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Bichale – A Place Known As The Third Mantralaya

Bichale village is at a distance of 20 km from the holy shrine Mantralaya and the journey takes about 30 minutes. Bichale is another holy place where Sri Raghavendra Swamy spent 12 years of his life

By Brunda Nagara

Bichale, a village located at a distance of 20 km from Mantralaya is a very significant place for the followers of Sri Raghavendra Swamy. Bichale is also known as Bhikshalaya and this serene place is in Karnataka though Mantralaya is in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. In the year 2009, the floods that hit Mantralaya had drowned the entire village of Bichale and the ruins are still found in the surroundings.

Mantralaya Raghavendra Swamy TempleMantralaya Raghavendra Swamy Temple

Bichale

PC : Sameera Bellary

Legend Of Bichale

Bichale is a place where the Madhwa Saint Sri Raghavendra Swamy got in touch with his devotee Sri Appannacharya. Appannacharya was a great scholar who taught Vedas and Upanishads. It is believed that though Appannacharya was a wealthy man he encouraged his students to beg for alms to make them understand the life of sages as described in the Vedas. The rice brought by the disciples was tied in a cloth and hung on the branch of the gum tree nearby and the rice got automatically cooked by the time Appannacharya completed his lecture.

Bichale

PC : Sameera Bellary

It is also said that this is the place where Sri Raghavendra Swamy decided on the date as to when he would be entering the Brindavana at Mantralayam. This place is also known for christening Raghavendra Swamy as Parimalacharya on the completion of his book Parimala Grantha.

The Structure Of Brindavana In Bichale

It is said that Appannacharya swam across the river Tungabhadra every day to see Sri Raghavendra Swamy in Mantralaya after he entered the Brindavana. On one such day, looking at the plight of his greatest devotee Sri Raghavendra Swamy appeared in the dreams of Appannacharya and guided him to install a monolithic Brindavana on the banks of the river Tungabhadra and perform the rituals. The Brindavana is surrounded by the effervescent Tungabhadra river and the serenity of the place is a source of bliss to the heart and soul.

Bichale

PC : Sameera Bellary

Appannacharya's House In Bichale

The ruins of Appannacharya's house is another attraction near Bichale. This is the place where Raghavendra Swamy lived during his 12 years stay in Bichale. The house also has an idol of Sri Anjaneya and Serpent God in one of the rooms. There are markings in the house indicating the sleeping place of Sri Raghavendra Swamy. It is said that Appannacharya ground chutney for Raghavendra Swamy every day using the pestle and grinding stone that is preserved here.

Bichale

PC : Sameera Bellary

Celebrations At Bichale

Bichale follows every celebration that happens in Mantralaya and a lot of devotees flock during the three-day grand celebrations of Sri Raghavendra Swamy Aradhana.

Accommodations In Bichale

There aren't any accommodations as such in this place since it is a village. However, there are many hotels and lodges available for rent at Mantralaya.

Bichale

PC : Sameera Bellary

Commuting To Bichale

There are several auto-rickshaws available from Mantralaya temple to Bichale. You may also choose to hire a private cab and cover other attractions like Panchamukhi Anjaneya temple, Sri Venkataramanswamy temple and Lakshmi Temple around Bichale.

Best Time To Visit Bichale

The month of October to December would be an ideal time to visit Bichale as the place would be less hot and also the water levels in the river would be low.

How To Reach Mantralaya?

Read more about: travel mantralayam pilgrim
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