Palluruthy Sree Dhanwanthari Temple

This Devaswom in Palluruthy has been established by GS Brahmins in Cochin.

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.