Mantralayam is situated in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. It is situated on the banks of river Thungabadhra. Saint Sri Raghavenda attained his Samadhi here some 300 years ago.

The life of Saint Raghavendra is a source of great inspiration and strength to his myriad devotees. Called Venkatanath in his purvashrama days, Swami Raghavendra was a grahastha. When his Guru Sudhindra Tirtha wanted to make him the head of his Peetha, Venkatnath politely refused saying that he could not abandon his duties as a grahastha to his wife and his son. However, as per divine design he had a vision that convinced him that he should enter sanyasa and assume the mantle of the peetha. Thus began the story of saint Raghavendra. Throughout his life Swami Raghavendra worked tirelessly to spread the worship of Hari and with the blessings of his lord performed many a miracle.

There are numerous accounts of the miracles. Some where he made the poor rich, where he brought to life the dead, cured the incurable and so on. One miracle associated with Mantralayam itself was how the saint taught siddi Masood Khan, a local ruler, a lesson in humility by converting an offering of fruits and sweets mingled with flesh into a plate full of fruit and nuts. The Khan who wanted to offend the saint was stunned and immediately begged his pardon by granting the jagir of the most fertile village. The saint refused the offer and wanted only the grant of Mantralayam, which he considered as the mother of Tunga. The other miracle, which happened following

PLACES OF INTEREST

Sri Raghavendra Swami Brindavan : This is the most important place to be visited by the piligrims. Facing this is the Anjaneya Temple and in front of it the Sri Mrityunjayayeswara Temple .

Other thirtha's Brindavans: To the right of the Sri Raghavendra Brindavan is the beautiful Brindavan in honour of Sri Vadindra Thirtha. To the left of the Sri Raghavendra Brindavan at a short distance are situated in order the brindavans in honour of Sri Suvratindya, Sri Sudharmendra and Sri Suyamindra Thirthas. On a raised platform facing this is the Asvatha Tree surrounded by a number of Naga images. To the left of these Brindavan are the samee Vriksha, the large Boarding hall, a school and some cowsheds.

Sri Gurusarvabhuma Vidya Peetham: Behind the Sri Raghavendra Brindavan is a Samskrit College , named "Sri Guru Sarvabhauma Vidya Peetham." At this college several study the Sanskrit poetical works as well as the Ancient and modern books. This library is of great benefit to all people.

Manchalamma Temple : To one side in front of the Sri Raghavendra Brindavan is situated the temple of Sri Manchalamma . This deity is another manifestation of Goddess Parvathi. It is customary for people to worship at this shrine before proceeding to Sri Raghavendra Brindavan.

Sri Venkateswara Temple : n addition to the places mentioned above, there are certain others worthy of visit.There is the temple of Sri Venkateswara at the centre of this Mantralaya Campus.This image of Sri Venkateswara, is believed to have been consecrated by Sri Raghavendra himself.

Shiv Lingam: There is a huge Siva Linga in the middle of a Mantap built on a stone platform in the midst of the Tungabhadra River .