Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple
(Gabbur)
(IPLTOURS)
There are many glorious temples in our country with the incarnations of Lords Shiva and Vishnu besides enigmatic mysteries. Among such temples, the uniqueness and greatness of the Lord Venkateswara himself is astonishing to see at Gabbur (Mantralaya) Temple.
Gabbur is a town located in Devadurga taluk of Raichur district in Karnataka state. Gabbur is known as the temple town of Raichur district Gabbur is located at a distance of 30 km from the district headquarters Raichur and 28 km from the taluka center Devadurga. In fact, the temple is located just 500 m from Vrindavan of Sri Raghavendra Mutt in Mantralayam of Kurnool District in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Hence though the temple existing in Gobburu, it is known as Venkateswara temple of Mantralayam. There are about thirty temples and inscriptions in Gobbur town. During the pilgrimage to Srisailam, pilgrims can visit Sri Venkateswara Swamy of Gabbur after darshan of Sri Raghavendra in Mantralayam.
There are numerous temples of Lord Venkateswara, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the country and abroad. There are Venkateswara temples with divine power attracting devotees of the country and abroad like Thirumala and Dwarka Thirumala besides other most famous considered as self manifested temples like Vadapalli and Appanapalli located in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. In addition to these shrines, there are many famous and mysterious shrines of both the Lords Shiva and Vishnu that are not became popular in Southern part of our country. Vaishnava temples are prominent in the south and Shiva temples are famous in the north of our country.
According to local mythology, Sri Raghavendra Swami himself worshiped Sri Lakshmi Venkateswara near Mantralaya. Sri Venkateswara Temple is located between the houses in Mantralayam village. The gate has a tower with figures of Janitors and behind the tower is a large hall and a sanctum. The porch is decorated with dolls of the deity Lord Venkateswara and their consorts. A black ornate stone idol of Sri Venkateswara is seen in the sanctum. If the idol of Swami is anointed with hot water from above the head, the water cools as soon as it reaches the feet of the Idol. If the Idol anoints with hot water from its navel, the water will reach the feet as hot. Only the hot water poured from the top of the head turns cold. The secret behind this miracle is unbelievable and it has no exaggeration to say the greatness of Sri Venkateswara is a genius.
Gabburu was known as Garbhapura, Gopuragram earlier. Many of these temples were built during the Kalyani Chalukyas period. There are some other famous temples of Hanuman, Shiva, Nandeeshwar and many ruins in this area. Sri Lakshmi Venkateswara Temple is the oldest temple in Mantralayam. The idol and temple of Lord Venkateswara, which is dedicated and worshiped by Sri Raghavendra himself, is delightful. Sri Lakshmi Venkateswara Temple is a major attraction in the premises of the monastery. Daily pujas and all the festivals are conducted to the deity. Devotees get a blissful feeling. The temple is open from 6-00 to 12 and again from 4-30 to 8-00.
Manchalamma Temple is located towards left to the courtyard. Maa Manchalammaamma is considered to be the village goddess of Mantralayam. Information about the location of this temple near the river can be obtained from the locals. Manchalamma believed to be the incarnation of Maa Parvati and this temple is an important temple in Mantralayam.
Devotees pray Manchalamma before entering the Raghavendra Swamy Temple. The temple has a sanctum sanctorum and a hall. Manchalamma idol is a 3 feett height and established on a high seat. Many colorful paintings of Goddess Parvati can be seen on the temple tower. It is believed that Manchalamma protects the Mantralayam town with her divine powers. Formerly Mantralayam was called as Manchali with the name of Maa Manchalamma. It is a special custom of the temple to allow the devotees to offer alms to themselves. The temple is kept open from 6-30 am to 2-00 pm and again from 4-00 am to 9-00 pm.
