It is a cave temple where Sri Raghavendra Swamy (Rayaru) had performed penance for 12 years meditating on Panchamukhi (five headed) Hanuman before entering into Brindavana at Mantralayam. One can find a script engraved to this effect on the walls of the temple. It is said that Rayaru had the darshan of Lord Hanuman in a unique way with five faces (Varaha, Garuda, Narasimha, Hayagreeva and Aanjaneya) at this spot along with Lord Venkateswara (Tirupathi), Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi (Kolhapura), and Kurma Avathara of Lord Maha Vishnu. One can find the idols of these deities inside the temple along with a small Brindavana (replica) indicating the spot where Sri Rayaru did the penance. Lord Hanuman manifested here, is in a rare posture, sitting on his knees with folded hands facing east. It is believed and said that whoever worships him will be benefited with merits and fulfillment of their desires.
As per the Kshetra Mahatya this location is said to be in existence since Tretha Yuga. Lord Hanuman is believed and said to have visited this spot during the epic days of Ramayana in the course of getting Sri Rama and Lakshmana released from the clutches of Mahiravana. You will find rare and giant rocky structures in the replica of a bed and a plane (elevated rock) said to have been used by Lord Hanuman. There is also an underground passage near Erukalamba temple through which Lord Hanuman is said to have reached Mahiraavana and finally killed him.
Outside the main temple there is a spot where we find a very large sized footwear being worshipped said to be of Lord Hanuman. It is said and believed that Lord Hanuman uses this foot wear which is replaced once in five years as per the local customs and beliefs when they get soiled due to wear and tear. Apart from this there is a temple of Goddess Erukalamba (Grama Devatha) located at a small distance from Panchamukhi temple. She is the presiding deity of this place who is also worshiped by the pilgrims coming from far off places.
Since the days of Sri Rayaru the temple has come into prominence. People visiting Mantralayam will make it a point to visit this temple to seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman in a rare form. During festival days especially on the new moon (Amaavaasya), full moon (Pournami), Tuesdays, and Saturdays there will be rush of pilgrims to this temple.
The temple of Panchamukhi Aanjaneya Swamy is located on the banks of river Tungabhadra about 20 km to the north of Mantralayam. It is on the Karnataka – Andhra border coming under Karnataka state about 2 km from Ganadhala village.
As per the Kshetra Mahatya this location is said to be in existence since Tretha Yuga. Lord Hanuman is believed and said to have visited this spot during the epic days of Ramayana in the course of getting Sri Rama and Lakshmana released from the clutches of Mahiravana. You will find rare and giant rocky structures in the replica of a bed and a plane (elevated rock) said to have been used by Lord Hanuman. There is also an underground passage near Erukalamba temple through which Lord Hanuman is said to have reached Mahiraavana and finally killed him.
Outside the main temple there is a spot where we find a very large sized footwear being worshipped said to be of Lord Hanuman. It is said and believed that Lord Hanuman uses this foot wear which is replaced once in five years as per the local customs and beliefs when they get soiled due to wear and tear. Apart from this there is a temple of Goddess Erukalamba (Grama Devatha) located at a small distance from Panchamukhi temple. She is the presiding deity of this place who is also worshiped by the pilgrims coming from far off places.
Since the days of Sri Rayaru the temple has come into prominence. People visiting Mantralayam will make it a point to visit this temple to seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman in a rare form. During festival days especially on the new moon (Amaavaasya), full moon (Pournami), Tuesdays, and Saturdays there will be rush of pilgrims to this temple.
The temple of Panchamukhi Aanjaneya Swamy is located on the banks of river Tungabhadra about 20 km to the north of Mantralayam. It is on the Karnataka – Andhra border coming under Karnataka state about 2 km from Ganadhala village.
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