Mantralayam coverage

[Sujatha]

Mantralayam



Recently I visited Mantralayam,



I have tried to give some picture.



Please read with patience, hopefully you will have some tips





Last time I visited this place in the year 2000 July. After a gap of four years, I see enormous improvement in the small town.



We went by train and got down at Mantralayam Road Railway station. Surprisingly unlike four years ago, this time an APSRTC bus was waiting outside this little railway station. Just rupees seven for the journey from station to the Mutt. After a time of about 40 minutes, the bus reached the town. Just in the heart of the town, around the cross road, there is a Central Reservation Office (CRO) run by and wholly owned by Sri Raghavendra Mutt.



It is advisable to reserve through this CRO only. However, it is to remember that, They (CRO) will not give room to single persons. If you go in groups, you will get decent cottage sort of a thing for just Rs150/- per day. However, no geysers are present in the rooms. Hot water is available for Rs5 per bucket. I strongly recommend you to have the small (portable) Insect Mat Heaters (Mosquito machines). Otherwise, you will loose your blood by good quality mosquitoes here.



The biggest problem surrounding the Raghavendra Mutt is that of the beggars. There is no control for the beggars. They continuously chase the pilgrims unless they achieve their goal. Especially young children have been trained well in this aspect. They just come and cry in front of you. They cry continuously unless you pay them something. Their mother or father may be watching this scene from a distance.



Inside the Mutt, you will see the spot where Sri Raghavendra attained live Samathi. They have built the Brindavan over that. The interior of the Mutt has been carefully, excellently Redesigned. In the evening hours, I could not see even a single fused bulb inside the building complex. The infrastructure inside is lit fully to 100%.



Surprisingly, the chief swami ji, the junior priests, and most of the staff speak only in Kannada. I believe the working language of the Mutt is Kannada.

Dharshan is strictly without shirts and banions, for male pilgrims. They do not allow the Ladies with Jeans and T-shirt. Only saris and chudis are allowed for female pilgrims.



They provide free full meals daily. After the darshan is over, while returning back, they issue meals tokens. Yellow coloured one for general category, Rose coloured one is especially for Brahmins. If you are a male Brahmin you should be wearing the cross belt and should tell your Gothra.



Be particular to take bottled water with you during lunch. They do not give glass during free prasada lunch. I was informed some Rs10/- deposit system for water glass is there. But, no help. On the first day, I had continuous hiccoughs during lunch. One positive point to mention here is that I could not find any flies in the dining hall this time.



I should not and do not want to comment on the Prasad food. Please have your experience.



While mentioning about the food outside, the best-recommended place is MTR. (Mantralayam Tiffin Room) .This is a fast food centre just outside the front side arch of the Mutt. The taste of The Tiffin here is wonderful. The prices are at rock bottom level. Good quality coffee at Rs3/- Masal dosa Rs 10/- Two big puris Rs10/-



It is advisable to consume only mineral water at this town. The best idea is to buy the bottled BISLERI(5 Litres) outside. It costs Rs30/- per can.



The main attraction is the river Thungabatra. The riverbank is full with rocks. As such, there is no sand. Therefore, you should take care of your head. We could see groups of young guys in elated mood and with hyperactivity.



Finally, before completing this topic it is essential to mention the shrine by name Panchmuki. This is a quite Hanuman temple situated a few kilometres away from Mantralayam. An inter state bus takes you to the shrine which is at Karnataka state with charges of Rs9/- The bus waits for about half an hour with in which you can complete the dharshan and return by the same bus. While going by the bus I met one young guy from nearby village who was also going for dharshan with us. He has never seen Hyderabad. He is working in a weaving industry with humble weekly salary of Rs380/- He was scolding chief minister YSR. He told that CM made a hurried visit to his constituency and not talked to the public even a few words. One additional point, people here hardly speaks and understands Hindi. However, I observed that people of neighbouring town Raichur speak Hindi fully.



While returning you can catch, the Kacheguda bound train that starts at Guntakal at 2200 Hrs.



Bi

[Sharjeel]

You seem to be really into the tourism thngy. Good stuff anyway!

[CtrlAltDel]

good account of the place Sujatha. i have been there last in 1991. my dad's company has a factory in Mantralayam and we had stayed in the company guest house there.

yes, from yr account it looks like the place has improved a lot. the region is kannadiga dominated and most of the devotees are kannadigas too.