Tourist Places around Hyderabad

Mantralayam, Andhra Pradesh

  Mantralayam, famed as a holy place by virtue of the Samadhi of a renowned saint Raghavendra Teertha, is a sought religious location among Vaishnavites (Devotees of Lord Vishnu). Mantralayam, in the border of the states Karnataka and Andhra-Pradesh, is a calm and tiny hamlet in Andhra Pradesh. It is ideally placed in a secluded environment on the banks of the River Tungabhadra. Raghavendra Swamy temple and the Mutt complex are the major attractions in this holy destination. Picturesque town of Kurnool is the closest major town.

The followers of saint Raghavendra Teertha, a famous compassionate Madhava saint, believe that the saint was the incarnation of Bhakta Prahlada, an epic character and an ardent Vishnu devotee. The epics narrate the story of Prahlada, who was saved by Lord Vishnu many times, with great fervor. It is taught that finally Lord Vishnu took his form as Narasimha (one of Lord Vishnu’s ten incarnations) to kill Prahlada’s father and to save him from the clutches of evil forces.

Raghavendra Teertha Swamy was a great scholar, ardent devotee of Vishnu and on top of it a humanitarian. The saint is believed to have displayed charismatic performances and showed many miracles. He has a large following even at present time. Followers throng to this religious town all through the year. Travelers who visit this place are mainly the devotees of Swamy to have the holy darshan of the Brindavan of Sri Guru Raghavendra Swamy. Raghavendra Swamy temple is one of the main attractions in Mantralayam. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple architecture is brilliant with many inscriptions, structures and paintings all around. The calm and aesthetic atmosphere in the temple is inviting.

Raghavendra Swamy temple Visiting times 6 to 8 am, 10 am to 2 pm and 4 to 8 pm on all the days. In special occasions, temple deity is taken round the temple on an adorned chariot. Temple elephants paying worship to the deity can also be observed. There are three chariots to carry the lord, gold, silver and wooden.

Other places of interest near Mantralayam are Panchamukhi temple, Venkateshawara temple and picturesque Alampur. Navabrindavana and Hampi are also located nearby.