Pulamanthole Sree Rudra Dhanwanthari Temple

The temple is located at Pulamanthole. The deity is Sree Rudra Dhanvanthari. The temple is ancient to 3500 years.

Initially the temple was known as Pulamanthole Shiva temple when the deity was Shiva. Later on the deity of Dhanwanthari was added. Thereafter the temple came to be known in the present name. There is an interesting legend behind it.

The temple was constructed by Ashtavaidya Pulamanthole Mooss family as their family shrine. The Pulamanthole Mooss family was and is very famous in the Dhanwanthari wing of Ayurveda science. The Maharaja of Travancore was inflicted by a severe stomach pain. The treatment given by many famed physicians gave no relief. As an ultimate source for cure the King sent messengers to Pulmanthole Mana. When the message for treatment received only a lady and his child were in the Mana. Upanayanam (a hereditary ceremony before initiating to the ancient science of Ayurveda in ancient families) was not yet done by the boy. The mother and son were upset as to what to do. The mother finally told the messengers that his son will come after completing 12 days Bhajana (prayers) in their family temple and advised the son to start the prayers. A Sanyasi (monk) appeared before the boy on the 12th night and gave 3 tablets and assured him that these tablets will cure the King. The Sanyasi further added that he should not accept any of the gifts offered by the cured happy King. Instead, request the King to allow to take the idol of Dhanwanthari lying in the Tamarapani River and install the same at the left side of the idol of Shiva and build a shrine for it, the Sanyasi added. The Sanyasi was the manifestation of Shiva and disappeared soon.

There are only few Ashtavaidya families in Kerala. Pulamanthole Mana has a prominent position amongst them. This wing of the Ayurveda science is extant in Kerala from ancient times. Karnatic Music Emperor, Sree Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar was once severally inflicted by paralysis. He tried many physicians, from different branches of health science, but proved futile. Ultimately he was cured by Pulamanthole Mooss. The Nadapura (sheltered pathway) of the temple was built by the Bhagavathar as an offering.

The people believe and testify that all ailments can be cured with the blessings of Lord Dhanwanthari. Many devotees throng to the temple daily with offerings.

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