Keraleeya Ayurveda Samajam: Nurturing ayurveda in a Vedic way

The Keraleeya Ayurveda Samajam situated in Shoranur on the banks of the river Bharathapuzha is a proud tribute to the living tradition of ayurveda. In 1902, the then Zamorin of Calicut, Manavikrama Ettan Raja had a celestial vision on the general health care of his subject. He wanted the knowledge and wisdom in ayurveda acquired by the Vaidhyas, through ages of observations and learning to be made available to the common man, at a time when it was available only to the rich and privileged. Keraleeya Ayurveda Samajam was thus formed with the involvement of Zamorin, the Maharaja of Cochin, Ashtavaidhyas and other well wishers. What makes Its unique The Keraleeya Ayurveda Samajam pharmacy is the first vaidyasala in which more than 500 products are manufactured with its traditional purity. The methods employed are traditional and mostly non-mechanised. Wood is still used as fuel. Medical decoctions, oils, medicated ghee’s, powders, tablets and fermented medicines are some of the categories in the production unit. Fresh medicated decoctions are prepared in the pharmacy kitchen and supplied in the ward for in- patients and are devoid of preservatives. Around 8-9 decades before, the Samajam introduced the systematised practices of Panchakarma and specialised Kerala therapies. Modern diagnostic methods and clinical investigations are utilised effectively in the Samajam hospital. Total 105 patients can be accommodated at a time in independent cottages and the general wards. PNNM College Recently Samajam has started a new venture, The Poomulli Neelakandan Namboodiripad Memorial Ayurveda Medical College, near old Kalamandalam is located in serene atmosphere on the banks of the river Nila. The college started functioning in the academic year 2007- 08 and has been recognised by the C.C.I.M, government of India and affiliated to the University of Calicut. The college is run under aegis of Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam Dhakshinamnaya Sri Sharadha peetam, Sringeri, Karnataka. Besides imparting information on ayurveda, basic classes are conducted on allied sciences like Vasthu, Thanthra Sasthra, Yoga, Jyothisha etc. ARIC Keraleeya Ayurveda Samajam has already established an Academic Research & Information Centre (ARIC). Over 400 works on classical ayurveda and related subject areas are digitalised and preserved for the use of future generations. And, the work is going on. The information thus augmented will be made universally accessible through different international languages. Research work is already in progress on autism. An outlet of this has been started at Bengaluru. A national seminar was organised at PNNM Ayurveda Medical College on autism spectrum disorders. Recently another seminar entitled ‘Suputhreeyam’ was conducted to provide advice for parents-to-be. Sringeri Ayurdham Sringeri Ayurdham is a heritage healthcare centre run by the management of Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam, Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri, Karnataka. Situated in a picturesque location on the serene banks of River Purna (Periyar) and a dense forest on either side of the river, Ayurdham is an ideal place to refresh and rejuvenate.