The ancestors of the present Vembrakat family of Gowda Saraswath Brahmin community at Palluruthy, where they settled down long ago, had built this temple for Lord Dhanwanthari with their gifted knowledge of Medicine and its practical application. Gowda Saraswath Brahmins residing in Kerala are descendants of those Gowda Saraswaths who came over Kerala from Sasasti Pradesh of Goa when the Portuguese established their inquisition in Goa in 1560 AD. One of the families that came along with migrants for their settlement in Kerala belonged to Bhembre family of Goa, who took the family surname 'Prabhus'. In the line of descendants of Ayurvedic Physicians there was born one Babha Sharma Prabhu. He was a great devotee of Lord Dhanwanthari, the Physician of the Gods. While asleep one day Lord Dhanwanthari appeared in the dream and told him that a shilpi would come over his place and carve an idol of Lord Dhanwanthari which he should install in a temple. As said in the dream one shilpi appeared and as per the wish of Babha Sharma Prabhu, the shilpi carved out of the granite stone the image of Dhanwanthari. Thus the temple was constructed.

Location Kerala, Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram

Legend

In the line of descendants of Babha Sharma Prabhu, was Sanna Prabhu who earned name as one of the foremost physicians in Ayurveda of his times. Raja of Cochin wanted Prabhu to cure a disease which he was suffering. Prabhu prayed the Lord to guide him to find out medicine for Raja's illness. The Lord in the dream directed Prabhu that the oil which he used to prepare 'Gari' a type of Vada usually prepared by putting it in the heated oil, and offered as Nivedyam to the Lord, should be given to the Raja for application over his body. As directed by the Lord the oil was given to the Raja and the Raja was cured completely. There are many other tales related to the temple showing the curing power of the Dhanwanthri moorthy.

Architecture

The image of the Lord Dhanwanthari installed in this temple is one foot 7 and half inches in height and is of Krishna Sila (Black granite stone). The Lord wears a Veshti which has graceful folds and the central folds fall neatly between the legs which wears anklets and kankana. In the right upper hand the Lord Dhanwanthari holds Chakra (Wheel) and in the upper left hand holds Shankha (Counch). In the lower right hand a Leach is firmly held in between the index finger and the thumb and the other fingers stand upright showing the Abhaya pose. In the left lower hand the Lord holds a pot with nectar that is 'Amrita'. The image stands on a circular inverted Lotus pedestal which is set upon a square peeta. The deity wears Bhuja Kireetas (on shoulders) and a well ornamented Kireeta Makuta (the crown) which is supremely graceful. The ears have ear ornaments, the Makara Kundala, and round the neck necklace is worn with a pendant. Armlets and bracelets adorn the hands. There is Udara Banda and the Kati Banda. The garbhagriha, the Sanctum Sanctorum of the temple is square in shape showing the Nagara style of Hindu temple architecture.

Culture

West Kochi is a melting pot of cultures as 13 different communities from across the world settled down here. Most of them were fleeing from persecution and found refuge here. This brought a unique flavour to the local culture, which is still maintained today.

Darsan Info

Palluruthy Dhanwanthri Temple is open from 6:15 AM to 10:15 AM and from 6 PM to 8 PM

Darsan Dresscode

At Palluruthy Dhanwanthri Temple, Kerala traditional wear is preferred.

Famous Festival

April -  3 Day long Aarattu Festival

May -  3 Day long Aarattu Festival

July - Akhanda Nama Yajna

August - Akhanda Nama Yajna

November - Dhanwanthari Jayanthi

December - Dhanwanthari Jayanthi

Temple Rituals

Sree Dhanwanthari Temple at Palluruthy, Kochi, is one of the oldest temples in Kerala dedicated to Lord Dhanwanthari, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as 'Ayurveda Moorthi', also known as the Physician of Gods.  Lord Dhanwanthari, the Physician of Gods, is worshipped under the name 'Dhanwanthari Narayana'.

Special Rituals

Belief has it amongst the devotees that the Lord comes to the rescue of the people suffering from physical illness when they call upon Him chanting His name filled with devotion to give them relief from illness.

Additional Info

 

Eateries near Palluruthy Dhanwanthri Temple

Malabar Junction

Phone:0484 221 6666

Haco Restaurant

Phone:088021 82739

 

 Supermarket : Available