An important pilgrimage centre of south India, Mantralayam is the samadhi (memorial) of Raghavendra Swamy (1595-1671AD), a Vaishnavite saint and proponent of Madhava's Dvaita school of philosophy. Venkatanatha (or venkanna), as the guru was initially known, is venerated as a reincarnation of Prahlada.

Overview

The central shrine of the temple complex, located on the banks of the Tungabhadra, is the Sri Raghavendra Swamy Brindavan. In the vicinity there are shrines dedicated to Anjaneya, Mrityunjaya and Vadindra Thirtha. It is customary to take a holy dip in the Tungabhadra and circumambulate the shrine before the darshana. The temple has resident elephants and if you are lucky, you might catch sight of their mahout giving them a bath in the river.

Significance

The temple is famous for its Parimala Prasadam, a distinctive confectionery made from wheat,raisins, Sugar cardamom and other spices. It is as highly regarded as the Tirupati laddoo.

Where to Stay and Eat:

APTDC's Haritha Guesthouse (Tel 279463, 279723 ; Tariff : Rs.550-1,140 dorms Rs.800-1,600) is conveniently located 1.5km west of the mutt. Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt provides a variety of accommodation options-from deluxe/AC rooms to cottages (Tariff : 100-1,200).Bookings can be made at the Central Reception Office (Tel 08512-279495, 279428). Rooms are not provided to solo travellers and the maximum duration of stay is 24 hrs. Extension is possible with special permission. Sri Sujayeendra Vishranthi Bhavan (100-1,200) and Sri Dheerendra Vasathi Gruham (Tariff : 100-1,200) are VIP guesthouses belonging to the mutt.Sri Vijendra Vasathi Gruha (Tariff1100-300) has 93 rooms over two floors are a few private hotels as Pankaja Paradise (Tel Tariff : Rs.700-4,000), Kalpa Lodge (Tel : 279602 Tariff : 1,200-3,000) and Hotel Guru International (Tel : 279456 Tariff Rs.600-1,200). All offer basic accommodation. Pavamana Udupi Residency (Tel : 280062 ; Tariff Rs.900-2,500)has a restaurant.

The main road has some eateries, which serve decent snacks and meals.New Udipi Sri Krishna Bhavan is a clean one that offers standard south Indian food, MTR offers tiffin services. Sri Guru blundavan Hotel and Sri Srinavasa

Bhavan are also good. The temple authorities serve free lunch at the Annapurna Dining Hall.

Photos

How to Reach

The closest airport near is in Hyderabad.

Mantralayam Road is the nearest Train Station.

This Temple is well connected by Mantralayam.

Best time to visit

Highlights

Coles Centennial Church: The church, a short hop away from the Konda Reddy Buruju, is an exquisite Gothic structure with a stone-brick fagade, red-tiled roofs and tinted windows.

Konda Reddy Buruju: Rising from amidst a stream of traffic,the konda Reddy Buruju is the most iconic landmark of Kurnool.

Oravakallu Rock Garden: Oravakallu Rock Garden, Millions of years of wind and water erosion have chiselled the hillocks around Oravakallu, resulting in a beautiful array of shapes and formations.

Rollapadu Bird Sitnctuary: The Great Indian Bustard, a critically endangered bird, is one of the four species of bustards found in India.

Gol Gumbadh: Gol Gumbadh is the mausoleum of Abdul Wahab Khan, the first Nawab of Kurnool who owed allegiance to the Bijapur Kingdom.

Jagannatha Gattu: As you head south of Kurnool, you will come across a long, narrow strip of hill that has a remarkably gentle incline.