Ayurveda the Indian system of Medicine

Ayurveda provides various treatment methods to achieve best 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.

Dhanwanthari, considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and worshipped as the patron God of Ayurveda had bestowed this ancient science of medical treatment on this land. It is said that he initiated surgery, and introduced to this land. His numerous works on Ayurveda helped spread this science throughout this land.

Kerala and Ayurveda

In the present day, when one thinks about Ayurveda, one cannot escape thinking about Kerala. It is Vagbhadan, a master of Ayurveda and Sanskrit scholar of the 12th century, who brought this science to Kerala. The Ayurvedik tradition introduced by Vagbhadan in Kerala is known as "Ashtanga Ayurveda".

Ashta vaidyas of Kerala

Ashtanga Ayurveda 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 in existence.

Sri Alathiyur Nambi and Sri Anjaneya

One of the Ashta Vaidyas is Alathiyur Nambi, who hails from Alathiyur near Tirur in the Malappuram district. It is said that Alathiyur 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 Alathiyur Nambi is Lord Hanuman of Alathiyur, the Lord who brought the Himalayan herbs to Lanka in order to bringing Lakshmana to life. Lord Hanuman is "serva roga haran," meaning healer of all diseases, and "Lakshmana pranna datha," meaning a life giver to Lakshmana. He is the best guide for any physician.

Alathiyur Sri Rama Temple

The temple is located in Alathiyur near Tirur in the Malappuram district of Kerala. The temple is popularly known as "Perumthrikkovil" in the Malappuram district. Initially, Alathiyur Grama Namboodiris were managing this temple, before it was taken over by Vettath Raja. After Vettatha Raja the management passed on to Zamorin Raja of Kozhikode. On formation of the Kerala Government Devaswam Board the management of the temple rests with the Devaswam Board now. It is believed that the Lord Hanuman's idol of this temple was installed by none other than Sage Vasishta himself.

Significance of the Temple

The architecture of temple is of "Kerala Ammbalam" style . In the main sanctum, Lord Sree Rama is seen with a peculiar expression on his face, and without his consort, Mata Sita, by his side. Sree Rama here, is seen after Ravana's extortion of Mata Sita. Lord Sree Rama of this kshetra is giving a message to Sree Hanuman about Sree Sita before Sree Hanuman embarked on the mission of locating Sree Sita. The expression on the face of Sree Rama’s vigraha of this kshetra, vividly shows this.

The temple of Sree Hanuman is adjacent to the main temple of Sree Rama. Lord Hanuman is seen standing in the main sanctum, 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 else could you see a south-facing Hanuman.

STemple of Sree Lakshmana is situated a few meters away from the main temple. 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 Lord Hanuman's vigraha (idol) in this temple was consecration (installation) by none other than Sage Vasishta himself. Lord Hanuman is the messenger of Sree Rama to Sree Sita, who had unified Paramatma with Jeevatma.

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 an arrow sent by Lord Rama travels faster 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, symbolises the sea. Devotees leap over this long stone, to know the auspicious results are expected, especially for the better health and life of children.

Offerings

The main and famous offering to Lord Hanuman in this temple is "Pothi Avil." The "Prasadam" of "Pothi Avil" is made with a mixer of hundred coconuts, hundred measures of rice flake (Avil), twenty-eight kilos of jaggery, 12 kilos of country sugar, 750 grams of dry ginger, and 800 grams of jeera. 'Prasadam' of "Pothi Avil" is a mixture of all these ingredients.

Renovation of the temple

The renovation of the temple had been undertaken, on the advice of famous astrologers such as Manappuzha Raman Namboodiri, Parappangadi, Unnikrishna Pannikar, and Tanur Preman Panikar. The renovation work had since commenced at an estimated cost of about Rupees ninety-five lakhs, as planned by well-known architect, such as Vezhapparamb Brahmadattan Namboodiri and Kanippayyur Unni Namboodiri.

Persons who are interested in contributing towards this sacred noble cause may kindly contact:

The Manager
A.P.Kovil Devaswam
(P.O.) Poilissery
Tirur-2
Malappuram District

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SRI HANUMAN THINKS DIFFERENTLY, THINKS FAST
THINKS AHEAD AND ACTS FOR SURE

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Ed [08.02.02]
Updates: [Dec 2024]

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