Mandapaka - Chaturbhuja Kesavaswamy Aalayam

This is one of the Panchakesava aalayas said to have been built by Mandavya mahamuni in the bygone past. According to the legend - it is on the bank of the sacred pond lying to the east of town. Mandavya did penance for long, and lived there after the accomplishment of his desire. So it was aptly called Mandavya kshetra, which in course of time became Mandapaka. Ifhe Kesavaswamy Alayam is built in the Dravidian architectural style with several mini-mandirs for parivaiadevathas etc. The Mulavirat Chaturbhuja Kesavaswamy made of granite is installed on five foot high dias and he is holding in his hands panchajanya, lotus, Sudaesana chakra and koumodaki. It is the same image installed by Mandavya mahamuni, says the purohit with beaming face. It is in sthanaka posture buffeted by Sridevi and Bhudevi on his sides. There are the images of the august Sanakasanandas in this temple worshipped with great reverence, since such representations are rare. Of the five famous kshetras dedicated to Kesavaswamy at Duvva, Katalaparru, Tanuku, and Ryali, this has got greater pull on account of its association with Mandavya Maharshi.

It is regularly visited and agamic worship is offered with due zeal. During Palguna masa Kalyanotsav and car festival, and special pujas in Karthika and Dhanur masas are celebrated in grandiose manner that lure thousands of persons.

It lies 3 km off Tanuku, the taluq headquarters town of the same name in the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh enjoying transport facilities.

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