Bikshalaya
Entrance to Eka sila Brindavana
Bikshalaya or Bichali is 20 Kms from Mantralayam in Raichur district, Karnataka state.There are many Autos, Jeeps and Taxis are available from Mantralayam and this is the place of Sri Appanacharya, the prime Sishya of Sri Raghavendhra stayed here with Appanacharya's house for about 13 years and the house where Sri Raghavendhra Swami stayed is still there.
Bikshalaya is a garden place just on the banks of river Tungabhadra with plenty of Big trees.
Ek Shila Brindhavana of Sri Raghavendhra is present here as per the wish of Sri Raghavendhra himself. This is without any roof and is the Brindhavana in the world open to the Mother Nature.This Brindavana is on top of the Japadakatte (platform) where Sri Raghavendra Swamy and Sri Appanacharya used to sit and discuss.
This is the Rubbu Gundu and Varalu kallu used for Manually Gring Chatni and Sri Appanacharya was Grinding Dal Chatni for the Naivedya of Sri Moola Rama Devaru and to Rayaru,Rayaru was Fond of Dal Chatni and Sweet Appi Payasa.
When Sri Raghavendhra Swamy decided about his Brindhavana in the year 1671, he purposely sent Appanacharya away from Mantralaya because he knew Appanacharya could not bear that very moment. But the news of Raghavendhra’s Brindavana spread like a wild fire and on hearing the shocking news, Appanacharya rushed to Bichali. He had to cross Tungabadra but the river was in full flow. But he didn’t care and remembering his Guru, crying and weeping, Appanacharya started crossing the Tungabhadra creating a slogan for his guru.. Appanacharya’s devotion, faith, firmness made Tunghabadra to pave the way for him by spliting up the water in to two sides. But by the time Appanacharya reached Mantralaya the last slab was already placed and he could not see his Dear Guru. Tears gushed out from his eyes and his voice choked. The stotra had reached its final stanza but he could not utter any word while crying and weeping beyond.Then Sri Raghavendra completed the stotra from inside the Brindavana itself.
Appannacharya used to beg (Bikshe) for food. The Rice that he gathered was put on a cloth and tied to a tree branch. After performing the Pooja he used to just sprinkle some holy water on the Rice and it turned into cooked rice. With the passage of time it came to be called as Bichali.
Idol of Ugra Narasimha Devaru and It was installed here by a great Madhwa Saint Sripadarajaru ( Mulbagilu - Kolar dist ) under Ashwatha Tree near Japada katte.
Idol of Lord Hanumantha or Anjaneya and this idol was installed and worshipped by Sri Raghavendra swami himself. This Hanumantha or Anjaneya idol has been carved from the same stone that is used for making the Brindavana of Swami in Mantralayam.
This is the Hall of Appanacharya's house called Padasale and one centre place where Guru Rayaru was Sleeping taking Rest at this Spot and kept Sacred Moola Rama devara Pettige or Box in the Corner.
NagaSilas are in the Circles in Steps and its prathistapana was done by Great Madhwa saint Jitamitraru of Shesha Devaru near Japadakatte,People who wish for Santhana Bhagya needs to install Nagasila and get Blessed.
If one Visits to Mantralayam please make it a point to Visit Bishshalaya also where Rayaru Lived for 13 years in Penance on the Banks of River Tungabhadra and get Blissful feeling and Blessed.
----------------- Hari Om ----------------
