SRI HANUMAN AMBALAM, ALATHOOR, MALAPURAM, KERALA...
sri m p sekharan, thrichur
Ayurveda the Indian system of Medicine
Ayurveda provides various treatment methods to achieve good health, both
physically and mentally. The treatments in Ayurveda are based on the 'Tridosha'
principle. According to the 'Tridosha' principle illness is due to the
imbalance of three elements in the body such as Vatha(air), Pitha(heat),and
Kafa(water). Ayurveda suggests remedial medicines to make these three
elements balanced.
This ancient science of medical treatment is considered to have been bestowed
on this land through Dhanwanthari considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu
and is worshipped as the patron God of Ayurveda. It is said that he initiated
surgery in this land. His numerous works on Ayurveda helped spreading of this
science throughout this land.
Kerala and Ayurveda
In the present day when one thinks of Ayurveda, he cannot escape thinking
about Kerala. It is Vagbhadan a master of Ayurveda and Sanskrit scholar of
12th century who brought this science to Kerala. The tradition established by
Vagbhadan in Kerala known as "Ashtanga Ayurveda".
Ashta vaidyas of Kerala
Ashtanga Ayurveda had been followed, practiced and propagated by
proficient eight families who later came to be known as the "Asta vaidyas".
These eight families include Alathur Nambi, Pulamanthol Moossu,
Pazhanellippurathu Thaikkattu Moossu, Kuttancheri Moossu, Vayaskara Moossu,
Velludu Moossu, and Chirattaman Moossu. Now there are seven Ashta vaidya
families are in existence.
Sri Alathoor Nambi and Sri Anjaneya
One of the Ashta vaidyas is Alathur Nambi and hails from Alathoor near
Tirur in Malappuram district. It is said that Alathoor Nambi had the
blessings of Aswin Devas the twins of Ayurveda doctors of Heaven and the
blessings of their family deity. The family deity of Alathur Nambi is Lord
Hanuman of Alathur, the Lord who had brought the Himalayan herbs to Lanka for
bringing to life the Lakshmana. It is known that Lord Hanuman has been named
as "serva rooga haran" meaning healer of all diseases and "Lakshmana pranna
datha" meaning a life giver. The best guide for a physician!.
Alathiyur Sri Rama Temple
The temple is located in Alathiyur near Tirur in Malappuram district
Kerala. The temple is popularly known as "Perumthrikkovil" in the Malappuram
district. The temple was maintained by Alathiyur Grama Namboodiri. Afterwards
it was taken over by Vettath Raja. Then after the management of the temple
was taken over by Zamorin Raja of Kozhikode. After formation of Kerala
Government Devaswam Board the management of the temple is with the Devaswam
Board. It is believed that the installation of the Lord Hanuman's idol in
this temple was performed non other than Sage Vasishta himself.
Significance of the Temple
The temple is built in the "Kerala Ammbalam" architecture. Here in the
main sanctum Lord Sree Rama is seen with a peculiar expression on his face
and is seen without his concert Mata Sita by his side. Sree Rama seen here is
after Ravana's extortion of Mata Sita. The main idol of Lord Sree Rama is
seen as he was giving the message to Sree Hanuman about Sree Sita before Sree
Hanuman embarked on the mission of locating Sree Sita. Such a peculiar
expression is vividly seen on the face of Sree Rama’s vigraha of this
kshetra.
The temple of Sree Hanuman is adjacent to the main temple of Sree Rama. In
the main sanctum Lord Hanuman is seen standing leaning forward to hear his
master’s words with a club in His hand. He is facing south and it is very
rare or one could say nowhere lese you could see a South facing Hanuman.
Sree Lakshmana’s temple is situated few meters away form the main temple and
it is believed that Sree Lakshmana was keeping away to avoid hearing the
confidential talk between sree Rama and Sree Hanuman.
Significance of Anjaneya in the Temple
It is said that the consecrated (installation) of the Lord Hanuman's
vigraha (idol) in this temple was performed non other than Sage Vasishta
himself. Here Lord Hanuman is seen as the messenger of Sree Rama to Sree Sita,
who had unified Paramathma with Jeevathma.
Before embarking to Lanka in search of Maa Sita, Lord Hanuman tells his
fellow vanaras thus: -
yatha raghavanirmuktha: sharah: ssvasnavikrama:
ghacheth thathvatth ghameshyaame lankam ravana paalithaam.
(As arrow sent by Lord Rama, travels speeder than air, I shall penetrate the
Lanka ruled by Ravana.) The main idol of Lord Hanuman in this temple depicts
the descriptions of mahakavi Valmiki as stated in the sloka.
Here there is a platform to commemorate Sree Hanuman’s leap over the sea to
Lanka.
There is a long granite stone at one end of this platform and it symbolizes
the sea. Devotees come running and leap over this long stone. By doing this,
auspicious result is expected especially for the better health and life of
children.
Offerings
The main offering to Lord Hanuman in this temple is "Pothi Avil" and is
famous. The "Prasadam" of "Pothi Avil" is made of hundred coconuts, hundred
measures of Rice flake (Avil), twenty-eight kilos of jaggery, 12 kilos of
country sugar, 750 grams of dry ginger, 800 grams of Jeera. All these
ingredients are mixed to make "Pothi Avil".
Renovation of the temple
On the advice of famous astrologers such as Manappuzha Raman Namboodiri,
Parappangadi, Unnikrishna Pannikar and Tanur Preman Panikar the renovation of
the temple had been undertaken. Well architect such as Vezhapparamb
Brahmadattan Namboodiri and Kanippayyur Unni Namboodiri had planned the
renovation at an estimated cost of about Rupees ninety five lakhs and the
renovation work had since commenced.
Persons who are interested in contributing towards this sacred hobble cause
may kindly contact:
The Manager
A.P.Kovil Devaswam
(P.O.) Poilissery
Tirur-2
Malappuram District
Devotees from all over Kerala and Tamil Nadu throng the temple seeking the blessings of Lord. The Lord of this kshethra who is "serva rooga haran", "Lakshmana pranna datha" and the guiding figure for one of the "ashtavaidyas" is ever ready to bestow on us good health and longevity.
[ed.08.02.02]