An overnight journey from Bangalore or Hyderabad, lies Mantralayam. Located in the Kurnool district in Andhra, it is across the border from the Raichur district in Karnataka. It is a peaceful temple town that lies on the banks of the river Tungabhadra, the river itself being split between Karnataka and Andhra at this point. This town is noted for the presence of the Samadhi of Guru Raghavendra Swami, a Madhwa saint and follower of Sri Madhwacharya.

There is also a Panchamukhi Hanuman temple around which are very unique rock formations. They have stood without change for hundreds of years. This photo shows one that is supposed to Lord Hanuman's vehicle. Only he could fly it!

We went there to celebrate my uncle's 60th birthday.

For more pictures from Mantralayam go to http://www.pbase.com/yardbird/india_mantralayam