Shri Raghavendra Stotram

Shri Raghavendra Stotram (popularly known as Guru Stotram) is a sacred 32-verse hymn composed by Sri Appanacharya, the most devoted primary disciple of the great 17th-century saint Guru Sri Raghavendra Swamy of Mantralayam.

Legend recounts that when Rayaru (Guru Raghavendra Swamy) entered Brindavana Pravesha (live Samadhi) at Mantralayam in 1671 CE, Sri Appanacharya was rushing across the flooded Tungabhadra river, singing these verses in grief. As he reached the Brindavana, he choked with emotion at the final line of verse 31 ("Sākṣī Hayāsyas'tra Hi"). Suddenly, a divine voice from inside the stone Brindavana completed the stotram with the words: "Sākṣī Hayāsyotra Hi" ("Lord Hayagriva is witness to this truth!").

Reciting this stotram invokes the living presence of Guru Raghavendra Swamy, who promised to reside in His Brindavana for 700 years to bless and protect devotees.

• Mangala Sloka: I bow to Raghavendra, devoted to truth and Dharma, wish-tree and wish-cow for devotees.
• Verses 1–3: May Guru Raghavendra whose heart is attached to Rama's feet protect me from all sins.
• Verses 4–31: Praising Rayaru's ocean of learning, compassionate eyes, defeat of proud scholars, curing diseases.
• Verse 32 (Phalashruti): Reciting Appanacharya's stotram fulfills all desires.

Spiritual Significance

Raghavendra Stotram is the anthem of Mantralayam:

1. Kamadhenu & Kalpataru: Compares Rayaru to Kamadhenu (wish-yielding cow) and Kalpataru (wish-yielding tree).
2. Divine Voice Completion: Verse 31 was miraculously completed by Rayaru's voice from inside the stone Brindavana.
3. : Rayaru promised to remain spiritually active in His Brindavana at Mantralayam for 700 years.

According to scriptural tradition and verse 32 of this stotram, daily recitation of Shri Raghavendra Stotram grants the following blessings:

• Fulfillment of All Desires (Kamadhenu Kalpataru Phala): Rayaru acts like the celestial wish-fulfilling cow (Kamadhenu) and tree (Kalpataru).
• Cure of Incurable Diseases and Paralysis: Heals speech defects, blindness, leprosy, and chronic ailments.
• Protection from Debts, Poverty, and Misfortune: Bestows financial stability, employment, and peace.
• Grant of Righteous Knowledge and Devotion: Enhances memory, wisdom, and devotion to Lord Sriman Narayana.

Iti Śrī-Rāghavendra-Stotraṃ Appaṇācārya-Viracitam ।
Yaḥ Paṭhet-Bhakti-Samyuktaḥ Sa Sarva-Kāmān-Avāpnuyāt ॥ 32 ॥

Meaning of Phalashruti

Whoever recites this Raghavendra Stotram composed by Sri Appanacharya with sincere devotion will have all righteous desires fulfilled by Guru Raghavendra Swamy.

1. When should Raghavendra Stotram be chanted?

Thursdays, Rayaru Aradhana days, daily morning/evening prayers, and during moments of difficulty.

2. Where is Mantralayam located?

Mantralayam is located on the banks of river Tungabhadra in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, India.