Palluruthy Sree Dhanwanthari Temple
The deity of this temple is Dhanwanthari, the physician of Gods. The idol made of Krishna Sila (black granite stone) is four-handed. The right upper hand holds a Chakra (wheel) and the lower hand holds a Leach between the index finger and the thumb. Other three fingers show upright. The left upper-hand holds a Conch while lower hand holds a Pot with Nector. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple is square-shaped and constructed in Nagara style of architecture.
Dhanwanthari is the incarnation of Vishnu. Gowda Saraswatha Brahmins call it Ayurveda Moorthi. Dhanwanthari is a particular wing of Ayurveda science. Gowda Saraswath Brahmins are very fond of Lord Dhanwanthari and there are many eminent Ayurvedic physicians in Saraswath segment. Babha Sharma Prabhu was a born Ayurvedic physician among them. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Dhanwanthari. One day he had a dream that a sculptor will prepare a granite stone idol of Lord Dhanwanthari and that he should construct a temple and install it so that he can visit and give solace to the ill inflicted. As felt in the dream, one day a sculptor came to Sharma Prabhu who promptly ordered him to carve out an idol of Lord Dhanwanthari and the sculptor did so. Sharma Prabhu constructed a shrine and installed the idol. Daily rituals and worships followed. Soon the region was free from illness, a legend says so.
The Maharaja of Kochi had also experienced the healing power of Lord Dhanwanthari.
In the month of Medam (April/May) there is a 3-day Aarat festival which is celebrated with great fanfare. Dhanwanthari Jayanthi (birth day of Dhanwanthari) is also celebrated on a big scale.
The important offerings to the deity are Devak Deevap, Thailabhishekam, Thulabharam and Satynarayana Pooja.
