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Mantralaya is a town in Kurnool district of Andra Pradesh, India. To call it a pilgrim centre is to limit the scope of travel to this elevating destination. Located on the banks of the affluent river Tungabhadra is the brindavana (living samadhi) of Sri Raghavendra Swami, a 16th CE thinker-scholar-philosopher in the Dwaita lineage as proposed by Sri Madhwacharya. This great saint thought this place perfect to inspire divinity in all visitors alike. Come, join me as I explore the same sense of the divine.
As I entered the well-known Raghavendra Swami Temple in Mantralaya, I began wondering if devotion is only an idea in opposition to knowledge. And then I happened to stroll around the temple only to catch misty eyes. Thousands gather everyday for a single moment of audience with the immortal saint. This place swarming with devotees and prayers will teach you a lesson or two in what it takes to have faith. The stories of healing powers that you hear about is something that can only be experienced and not told. No matter what the conditions are like - scorching sun, heavy rains, floods, or droughts - people keep moving in and out. Though chaos has its own beauty, the quiet that early mornings and late nights provide is especially fond in my memories.
It is a delight to watch the celebrations at Mantralaya during the annual aradhana of Sri Raghavendra Swami held for three days in Shravana masa (months of August-September).
Another place that is sure to relish your inner senses is the sleepy yet refreshing village called Bichali, located only 20 kms away from Mantralaya. This is the birth place of Appannacharya, a devotee and contemporary of Sri Raghavendra Swami. The constant lullaby of river Tungabhadra, a steady breeze, and the usual chant of mantras gives the place an aura much sought after.
Sri Raghavendra Swami made popular Sri Madhwacharya's Dwaita Philosophy only after many years of study and deep contemplation. It is said that he performed penance for twelve long years on the hillock where Panchamukhi Anjaneya temple is located. This place would be naturally added to your list of destinations to cover once you are in Mantralaya.
Your trip to Mantralaya promises to be both an elevating as well as an elating experience indeed. Leave your worries behind and head to Mantralaya for an audience with nature and teacher.
