The Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt in Mantralayam, Andhra Pradesh, is the sacred site where the 17th-century saint and philosopher Sri Raghavendra Swamy entered Sajeeva Samadhi in 1671 AD.
Devotees believe the saint’s spiritual presence still resides in the Moola Brindavan (sacred tomb) and will continue to bless followers for 700 years from the date of his entry. The temple is also renowned for its “Annadana” tradition, providing free sanctified meals to every visitor regardless of caste or creed.
Daily Mantralayam Temple Timings
The temple follows a structured schedule divided into morning and evening sessions, with a closure in the afternoon for cleaning.
| Activity / Darshan | Timing |
| Temple Opening / Suprabhatha Seva | 5:30 AM – 6:00 AM |
| Morning Darshan | 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Seva Sankalpa (Booking Sevas) | 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM |
| Madhyanah Pooja (Noon) | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM |
| Afternoon Break (Temple Closed) | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Evening Aarti | 7:00 PM |
| Temple Closing | 9:00 PM |
Note: If the Head of the Mutt (HH Sri Swamiji) is present, you can witness the Sri Moola Ramadevara Pooja and receive Mantrakshata (blessed rice) between 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Best Time to Visit
- Ideal Months: October to March is the best time due to pleasant weather (15°C to 30°C).
- Major Festivals:
- Aradhana Mahotsava (August): The most significant three-day festival commemorating the day the saint entered Samadhi.
- Sri Raghavendra Swamy Jayanti (February/March): Celebrating the saint’s birth anniversary.
- Avoid: The summer months (April to June) can be extreme, with temperatures frequently soaring above 40°C.
How to Reach
- By Train: The nearest station is Mantralayam Road (MALM), about 16 km from the temple. Shared autos (approx. ₹40), taxis, and RTC buses are available 24/7 to transport pilgrims to the town.
- By Road: Mantralayam is well-connected by APSRTC and KSRTC buses from Bengaluru (7-8 hours), Hyderabad (5 hours), and Kurnool (2.5 hours).
- By Air: The nearest major airports are Kurnool (95 km) and Hyderabad (290 km).
Essential Rules and Tips
- Strict Dress Code: Traditional attire is mandatory for darshan and sevas.
- Men: Must wear a Dhoti; shirts and vests are not permitted inside the inner sanctum.
- Women: Must wear a Saree or a salwar kameez with a dupatta.
- Not Allowed: Jeans, shorts, and T-shirts are strictly prohibited.
- Free Meals (Anna Prasadam): Served daily from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
- Order of Worship: It is traditional to first visit the temple of Manchalamma (the presiding deity of the village) before entering the main Raghavendra Swamy Mutt.
- Holy Dip: Many devotees take a holy dip in the Tungabhadra River located right next to the temple before their visit.
