Located in Thottuva, Kerala, Thottuva Dhanwanthari temple is the only temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Dhanwanthari. It is believed that the temple is more than 1000 years old.

Location Kerala, Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram

Legend

According to the legends, three Namboodiri families used to live in the hills of Malayatoor. One day Sankaracharya happened to visit these Namboodiri families. However, Sankaracharya was not offered food or alms and this made him unhappy. He cursed those families. The family was ruined and so they left the place and traveled to neighboring place Kodanad. On the way when they felt hungry, they prepared food in three different pots. They used bamboo as firewood. Two of them lighted the bamboo turning upwards and one turned it downwards. The two Brahmins who had lighted the bamboo by keeping it upwards were able to cook the food very quickly and after eating the food they continued their journey. All the places through which they traveled became their own. The other Brahmin was unable to cook the food soon because he had lighted the bamboo turning it downwards. So he started his journey slowly and reached the place where the present temple is situated. Keeping his umbrella on the ground he started preparing the 'Nivedyam' for the evening Pooja and having the food he went to sleep. He got a vision of Lord Dhanwanthari in his sleep telling him not to worry. The place where the Namboodiri had kept his umbrella came to be known as Kudappadom.

Architecture

The temple follows the patterns of Kerala architecture, which has got unique characteristics. It is in contrast to the Dravidian architecture as practiced in others of South India. Even though influence of Dravidian architecture is found in Kerala style, it also has prominent shades of Indian Vedic architectural science (Vastu Shastra) and also stamps of the historical influence of contact with maritime trading partners like Chinese, Arabs and Europeans. Classical Indian architectural works like the Tantrasamuchaya, Thachu-Shastra, Manushyalaya-Chandrika and Silparatna also find their influence in Kerala Architecture.

Culture

Kochi has a diverse, multicultural, and secular community consisting of Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Jains, Sikhs, Konkanis and Buddhists among other denominations. Today, the population of the city is a mix of people from all parts of Kerala and most of India. The city's pan-Indian nature is highlighted by the substantial presence of various ethnic communities from different parts of the country.The presence of the headquarters of the Southern Naval Command adds to the cosmopolitan nature of the city.

The people are also increasingly fashion-conscious, often deviating from the traditional Kerala wear to western casual clothing.Kochi has also played host to a number of high profile fashion shows, including ones sponsored by Fashion Television.Kochi is also the venue of the annual Cochin Flower Show

Darsan Info

The temple belongs to Koramboor Mana family.The temple is run by Sree Dhanwanthari Moorthi Seva Trust. On the southern side of the temple there is a small stream which flows towards the east. The practice is to have bath in this stream and then enter the temple for Darshan. It is believed that problems due to Vatha, Pitha and Kapha get cured if the devotees stay here and meditate.

Darsan Dresscode

No Specific Dress Code. Traditional Dress preferred for both men and women.

Temple Rituals

The presiding deity is Dhanwanthiri and the idol is almost six feet tall and facing east. On the right hand the lord holds Amrith and with the left hand the lord holds Atta, Shanku and Chakra. Sub deities are Ayyappan, Ganapathy, Bhadrakali and Rakshas.

Special Rituals

From the first to the eleventh day of the Dhanu month in Malayalam Era, the Lord is made up in the Dasavatara forms. This is known as Dasavataram Chartal. This practice is considered to be special and is associated with fertility.

Additional Info

 

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