Mantralaya Guru Sarvabhouma - Sri Raghavendra Swamy Vaibhavam

Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha! Om! Sri Raghavendraya! Namaha! Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vasudevaya! Om! Ham! Hanumathe! Sri Rama Doothaya Namaha!

MANTRALAYA GURU SRI RAGHAVENDRA SWAMY VAIBHAVAM Index Introduction Rayaru – a cursory glance of Sri Raghavendra Swamy Lineage of Saint Sri Raghavendra Theertharu Temples of Mantralayam (Part-I & Part-II) Mantralayam – Useful information

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MANTRALAYA GURU SARVABHOUMA

Sri Raghavendra Hindus attach paramount importance to spiritual gurus. Gurus are often equated with God and always regarded as a link between the individual and the Immortal. The true Guru is a transmitting medium, a transporting agent and a transparent embodiment of the divine grace and compassion. It is said that he alone is the true teacher who is illumined by the light of true knowledge. If both God and Guru appear at a time, to whom should we pay obeisance first? The reply is “The Guru” for he is the one who has shown the path to God. It is said that when God is angry, guru protects you; when guru himself is angry, there is no protector in the world. If we surrender ourselves absolutely without any reservation to the guru, he will save us from all sorrow and show us the way to salvation. There is nothing that a true Guru cannot bestow on his disciples. Through various teachings and practices, he helps the individual to progress from the human to the divine consciousness. Only the divine can act as such a teacher. It is not possible for every one to get soul enlightenment. Only few can have such capacity and they are called as Daivaamsa sambhootha the 2

Divine soul. It is not possible for every one to communicate with God. The divine message is communicated only through the voice of such divine and noble souls who keeps taking birth on this earth now and then. Perhaps there is no exaggeration in calling Guru Sri Raghavendra of Mantralayam, who has all the qualities of a true Guru, as the foremost among such divine and noble souls. If you happen to visit any Madhva Brahmin house in South India, generally you may observe the first sloka one recites in the morning time will be Sri Raghavendra Sthothra, which has the seal of Sri Raghavendra Swamy himself (Sakshi Hayasyothra hi). He is affectionately called as Rayaru and respectfully as Guru Sarva Bhouma or Guru Rayaru. For a common man he is Mr. Dependable, a remedy, solution and a healer. He is like a Kamadhenu and a Kalpa Vruksha. For a Vedanthi he is also an Aparoksha Gyani. He is approachable to all without any discrimination. Irrespective of caste and creed people from all walks of life adore Sri Raghavendra. He has performed many miracles when he was alive and also after entering into Brindavana. His devotees continue to experience his miracles even today. A well wisher of the society, Sri Raghavendra is a Great soul (Karana Janma) destined to provide solace and succor to millions of needy people. He is on the path to give away his punya to whoever approaches him with sincere devotion. Generally in South Indian Lunar calendar when we get Sravana Masam Krishna Paksham, first thing that we look into is the date for celebration of Rayaru Aaradhana. It was on the 2nd day (Dwiteeya thithi) of Krishna Paksha in the Lunar Month Sravana, Sri Raghavendra Swamy the great saint of Madhva Philosophy entered into Sajeeva Brindavana (while alive) at Mantralayam making it as his abode in this life from where he is blessing his devotees. Every year Rayaru Aaradhana is celebrated on the following lunar days Poorva Aaradhana: Sravana Masa – Bahula Prathama thithi Madhya Aaradhana: Sravana Masa – Bahula Dwiteeya thithi Uttara Aaradhana: Sravana Masa – Bahula Thrutheeya thithi At Mantralayam the seat of Rayaru Moola Brindavana the event will be celebrated in a grand scale with thousands of devotes from all over the 3

country especially from South India participating in the celebrations. Apart from this it will be celebrated across the country at all places where Rayaru Brindavana is established. On this sacred event of Rayaru Aaradhana, it becomes our ardent duty, responsibility and also it is our boon to worship him, offer our obeisance and salutations to this great spiritual Guru, Sri Raghavendra. As a token of my humble service and obeisance to Sri Rayaru, an attempt is made to write in brief about Mantralayam and Guru Sri Raghavendra to the best of my information and understanding titled “Mantralaya Guru Sri Raghavendra Swamy Vaibhavam.” Blessed are those who worship and sing the glory of Sri Raghavendra Swamy Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namah!

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RAYARU (A cursory glance of Sri Raghavendra Swamy) (1595-1671 AD) Moola Roopa: Avatara:

Shankukarna (Karmaja Devatha)   

Prahlada (Krita Yuga) Bahlika (Dwapara Yuga) Vyasaraja /Vyasa Rayaru (Kali Yuga)

Lineage in current birth: o Manetana: Powsthika Vamsada “Beegamudre” o Gothra: Gautama Great Grand Father: Grand Father: Father: Mother: Sister: Brother:

Sri Krishna Bhatta Sri Kanakachala Bhatta Thimmana Bhatta Gopikamba Venkatamba Gururajacharya

Birth:

1595 – Manmatha – Phalguna–Sukla Sapthami - Guruvara (Thursday)

Birth Star: Birth Place: Poorvasrama Nama:

Mrigasira Bhuvanagiri (near Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu) Venkatanatha

Aksharabhyasa: First Teacher: Upanayana: Education: Guru:

1597-1598 (Hevalambi) Lakshminarasimhacharya (B‟ in-law) 1602 (Subhakruthu) At Kumbhakonam Sri Sudheendra Theertharu

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Marriage: Wife: Son:

1614 (Ananda Nama Vastara) Saraswathi Bai Sri Lakshminarayanacharya

Direction for Sanyasa Sweekara:

From Goddess Saraswathi (Swapna)

Sanyasa Sweekara:

1621(Durmathi Nama Samvatsara Phalguna–Suddha-Bidigi)

Asrama Nama:

Sri Raghavendra Theertha

Guru Lineage:

Sri Surendra Theertharu, SriVijayendraTheertharu, Sri Sudheendra Theertharu

Asrama Sishya:

Sri Yogindratheeratharu

Favourite Musical Instrument:

Veena

Longevity of Sri Raghavendra: 76/100/300/700 years 76 years - Physically present on the Earth 100 years - Physically present inside the Brindavana 300 years - Tenure in Brindavana (without physical form) 700 years – Influence (Mahima) of Rayaru and his literary works Brindavana Pravesa: Virodhi Nama Vastara - Sravana Bahula Bidigi – Friday, 11th August, 1671 Titles of Sri Raghavendra: Parimalaacharya, Mahabhashyacharya Veena Venkanna Composer of Sri Raghavendra Sthothra: Sri Appanaacharya (Bichhali) Location of Moola Brindavana: At Mantralayam (Manchali), Kurnool Dt. (A.P) on the banks of river Tungabhadra Om! Sri Raghavendraya! Namah! 6

LINEAGE OF SAINT SRI RAGHAVENDRA THEERTHARU

Saint Sri Raghavendra Theertha was an Aparoksha Gyani and Daivamsa Sambhootha. His lineage started from Shankukarna down the line as Prahlada, Bahlika, Vyasa Raya and finally as Sri Raghavendra.

SHANKUKARNA (Moola Roopa) Shankukarna (Karmaja Devatha) was assisting Lord Chaturmukha Brahma in his daily rituals. One day he was cursed by Lord Brahma to be born on Earth, due to the delay he made in making arrangements for his rituals. It was only a Divine sankalpa and the curse became a blessing in disguise as in every birth he would be an ardent devotee of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu and spread the divine culture and Bhakthi of the Lord Sri Hari.

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AVATHARA AS PRAHLADA The legend behind this goes back to the days of Krita Yuga when Prahlada was born to the demon king Hiranyakasipa and Vedavathi. Though he was born to a demon king due to his lineage and poorva janma Samskara, Prahlada became an ardent devotee of Lord SriManNarayana for whose sake and cause the Lord Sri Hari had to take the Narasimha Avathara. In fact while Prahlada was in his mother‟s womb itself he had learned the Narayana Astakshari Mantra upadesa from sage Narada. As Prahlada started growing, he learnt the Narayana Tatva and started influencing his friends and others with his preachings‟ and in the process had to confront with his demon father on several occasions. On one such occasion on the issue of Lord Sri Man Narayana‟s omnipresence, Hiranyakasipa emotionally asks his son Prahlada to show the Lord in a pillar in his palace and hits the pillar with his mace. All pervading Lord SriManNarayana in order to prove the truth in his devotee‟s words instantly appears and comes out of the pillar in a rare and ferocious form as Narasimha and kills him. Pleased with the devotion and bhakthi of Prahlada, when Lord Sri Hari (Narasimha) offered him to come along with him to Vaikunta, Prahlada politely refuses and instead preferred to stay back on earth propagating the divine culture and bhakthi of Lord Sri ManNarayana. Accordingly, Prahlada was crowned as the emperor of the kingdom which he ruled for several thousands of years spreading the philosophy of Lord Sri Hari.

AVATHARA AS BAHLIKA Shankukarna took his second birth as Bahlika Raja in Dwapara Yuga and was born in the Kuru Vamsam. He was the son of Pratipa and brother of Shantanu (father of Bheeshma). Bahlika was a great devotee of Lord Sri Krishna, but still had to associate with Kouravas in the Kurukshetra war because of his alliance with Bheeshma and Dhritharastra. He was ultimately slained in the war in the hands of Bheemasena (Hanuma, Bheema, and Madhva).

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AVATHARA AS SRI VYASARAYARU (1447–1539 AD) Shankukarna took his third birth in this Kaliyuga as Vyasarayaru, the great saint and a reputed propagator of Madhva (Dvaita) philosophy. His guru was the great saint Sri SriPadarayaru (Mulabagalu). He lived during the historical days of Vijayanagara (Hampi) empire. He was the Raja Guru of Sri Krishna Devaraya, the popular king of Vijayanagara dynasty. He had helped Sri Krishna Deva Raya to pass through major crisis in his life. For a brief period he had even ascended the throne of Vijayanagara Empire in order to protect Sri Krishna Deva Raya from an astrological malefactor. It is said that at one point of time Sri Vyasarayaru had conducted the worship of Lord Sri Venkateswara at Tirumala temple for a period 12 years, when it was hampered during the time of Vijayanagara King Saluva Narasimha Raya. Vyasarayaru was a staunch devotee of Lord Hanuman and he went on to install 732 Hanuman idols (icons) during his time. He lived for more than 90 years and attained Brindavana near Anegondi on the banks of river Thunga Bhadra. He is the one who has initiated for the Daasakoota headed by Saint Sri Purandara Dasa.

AVATHARA AS SRI RAGHAVENDRA (1595 –1671 AD) Sri Raghavendra Theertharu, with the lineage from the above four, took birth in the year 1595 as a gifted son of Sri Thimmana Bhatta and Smt. Gopikamba. He was born to his parents with the Grace of Lord Sri Venkateswara and hence was named as Venkatanatha. Sri Raghavendra in his poorvasrama took his lessons from Saint Sri Sudheendra Theertha and ultimately took his sanyasa deeksha and subsequently peetadhipathya from him. It was quite incidental that Saint Sri Vijayendra Theertharu, Guru of Sri Sudheendra Theertharu and Parama Guru of Sri Raghavendra Theertharu was a beloved disciple of Sri Vyasarayaru and a contemporary and fellow student along with Saint Sri Vadi Raja Theertharu. Sri Raghavendra Sthothra has a reference to this effect (Vijayeendra karaabjottha Sudheendra Varaputrakah)

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There are indications in the life history of Saint Sri Raghavendra Swamy that he was of Prahlada‟s avathara. You will find in Sri Raghavendra Swamy temples, the utsava murti (festival deity) is not of Raghavendra, but of Bhakta Prahlada. The main deity (Sri Raghavendra) will be a replica of his samadhi (called Brindavana). Along with this there will be a deity, Prahlada, who is also worshipped simultaneously along with Sri Raghavendra Swamy. He is called as Prahlada Rayaru and some of the rituals in Sri Raghavendra Swamy temple are done exclusively to Prahlada. Perhaps this may the only place where Prahlada is worshipped. Apart from this we also find from the life history of Sri Raghavendra, that he had chosen this specific spot at Mantralayam for his entry into Brindavana, since it was the spot where Prahlada had performed Yagna during his time. It is said that Rayaru was well versed in many arts and skills and had attained great divine and spiritual powers which are manifested as his miracles. Sri Raghavendra Theertha lived during 1595 to 1671, ruled this kingdom of Vedanta for 50 years before making Mantralayam as his permanent abode in this life by entering the Brindavana alive. He is popularly called as Rayaru, Guru Sarva Bhouma. During his life time and even after Brindavana Pravesa he went on to be regarded as a great spiritual leader, saint, philosopher, devotee of Lord Sri Hari, a great healer, benevolent and a true Guru. Today his temples (Brindavana) are spread across the country with millions of devotees adoring him. A religious and spiritual institution named after him (Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt) has come up headed by his successors with its head quarters at Mantralayam. Spread across the country the institution is catering to religious and spiritual needs of the society. Probably words are not adequate to describe Rayaru and one can only feel him, rather experience him by his worship. Om! Sri Raghavendraya! Namah!

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TEMPLES OF MANTRALAYAM (Part-1)

MANCHALAMMA TEMPLE Manchalamma (a form of Goddess Durga) is the presiding deity of Mantralayam, the abode of Guru Sri Raghavendra. In her name only, the place was originally called as Manchala or Manchali. The deity Manchalamma is said to be the family deity of Prahlada whose descendant was Sri Raghavendra Theertharu. It seems Rayaru used to worship her daily before his Brindavana pravesa and also sought the consent and approval of Goddess Manchalamma for his settlement in Manchali. Accordingly she gave darshan to Sri Raghavendra and blessed him of all her support in his endeavors. In turn Sri Raghavendra Theertharu assured her that who ever visits Mantralayam would first visit her temple, have the darshan of Goddess Manchalamma and then only have the darshan of Sri Rayaru (Moola Brindavana). This is the custom that is being followed even today.

TEMPLE OF LORD SRI VENKATESWARA An ardent devotee of Lord Sri Venkateswara and with whose blessings and worship Rayaru was born to his parents, Sri Rayaru installed with his own hands the idol of Lord Venkateswara at Manchali and used to worship him 11

daily before entering into Brindavana. We can find the temple of Lord Venkateswara about one km from Manchalamma temple, near the house of Archaka (priest) of Moola Brindavana. Daily pooja/rituals are performed at this temple and it is open for darshan on all the days between 6 am to 12 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm.

MOOLA BRINDAVANA (Temple of Sri Raghavendra Theertharu) Why did Rayaru choose this particular spot for his Brindavana? Being an Aparoksha Gyani, Sri Rayaru had divine indications that, shortly his avathara on the Earth was coming to conclusion. Accordingly Rayaru went in search of an appropriate spot at Manchali for his entering into Brindavana. On one such occasions, he had asked Diwan Venkanna (great devotee of Sri Rayaru), to dig at a particular spot near Goddess Manchalamma temple, where a Homakunda (sacrificial fire place) was found. Rayaru told Venkanna that, this spot was the place where he had performed a large Yagna during his incarnation as Prahlada (in Kritha Yuga). And also that was the spot where Arjuna (Mahabharatha) in Dwapara Yuga, during his Jaitra Yatra for performing Rajasuya Yaga by Dharma Raja, could not defeat the local king Anusalva, as his chariot was standing on this pot (Homa Kunda). Of course on Lord Sri Krishna‟s advice Arjuna could defeat him when he moved a little away from that spot. Such was the significance and sanctity of this spot and Rayaru could identify it with his divine powers. Accordingly Sri Rayaru chose this spot for his Brindavana pravesa and that was the Moola Brindavana built at Mantralayam, what we all see and have darshan today.

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Significance of the rock used for Moola Brindavana There is also a legend behind the rock used for the Brindavana of Sri Rayaru. When he came to know that Rayaru is entering into Brindavana, Diwan Venkanna had got one beautiful Brindavana made for Sri Rayaru. But it was not approved by Sri Rayaru, instead He took Venkanna to a place called Madhavaram (near Mantralayam) and identified a rock stone on which Lord Sri Rama sat during his search travel for Goddess Sita Devi in Treta Yuga. Sri Rayaru wanted his Brindavana to be built with the stone of this particular rock that was sanctified by the touch of Lord Sri Rama. On the set date (11th August 1671 AD), Sri Rayaru went and sat on the pre selected spot as said above and his Brindavana was built with the stone brought from Madhavaram as per Sri Rayaru‟s directions. Inside the Brindavana Sri Rayaru was fully covered with hundreds of Sri Vishnu Saligramas apart from the Mrittika (soil). Thus, the Moola Brindavana of Sri Raghavendra Swamy that got sanctified with Sri Rayaru himself sitting inside on a sacred and celestial spot, filled with all the power of Divinity, is rightly referred to as Mantralayam. The place Mantralayam over a period of time has grown by heaps and bounds into a big pilgrimage centre attracting lakhs of people visiting and getting their mundane problems and sufferings resolved. There is a chain of rituals/poojas that are being performed to Moola Brindavana as per Mutt‟s schedule both in the day and evening times. There will be a daily ritual of Rathostavam (pulling of chariot) every day in the evening with the Utsava Murthy (Prahlada Rayaru) sitting on the chariot. Thursday is a special day in the diary of Mantralayam Mutt, called as Guru Vara (Rayaru Vara) when special decorations are made to the Moola Brindavana. Annual celebrations called Rayaru Aaradhana (the day on which Sri Rayaru entered into the Brindavana) is held every year in the month of Sravana masam (generally August month), when thousands of pilgrims from all over the country participate in the celebrations that are held for three days.

Temple of Lord Hanuman Being a great devotee and upasaka of Lord Hanuman, it was Sri Rayaru‟s wish that the idol of Lord Hanuman should be erected opposite to his Brindavana. Accordingly, opposite to the Moola Brindavana we find a temple 13

of Lord Hanuman (Aanjaneya Swamy) carved on the same stone with which Sri Rayaru Moola Brindavana was built. Outside Lord Hanuman temple on the right side we can also find the presence of Lord Shiva in the form of Shiva Linga. It is believed and said that this was found while excavating the spot for Brindavana at Mantralayam and said to have been worshipped by Prahlada Rayaru in Krita Yuga.

BRINDAVANA OF SRI VADEENDRA THEERTHARU Adjacent and to the left of Moola Brindavana of Sri Rayaru we find another Brindavana built in the name of Sri Vadeendra Theertharu, the fifth descendant in the lineage of Sri Raghavendra Swamy. He belongs to the 18th century. In fact Sri Vadeendra Theertharu was the great grand son of Sri Rayaru (in his poorvasrama) who was just two years old when Rayaru entered into Brindavana. Sri Rayaru had a vision of this child becoming a saint and his successor in course of time, had kept ready the Brindavana that was originally meant for him and brought by Diwan Venkanna. Sri Vadeendra Theertharu was a great scholar and an ardent devotee of Sri Raghavendra swamy and had composed number of verses in praise of Sri Rayaru. It is said that on one such occasion, when Vadeendra Theertharu was singing his verse ('Gurugunasthavana') in front of Sri Rayaru Moola Brindavana, the whole Brindavana nodded in appreciation of his scholarly work. Along with Moola Brindavana, daily pooja and rituals are also held to the Brindavana of Sri Vadeendra Theertharu. Devotees while performing pradakshina of Sri Rayaru Moola Brindavana, simultaneously cover pradakshina of the Brindavana of Sri Vadeendra Theertharu also.

Other Brindavanas: As we move towards backyard of the Moola Brindavana we find a row of Brindavanas of Pontiffs who succeeded Sri Raghavendra Swamy in the later years. Daily pooja and other rituals are performed to these Brindavanas also as per the Mutt‟s guidelines. Opposite to these Brindavanas we find a big Banyan Tree (Aswattha Vruksha) where devotees perform Naga Pratishta as a part of remedy for Sarpa Dosha.

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TEMPLES OF MANTRALAYAM (Part-2) PANCHAMUKHI AANJANEYA SWAMY (Lord Hanuman) The temple of Panchamukhi Aanjaneya Swamy (Lord Hanuman) is located on the banks of river Tungabhadra about 20km to the north of Mantralayam. It is on the Karnataka – Andhra border coming under Karnataka state about 2 km from Ganadhala village. Bus facilities are available on this route with buses from Mantralayam to Raichur and Manvi passing via Panchamukhi. Private transportation (Tempo/Auto) facilities are also available from Mantralayam to Panchamukhi. If it is on a sharing basis it works out cheaper, otherwise it may cost about Rs.200-300 two ways.

Significance of the Temple: It is a cave temple where Sri Raghavendra Swamy (Rayaru) had performed penance for 12 years meditating on Panchamukhi (five headed) Hanuman before entering into Brindavana at Mantralayam. One can find a script engraved to this effect on the walls of the temple. It is said that Rayaru had the darshan of Lord Hanuman in a unique way with five faces (Varaha, Garuda, Narasimha, Hayagreeva and Aanjaneya) at this spot along with Lord Venkateswara (Tirupathi), Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi (Kolhapura), and Kurma Avathara of Lord Maha Vishnu. One can find the idols of these deities inside the temple along with a small Brindavana (replica) indicating the spot where Sri Rayaru did penance. Apart from this there is a temple of Goddess Erukalamba (Grama Devatha) located at a small distance from Panchamukhi temple. She is the presiding deity of this place who is worshipped by the pilgrims also coming from far off places. 15

As per the Kshetra Mahatya this location is said to be in existence since Treta Yuga. Lord Hanuman is believed and said to have visited this spot during the epic days of Ramayana in the course of getting Sri Rama and Lakshmana released from the clutches of Mahiravana. You will find rare rocky structures in the replica of a bed and a plane (elevated rock) said to have been used by Lord Hanuman. There is also an underground passage near Erukalamba temple through which Lord Hanuman is said to have reached Mahiravana and finally killed him. Outside the main temple there is a spot where we find the foot wear (large size) said to be of Lord Hanuman is worshipped. It is said and believed that Lord Hanuman uses this foot wear which are replaced once in five years as per the local customs and beliefs when they get soiled due to wear and tear. Since the days of Rayaru the temple has come into prominence. People visiting Mantralayam will make it a point to visit this temple to seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman in a rare form. During festival days especially on the new moon (Amavasya), full moon (Pournima), Tuesdays, and Saturdays there will be rush of pilgrims to this temple. Lord Hanuman manifested here, is in a rare posture, sitting on his knees with folded hands facing east. It is believed and said that whoever worships him will be benefited with merits and fulfillment of their desires.

BICHHALI (BHIKSHALAYA) Bichhali also called as Bhikshalaya is located in Raichur district of Karnataka state, about 20 km from Mantralayam on the banks of river Tungabhadra. This is said to be the place where, Sri Rayaru had spent 13 years of his life before moving over to Manchali (Mantralayam). Sanctified with the memories of Rayaru‟s stay at this place and his association with Sri Appanacharya, the beloved disciple and an ardent devotee of Sri Raghavendra Swamy, the place Bichhali is one of the places to be visited on a trip to Mantralayam. To visit this place one has to make own/hired vehicle arrangements. Sri Appanacharya was a great Sanskrit scholar and a teacher who was running a Gurukula under whom number of students were getting taught. In those days the students irrespective of their economic status will have to 16

procure rice and cook their own food. Accordingly the students in that place used to go for procurement of rice (Bhiksha) and henceforth the place came to be known as Bhikshalaya.

Notable locations at Bichhali Japada Katti: It is an elevated platform under a Banyan tree (Aswattha Vruksha) where, Sri Appanacharya used to conduct lessons for his students. Later, after Sri Rayaru came to that place, both of them used to sit together at this spot and discuss on various subjects related to spirituality. We find number of Naga shilas (idols) installed around this spot. It is believed and said that people who perform the ritual of Naga Devatha Pratishta at this spot are blessed with progeny. Ekasila Brindavana

It is the Brindavana of Sri Rayaru at Bichhali that was installed by his beloved disciple and an ardent devotee Sri Appanacharya as per the directions of Sri Rayaru. It is said that Rayaru used to give daily darshan to Sri Appanacharya from this Brindavana in the form of a Jayanthi. It is called as Ekasila Brindavana since, it is incidental that it was built with the same stones used for Rayaru Moola Brindavana at Mantralayam. It was installed on the Japadakatti adjacent to river Tungabhadra where, Rayaru used to sit and discuss with Sri Appanacharya. The uniqueness of this Brindavana is that, it is not covered by any roof and is in the open air. It is the only Brindavana of Sri Raghavendra Swamy that was installed without a roof. Daily Pooja are rituals are held for this Brindavana by the descendants of Sri Appanacharya. 17

Snake Bill As per the legend, in the backyard of Sri Appanacharya‟s house there was a snake bill where a king Cobra used to reside in it. Sri Raghavendra Swamy during his stay in Bhikshalaya was regularly offering milk to the serpent (Aadi Sesha) after his daily pooja/rituals and the serpent used come and drink the milk. When Rayaru decided to move to Manchali and enter into Brindavana he had taken a decision to dismantle the snake bill. Accordingly when it was dismantled a statue of snake appeared in its place which is being worshipped. House of Sri Appanacharya: It is a 400 years old house where Sri Rayaru lived during his stay at Bhikshalaya where memories of Sri Rayaru‟s presence can be seen. Idol of Lord Sri Ugra Narasimha: The idol of Lord Ugra Narasimha installed by Saint Sri SriPadarayaru (Mulabagalu), the Guru of Sri Vyasa Rayaru whose lineage was Sri Raghavendra Theertharu. Idol of Lord Hanuman: Installed by Sri Vyasarayaru the great devotee of Lord Hanuman and immediate predecessor in the lineage of Sri Rayaru.

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MANTRALAYAM (USEFUL INFORMATION) Location: Located on the banks of sacred river Thunga Bhadra, Mantralayam is a small and peaceful town the abode of Great Madhva Saint Sri Raghavendra Theertharu, popularly known as Sri Raghavendra Swamy. It is located at a distance of 90 km from Kurnool town and 250 km from Hyderabad city. Other towns nearby Mantralayam are Adoni (20km), Yemmiganur (20km), and Raichur (50km) How to Reach Mantralayam? Mantralayam is well connected by road and rail. By Road: APSRTC and KSRTC are running regular buses connecting Mantralayam with major towns and cities in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Kurnool (NH-7) in Andhra Pradesh and Raichur in Karnataka are two locations which are pretty well connected to Mantralayam. Apart from this private tourist operators are also running special buses to Mantralayam from various parts of the country. By Rail: Nearest railway station to Mantralayam is Mantralayam-Road (Tungabhadra) on the Mumbai-Chennai main line which is 15 km from Mantralayam. From there it is about 30 minutes drive by Road. All most all trains running on this route halt at Mantralayam Road. Auto facilities are available for pick up from railway station to Mantralayam. APSRTC/KSRTC is also running buses to and from railway station at certain specific timings. By Air Nearest airport is Hyderabad which is about 250 km from Mantralayam.

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Accommodation: Accommodation (boarding and lodging) is not a problem at Mantralayam with number of hotels and restaurants that have come up of late, apart from the availability of number of guest houses donated by devotees and constructed by the Mutt. Besides, Mantralayam Mutt also provides accommodation to pilgrims in their specially constructed choultries, where rooms are provided at nominal cost. Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation is also running its guest house „Punnami” where rooms are available. Another unique feature of this temple is the Mutt organizes free food facility (except on the notified days) within the Mutt to all the pilgrims in their spacious dining halls. Besides Infosys foundation (a charitable organization) has also constructed a big dining hall for the convenience of pilgrims. One can easily find the details of accommodation from the Central Reception office as soon as they reach Mantralayam. Languages spoken at Mantralayam: Kannada, Telugu, Hindi and English Temples in Mantralayam Sri Raghavendra Swamy Moola Brindavana, Manchalamma temple, Sri Aaanjaneya Swamy Temple (Lord Hanuman), Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple. Apart from this there are few other Brindavanas of Pontiffs who succeeded Sri Raghavendra Swamy. Temples around Mantralayam: Panchamukhi Aaanjaneya Swamy Temple at Panchamukhi, Bichhali (Bhikshalaya), Aaanjaneya Swamy (Hanuman) temple at Ranamandala (Adoni) Activities at Mantralayam Temple: The temple (Mutt) conducts a chain of routine activities (poojas/sevas and other rituals) including Rathostavam (Golden, Silver, and Wooden) on a daily basis as per the Mutt‟s schedule. Apart from this Moola Rama Devara Pooja 20

conducted personally by the Pontiff of the Mutt (subject to his availability at Mantralayam) is a special daily ritual at the temple. The Mutt also conducts/organizes religious discourses on special occasions and events. Every year during the days of Rayaru Aaradhana, held in the month of Sravana (generally August month) special celebrations are conducted for three days when thousands of devotees from all over the country participate. Temple Timings: On normal days, temple will be open from 6.00 am to 2.00 pm and again from 4.00 pm to 9.00 pm. On special occasions the timings may vary. Generally there will be rush of pilgrims on Thursdays/week ends and on special occasions like Rayaru Aaradhana. Contact Details: For more information regarding accommodation, seva details etc. please contact The Manager, Shri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, Mantralayam, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh - 518345. Phone- 91-8512-279429-279459 Email: [email protected] Fax # 91-8512-279600/279889 Web Address: www.srsmutt.org (Official web site) www.gururaghavendra.org (Sister Site) Present Pontiff (Head of the Mutt): Immediate Past Pontiff of the Mutt:

Sri Suyatheendra Theertharu Sri Sushameendra Theertharu

Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namah!

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Popular slokas of Sri Raghavendra Swamy Poojyaaya Raghavendraya satyadharmaratayacha Bhajataam kalpavrikshaaya namataam kamadhenave Mookopi yat prasaadena Mukundasayanayate Raja Rajayate Rikto Raghavendram Tamasraye Durvadidhvantaravaye Vaishnavendeevarendave Sri Raghavendragurave namo Athyanthadayalave Om!Sri Raghavendraya! Namah! (Raghavendra Astakshari) Sri Raghavendra Sthothra Sri Raghavendra Mangalastaka

(Sri Sushameendra Theertharu)

Sri Krishnaarpanamasthu bhargavasarma

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