A blend of ayurveda and heritage - Express TravelWorld

A blend of ayurveda and heritage - Express TravelWorld

Poomully Mana is home to one of the oldest Nambuthiri families in Kerala. Mana means traditional house of Nambuthiri families. With a history of over 500 years, the family members of Poomully Mana were experts in Ayurveda, Kalaripayattu (martial arts), Yoga and also performing arts.

The late Poomully Neelakandan Namputhiripadu, popularly known as Aram Thampuran (the sixth lord) was an expert in all walks of life. Because of his profound understanding of various subjects, he was also known as Arivinte Thampuran, meaning 'Lord of Knowledge'. Neelakandan Namputhiripadu was an acclaimed authority on Ayurveda. His works at the Keraleeya Ayurveda Samajam in Shoranur, where a research facility for treating diabetes and infertility was established, became a great success. Decades ago, when no modern facilities existed in the field of toxicology, Neelakandan Nambuthiripadu turned out to be a solace for the patients, who looked forward to his outstanding curative powers. Taking care of elephants the Ayurvedic way was yet another speciality of Neelakandan Nambuthiripadu. Adding to his repertoire of knowledge was his mastery over Kalaripayattu, the unique martial art form of Kerala, and the sublime art of physical and mental well-being - Yoga.

After the passing away of Neelakandan Nambuthiripadu in 1997 a trust was formed in his name, and the subsequent efforts of the trust led to the establishment of Poomully Aramthampuran's Ayurveda Mana, which has become a heritage center for Ayurveda, Kalari, Yoga and other traditional art forms with facilities to meet with the needs of its visitors. Among the facilities are twelve beautifully furnished bedrooms, displaying classical features of heritage rooms. The rooms are equipped with telephones, Internet connection, hot water facilities and natural organic water for toilets.

The center has a library with a sizeable collection of books and manuscripts dealing on a wide range of topics like Ayurveda, Hasthi Ayurveda, Visha Chikilsa, Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Ithihasas, Dharmasasthras, Jyotisha, Ganitha, Kosha, Vyakarana, Chandas, Shilpa and Vasthu Sasthra, Thantras, Manthras, Sthothras, Music etc. It also houses a museum with displays of a rare collection of items once used in Kerala. These include rare bronze and brass vessels, pottery, old musical equipments, coins, ivory carvings, martial art equipments etc.

Besides an authentic center for undergoing Ayurveda treatment, special workshops and training programmes in classical art forms, martial arts, Panchakarma, Yoga and meditation are also offered at the Poomully Mana. The center also has a private herbal garden, which consists of rich vegetation of herbs and medicinal plants.

For those with an interest in traditional architecture, the design and style of the Poomully Aramthampuran's Mana would be an added attraction.