Mathura had lost some of its power due to the long and difficult journey.
• He should install another idol of Padmavati at Humcha for the benefit of all beings.

Realizing his mistake, King Jinadatta:

• Installed a new idol of Padmavati Devi at Humcha with proper Jain rituals.
• Built a beautiful temple for her in the Chalukyan style (pillars, mandapa, etc.).
• Established Jain temples and a Jain Math there, which later became a big center of Digambar Jain tradition.

Special Signs of Her Grace

According to the local Jain belief at Humcha:

• The Lakki tree near the temple will never dry up.
• The sacred pond Muttina Kere will never fully dry, water will always keep appearing.
• When a true devotee prays with full faith in front of Padmavati Amma, flowers from her idol’s garland fall on the right side, seen as a sign of her blessings.

Because of these strong traditions and experiences of devotees, Padmavathi Amma of Humcha is considered very “jagrut” (spiritually awakened and active).

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Place in Jain Dharma

• Both Digambar and Shvetambar accept Padmavati as the Yakshini of Parshvanath.
• In many Parshvanath temples, her idol is placed along with Bhagwan Parshvanath (and Dharanendra Yaksha).
• She is worshipped not as a supreme God, but as a devotional helper who protects devotees and supports them in following the true Jain path of:

- Ahimsa (non‑violence) - Satya (truth) - Aparigraha (non‑possessiveness) - Samyak Darshan–Jnan–Charitra (right faith, knowledge, conduct)

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You can read more about Shri Humcha Padmavati Devi Jain Temple and this story here: