On the bank of the Tungabhadra at Mantralayam in Andhra Pradesh stands the sacred Brindavana of Sri Raghavendra Swamy, one of the greatest saints of the Madhva (Dvaita) tradition of Vedanta founded by Madhvacharya. A revered scholar, teacher, and healer who lived in the seventeenth century, Raghavendra Swamy is believed to have entered his Brindavana — a living samadhi — here in 1671, promising to remain present within it to bless his devotees for centuries to come.
The shrine draws pilgrims of every background who experience his continuing grace, and is renowned for blessings of healing and protection. Devotees offer prayers at the Brindavana and receive its sacred mrittika (holy earth). Mantralayam is among the most beloved saint-shrines of South India, a place where the living presence of the guru is deeply felt.
