Mantralayam and Shree Guru Raghavendra Swamiji represent one of South India’s most sacred pilgrimage destinations. At 6 AM sharp, when temple bells echo across the Tungabhadra River banks, you’ll witness 500+ devotees gathering for first darshan.
Quick Information for Mantralayam Temple
Location: Mantralayam, Adoni Taluk, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh
Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free for darshan
Contact: 08512-279459
Best Time: August to March
Distance from Temple: Main town center – 500 meters walking
Parking: Available near temple complex (20-50 per vehicle)
Who Was Shree Guru Raghavendra Swamiji
Born as Venkatanatha in 1595 at Bhuvanagiri near Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, Guru Raghavendra Swamiji transformed from a family man into one of Hinduism’s most revered saints. His grandfather Krishna Bhatta served as a veena scholar in King Krishnadevaraya’s court.
The saint lived for 76 years (1595-1671), serving as pontiff of Kumbakonam Matha from 1621 to 1671. During this period, he authored 45 Sanskrit works, including commentaries on Madhva’s philosophy and interpretations of Principal Upanishads.
How to Reach Mantralayam
From Bangalore: KSRTC buses run every 2 hours. Fare: 490-1,500 depending on bus type. Travel time: 9.5 hours
From Hyderabad: APSRTC buses available every hour. Distance: 230 km
By Train: Mantralayam Road station, then auto/bus (80-120 for 12 km journey)
By Air: Nearest airport – Hyderabad (230 km), then road transport
Temple Darshan Experience and Timings
Morning darshan begins at 6 AM when devotees take ritual baths in Tungabhadra River before proceeding to the temple. The main Brindavana remains accessible until 2 PM, after which temple closes for cleaning and maintenance.
During weekdays, darshan takes 20-30 minutes. Weekend visits extend to 45 minutes, while festival days can require 2-3 hours of waiting. The dress code strictly requires traditional attire: men must wear dhoti without shirt, while women should dress in sarees or salwar kameez.
Accommodation Options Near Temple
Mantralayam offers diverse lodging options catering to different budgets. Temple-run guesthouses provide basic accommodation at 800-1,200 per day. Private hotels like Hotel Abode charge 2,000-4,000 for AC rooms with modern amenities.
Budget lodges like Sreeniketanam Lodge offer non-AC rooms at 1,000-1,500 per night. The temple’s free annadanam serves meals from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM daily, offering simple rice, sambar, vegetables, and curd to all visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are temple darshan timings?
Morning: 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Evening: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily. Timings may extend during festivals and special occasions.
How much do hotels cost near temple?
Budget lodges: 800-1,500, Mid-range hotels: 2,000-4,000, Luxury options: 5,000-8,000 per night including taxes.
Is advance booking required?
Not mandatory for darshan, but highly recommended for accommodation during festival seasons and weekends.
Last Updated: August 2025 | Next Update: Scheduled during Guru Raghavendra Aradhana Mahotsava
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