Mantralaya
By Swami Harshananda
Significance of Mantralaya[edit]
Mantralaya was originally a small village called Maṅcāle. It is now a well-known place of pilgrimage. It is also famous for its Vṛndāvana of the great sage and mystic Rāghavendratīrtha.[1] He is said to have entered into it while still alive.
Location of Mantralaya[edit]
It is situated on the bank of the river Tuṅgabhadrā, in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh at a distance of 93 kms.[2] from the railway junction of Guntakal.
Attractions at Mantralaya[edit]
Apart from this bṛndāvana, there are three more, of other saints. An image of god Vāyu[3] and a shrine for Mañcālāmbikā[4] are the other attractions for the devotees. There is a heavy rush of pilgrims throughout the year. Desires of the devotees who serve the sage in the prescribed manner are fulfilled. According to the local legends, this was the place where Prahlāda, the great devotee of Lord Viṣṇu had worshiped the goddess Mañcālāmbikā and had also performed Vedic sacrifices. The place is now well-developed with good arrangements for the benefit of the devotees and pilgrims.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore