Temple consecrated by Parasurama

Devotees stay here to get cured of chronic ailments. Shree Dhanwanthari Temple, Thottuva, Koovappady, P.O.-683544, Ernakulam, Kerala, is well-known among the Dhanwanthari temples of South India. Thousands of devotees from all over India and abroad flock here with a belief to get cured of various ailments and to find solutions for family problems.

Lord Vishnu is believed to have taken the form of Aadi Dhanwanthari, the God of medicine, during Palazhi Madhanam. The six-ft chathurbahu idol of Lord Dhanwanthari, facing East, is seen holding Chakra in His upper right hand, Sankh in the left , Amruthakumbha (for reviving all) in the lower right hand while Jalooka (Leech) in the lower left hand (for removing impure blood).

According to legend, Parasurama consecrated the Dhanwanthari idol here. The temple is managed by Sree Dhanwanthari Moorthi Seva Trust. Earlier it was administered by a Brahmin family named Korambur Mana. Medical practitioners of different streams visit this temple to worship the deity before new ventures or treatments. Many of them perform ‘Bhajanam,’ ie., stay at the temple and offer their prayers to the Lord. Worshipping the deity on their birthday every month is believed to yield them the expected results.

Cure for diseases

It is said that, many years ago a man had contracted leprosy, which was dreaded in those days. On the advice of an astrologer, he came to Thottuva and stayed at the temple for 41 days. After his daily bath at the nearby stream, Thottuva Thodu, he used to worship the presiding deity and much to everyone’s surprise got completely cured at the end of his 41-day penance.

Even today, one can see devotees throng this place every year between the first Vrischikam and 11th Dhanu, the Mandalam period (mid-November to December last) to worship the deity and get relief from chronic ailments, after taking the holy dip in the stream. The annual festival is celebrated on Ekadasi day that falls in the Vrischika month (Karthika month). The dasavataram of Lord Vishnu are depicted by anointing the idol with sandal paste. This auspicious ceremony is held from 1-11 in the Dhanu month, with a belief that it will bring abundant health and happiness to the devotees.

Thottuva is 15 km from the Kochi International Airport and Angamaly Railway station. For details visit the temple website — www.dhanwantharitemple.com. Contact 48426 41485 or 99470 61970.