The Panchamukhi Ganesha Temple is an ancient temple and one of the most visited temples in the Manthralaya district. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, and the highlight of the temple is the five faced Ganesha statue. The idol is decorated daily with turmeric powder and adorned with beautiful flowers. There are also other smaller shrines within the complex. Devotees believe that visiting this temple can remove obstacles and bring prosperity.
The Sree Raghavendra Swamy Matha is a sacred matha dedicated to Shri Raghavendra Swamy, a renowned scholar, poet, and saint of India. The matha is built in reverence to the great philosopher and Acharya of our faith. The ashrama is surrounded by tall trees and is very peaceful. It is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Manthralaya. Here visitors can witness the daily puja and enjoy a serene atmosphere of calm and spirituality.
The Panchamukhi Anjaneya Swamy Temple is a popular shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the most admired Hindu deity. Hanuman is known for his immense strength and devotion to Lord Rama, whose adventure he accompanied in the great epic Ramayana. The temple is built in the opposite direction to Lord Hanuman's image, which faces south. This temple gets its name from the five-faced idol of Lord Hanuman, believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune to its worshippers. Visitors will be drawn to the stunning mural painted on the ceiling that portrays the epic Ramayana.
The Manchale Mutt is famous for the fact that Shri Raghavendra Swami visited and performed his last worship regularly in the Mutt. The Mutt was established in the 13th century by Sri Adhokshaja Tirtha. The mutt offers meals to pilgrims, and the food is served with utmost devotion. Visitors can also enjoy the famous ragi mudde (porridge balls), the staple food in this region. The Mutt also provides historical details of the mutt and the saint that once walked here.
If you have an extra day, you can visit the famous Jogulamba temple, located 11 km from Manthralaya. It is one of the 18 shakti peethas in India. The trip will take about 45 mins. Alternatively, if you have limited time, you can skip the Manchale Mutt or the Panchamukhi Ganesha temple. It is also advisable to carry water bottles with you and dress appropriately for the weather and temple visit (covered knees and shoulders). Lastly, try to travel during weekdays to avoid the crowds.