Mantralayam is a town in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is situated on the banks of river Tungabhadra. Other name of this place is Manchale. This place is well known for Raghavendra Swamy temple. Raghavendra Swamy was the disciple of Sri Sudheendra Theertharu of Kumbakonam. Sudheendra Theertharu learned Vedic Texts, ancient literature works, Dwaita Vedanta and grammar to Raghavendra Swamy. It is believed that during Dwapara Yuga, King Prahalada Performed Yagnyas to Lord Rama in this region.
What to see at Mantralayam:
Samadhi Temple: This is the major attraction of the Mantralaya Temple complex. Other name of this place is Moola Brindavanam. In 1671, Sri Raghavendra Swamy attained Jeeva Samadhi at this place. At this temple there are 3 chariots. Out of 3 chariots, 2 are plated with gold and one is plated with sandalwood.
Manchalamma Temple: It is located inside the temple complex and situated very close to Samadhi Temple. Goddess is presiding deity of Mantralayam. Before visiting Samadhi Temple, people offer prayers to this Goddess as it is believed that Raghavendra Swamy asked a land from this Goddess to construct this temple and she donated the land to him.
Lakshmi Venkateswara Temple: It is located at the centre of the temple complex. Idol of Venkateswara along with Lakshmi is worshipped here. It is believed that during the life time of Bhakta Prahalada, he worshipped Lord Venkateswara at this place.
Vedic Pathasala: It is located in the temple complex of Mantralayam Mutt. This is the best place to learn different cultures and to learn the knowledge in Dwaita Philosophy, Puranas and Vedas. Foreigners also come to this place to attain knowledge.
What to see around Mantralayam:
Chinna Tumbalam Temple: It is located 25kms away from Mantralayam. From past 200 years Lord Narasimha Swamy Temple is worshipped here.
Bichchali: It is located 20kms away from Mantralayam. This is the meditating site of Sri Appannachar. He was the prime disciple of Raghavendra Swamy.
Panchamukhi Anjaneya Swamy Temple: It is located 23kms away from Mantralayam. This temple is situated at a top tocky terrain near Bichchali. Lord Anjaneya is worshipped here. Idol is having 5 faces namely Hayageeva, Narasimha, Hanuman, Garuda and Varaha. It is believed that Sri Raghavendra Theertha did penance for Lord Hanuman for 12 years. Lord Hanuman appeared before him in the form of Panchamukhi Anjaneya at this place.
Kowthalam: It is located 30kms away from Mantralayam. This is the pilgrim place among the followers of Vaishnavite Saints. It is the birth place of Guru Jagannatha Dasaru. He constructed Sri Raghavendra Swamy Temple at this place.
Urukunda: It is located at a distance of 38kms away from Mantralayam. At this place under the Aswatha Vruksha (Banyan Tree) idol of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Erranna Swamy can be seen. Every year thousands of devotees come to this place.
Getting to Mantralayam: Mantralayam is well connected with road. From Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mahaboobnagar, Raichur buses come to this place. Nearest railway station is located at Mantralayam Road which is 16kms away from Mantralayam Town. This station lies between Mumbai Chennai, Delhi Bangalore and Mumbai Bangalore routes. Nearest airport is located at Hyderabad.
Getting around Mantralayam: Taxis, Private Vehicles are available to visit the surrounding places of Mantralayam.
Best time to visit Mantralayam: Best time to visit this place is in February, March, October, November and December.
Where to stay at Mantralayam: Plenty of hotels are available to stay at this place. Only few luxury hotels are available. Best hotels are Pavamana Udupi Residency, Pankaja Paradise, Kalpavruksha Lodge, Guru international.
Where to eat in Mantralayam: Plenty of restaurants are available at this place to have food. Best restaurant is Hotel Pannaga. Best recipes at this place are Tomato Uttapam and Masala Dosa.