Chennai to Mantralayam by Mumbai Mail
For those travelling from Chennai to Mantralayam , Mumbai Mail (Train no.11028 ) is probably the most convenient , particularly if you are planning to have darshan during weekends.
The train leaves Chennai at 11.55 pm and reaches Mantralayam the next day at 10.30 am
We can return from Mantralayam on Sunday if we start on Friday night .
The train comes to Mantralayam at 3.30 pm in the afternoon and reaches Chennai the next morning at 3.30 am ( quite early isn't it )
After going there we can try for accommodation. Many rooms in various hotels are available. Nowadays we can book online also. We have to keep checking the website.
We can book the room online. However remember to take a print out of the booking and your ID card, preferably Aadhar card.
The website of Sri Raghavendra Swami Mutt is Mutt website where rooms , online sevas can be booked and donation can be offered.
On arriving at the station ( this new station has more facilities than the old station which is no longer in use. There is a waiting room for upper classes (A/c coaches ). ) plenty of private vehicles are available , the taxis charge Rs.400/- from the railway station to the holy place.
The image below shows the reception office , the taxi takes you there anyway because we need to go there either to book rooms or to confirm our room booked online and to get our room number alloted. The persons behind the counters are very friendly and are aware that they are doing a holy seva.
Inside the reception office a board showing the list of sevas is there, of course it there inside the Mutt in the cash counter also.
Some of the sevas include Bangau Pallaki Seva ( Golden Palanquin seva) Kanaka Maha Pooja.
In the evening the Gold Chariot Seva, Rajatha Gajavahana Seva , Rajatha Rathostavam are very famous and popular and we find many families performing these Sevas , so all are conducted in the evening. The entire list is available online also
So far as the seva list is concerned it is possible that the rates may be revised. We have to check the Mutt website for the latest sevas and rates
Inside the Guest House a board showing the list of homas that can be performed including Pavamana Homa, Dhavantri homa etc
The arch to the entrance of the Holy Place, the Residence of Mantralaya Mahan - Sri Raghavendra Swami
The majestic front view of the Mutt which spreads blessings and blessings only.
To borrow from the famous Kannada song - He knows no anger, He does not avoid any one. He is like a Child who comes running when affectionately called ( by His devotees ).
Just by uttering His name , our problems are resolved , our diseases vanish.
There is a famous Lord Venkateswara temple nearby . There is a tradition to visit the temple also. It is believed that Sri Raghavendra Swami performed Puja there.
