Nelluvay Dhanwanthari Temple - Cultural Heritage

Sree Dhanwanthari Temple at Nelluvai, is one of the most prominent and ancient temples of Lord Dhanwanthari in India. The legend states that the idol at the temple was installed by Ashwani Devas and it was the same idol worshipped by Sri. Vasudevar in the Dwapara Yuga. Hence the inference that the origin of the temple dates back more than 5000 years. Lord Dhanwanthari is another manifestation of Lord Maha Vishnu and this was detailed in Srimad Bhagavatham. The lord emerged from the ocean during Paalaazhi Mdhanam (churning out the milky ocean) with the four hands carrying the divine Sankhu (Conch),Holy Chakram (Wheel), Amrutham (Divine Nectar) and Jalookham (Leech) respectively. Leach is used in Ayurvedic theraphy to suck out bad blood to cure certain diseases. This signifies the lord as God of Medicine and physicians of all branches of medicine worship him as their Upaasana Murthy. Even in this modern era the Physicians before stepping into their profession have been performing Bhajans in the temple and reading Ashtamgahridaya, which is the basic and prime book of Medicine. It is highly believed that this offering will give them more knowledge and help getting more success in their profession. It is said that the famous Astrologist and Poet Vidvan Machatt Ilayath who performed Bhajans before the Dhanwanthari Moorthi in Nelluvai Temple and wrote the poetry Sthrothra Panchashika got complete relief from his skin disease. The poem Sthrothra Panchashika was offered to the God on the 1st of Malayalam month Kumbham ( mid Feb ). This day is being celebrated as the Sthrothra Panchashika Day every year. The Dhanwanthari Asthothara Namajapa and Sthrothra Panchashika parayana is believed to help children and elders alike for their better prosperity and to increase their wisdom and for removing all their physical and mental illnesses. The temple is famous for " Mukidi" ( which is considered panacea for all diseases by ancient people) a medicinal drink offered in the presence of Lord Dhanvanthari every day…Also, special offerings like Mukkidi, Dhanvanthari Archana and The famous " Atta & kozhambu " Offering is considered as perfect remedy for all kind of disease. This ancient Sree Dhanwanthari temple at Nelluvai is near Wadakkanchery in Thrissur district, (Approx 20Km’s from Trichur Town) Kerala. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Narrator and Singer :- S.Shyam Sunder Place :- Nelluvay Dhanwanthari Temple Editor :- Ganesh.M.k Concept And Dop :- Gopal Melarkode Publisher :- Cultural Heritage