Ayurveda

Dhanvantari

Ayurveda - (Sanskrit: आयुर्वेद IAST Āyurveda , "life-knowledge";) or - Ayurveda medicine, is a system of medicine with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent. Globalized and modernized practices derived from Ayurveda traditions are a type of complementary or alternative medicine.  In the Western world, Ayurveda therapies and practices (which are manifold) have been integrated in general wellness applications and as well in some cases in medical use. The main classical Ayurveda treatises begin with legendary accounts of the transmission of medical knowledge from the Gods to sages, and thence to human physicians. Thus, the Sushruta Samhita narrates how Dhanvantari, "greatest of the mighty celestial," incarnated himself as Divodāsa, a mythical king of Varanasi, who then taught medicine to a group of wise physicians, including Sushruta himself. Ayurveda therapies have varied and evolved over more than two millennia.Therapies are typically based on complex herbal compounds, while treatises introduced mineral and metal substances (perhaps under the influence of early Indian alchemy or rasaśāstra). Ancient Ayurveda treatises also taught surgical techniques, includingrhinoplasty, perineal lithotomy, the suturing of wounds, and the extraction of foreign objects.

Although laboratory experiments suggest it is possible that some substances in Ayurveda might be developed into effective treatments, there is no evidence that any are effective as currently proffered.

Ayurveda medicine is considered pseudoscientific. Other researchers consider it a protoscience, or trans-science system instead. Close to 21% of Ayurveda U.S. and Indian-manufactured patent medicines sold through the Internet were found to contain toxic levels of heavy metals, 

An Ayurvedic practitioner applying
oils using head massage.

specifically lead, mercury, and arsenic.  The public health implications of contaminated metals in India is unknown. Some scholars assert that Ayurveda originated in prehistoric times, and that some of the concepts of Ayurveda have been discovered since the times of Indus Valley Civilization and earlier.

Ayurveda significantly developed during the Vedic period and later some of the non-Vedic systems such as Buddhism and Jainism also developed medical concepts and practices that appear in the classical Ayurveda treatises. Humeral balance is emphasized, and suppressing natural urges is considered unhealthy and claimed to lead to illness. Ayurveda names three elemental substances, the doshas (called Vata, Pitta and Kapha), and states that a balance of the doshas results in health, while imbalance results in disease. Ayurveda has eight canonical components, which are derived from classical Sanskrit literature. Some of the oldest known Ayurvedic texts include the Suśrutha Saṃhitā and Charaka Saṃhitā, which are written in Sanskrit. 

Ayurveda - harmony of body, mind and soul 

Sprouted in the pristine land of India some 5000 years ago, Ayurveda, the science of life and longevity, is the oldest healthcare system in the world and it combines the profound thoughts of medicine and philosophy. Since then Ayurveda has stood for the wholesome physical, mental and spiritual growth of humanity around the world. Today, it's a unique, indispensable branch of medicine, a complete naturalistic system that depends on the diagnosis of your body's humours - vata, pitta and kapha - to achieve the right balance. 

Kerala, the Land of Ayurveda 

Kerala possesses an unbroken tradition of Ayurveda that has surpassed the many invasions and intrusions both foreign and native. For hundreds of years the Ayurveda Vaidyas (traditional practitioners of Ayurveda) were almost the only access for people seeking healing from every kind of disease in Kerala. The legendary eight families of Vaidyas (Ashta vaidyas) and their successors treated the entire state for centuries. Unlike the other Indian states the status of Ayurveda in Kerala is not alternative but mainstream. In fact, today, Kerala is the only State in India which practices this system of medicine with absolute dedication. 

Being the only resort of treatment for the people, the Vaidyars of Kerala were challenged to interpret the theories of Ayurveda and adapt them actively into effective healing systems in everyday life. Thus almost all the contemporary procedures and protocols of Ayurveda have evolved in and around Kerala. 

The Boons of Nature 

Its equable climate, natural abundance of forests and the cool monsoon season are best suited for Ayurveda's curative and restorative packages. Kerala is perhaps one of the few places on earth where a temperature of 24-28 degrees is maintained during a period of continuous rain. This prevalence of moisture in the air and on the surface of the skin makes it the ideal place for natural medicines to work at their highest levels of potency. The land is also blessed with innumerous medicinal plants and provides the continuity and consistency of Ayurveda medicines needed for effective treatment procedures. The same herbs with the same potency are available year after year across every season. The rich alkaloid content of the soil enhances the intensity and potency of many Ayurvedic medicines when compared to places with different soil constitution. 

The Advantages of Ayurveda in Kerala 

Ashtangahridayam, the practical, user friendly interpretation of Ayurveda, compiled by the great Vagbata is seldom used anywhere in the world as it is extensively done in Kerala. The Vaidyars of Kerala are proficient in this most contemporary treatise of Ayurveda which many scholars consider an advancement over the earlier samhitas of Charaka and Sushruta, the pioneers of Ayurveda. It is in Kerala that Kashaya Chikitsa (treatment with concoction) has become a standardised protocol involving hundreds of Kashayams that were scientifically classified and organised according to various treatment needs. Keralite Vaidyars where the first to focus on the anti oxidant properties of Abayangam leading to the profusion of kizhis. The largest number of Ayurveda colleges and the largest number of practitioners in comparison to any place in the world has led to a tradition of Ayurveda research in a scientific manner in Kerala. 

Ayurveda as a lifestyle 

In Kerala Ayurveda is not just a healthcare system but it is a part and parcel of every aspect of life, in fact it is a lifestyle in Kerala so to speak. The miracles like paralysed people walk, incurable diseases cured etc. that happen even today inspires respect and awe for the vaidyars of Kerala. 

Leading Ayurvedic treatment centres in Kerala

*  Keraleeya Ayurveda Samajam

* Kottackal Arya Vaidya Sala

*  Vaidyaratnam

* Dhanwantari Vaidyasala

Ayurveda Hospitals

Ayurveda Hospitals

	Thiruvananthapuram Government Ayurveda College Ph: +91-471-2460190 Government Ayurveda Hospital Ph: +91-471-2460823 Sri Dhanwantari Madam, Ambujavilasom Road Ph: +91-471-2477980 Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala Ph: +91-471-2463439 Triveni Ayurvedic Nursing Home Ph: +91-471-2470450 Vasudeva Vilasam Ph: +91-471-2451636 Kollam District Ayurvedic Hospital , Asramam, Residency Road Ph:+91-474-2745918 Ayurarogya Speciality Centre Kayalvarath Health Complex Opp: Ramavarma Club Thevally P.O Kollam - 691 009 Ph: +91-474-3259132 Mob: 9447332622 Email: ayurarogya@gmail.com Kottayam Sreepathy C.V.N. Kalari & Ayurveda Hospital Cheruvandoor, Ettumanoor, Kottayam  - 686631 Ph: +91-481-2536387, 2533292, 2533293 Email: guru@keralacvnkalari.com           doctor@keralacvnkalri.com Web:  www.keralacvnkalari.com Idukki Sree Sankara Gardens Anakkara, Kumily Ph:+91-4868-282322 Ernakulam Government Ayurveda Hospital Ph: +91-484-2361206 Thrissur Government Ayurveda Hospital Ph: +91-487-2334599 Malappuram Arya Vaidyasala Kottakkal Ph:+91-483-2742216 Fax: 91-493-2742572 Email: avsho@sancharnet.in Govt. Ayurveda Hospital Near Chelari - Pannikkottumpadi Parambilpeedika Road courtesy: google, wikipedia, keralatourism.org

Durbar Hall Art Gallery

Durbar Hall Ground

Durbar Hall

The Durbar Hall and its grounds are in the heart of the city, near Kochi’s main railway station Ernakulam South.

Built in the 1850s by the Maharaja of Cochin to host his Royal court, the Durbar Hall has had many incarnations over its 150 year history. Recent extensive renovation works by the Kochi Biennale Foundation have transformed the present Durbar Hall gallery into an international museum quality exhibition venue.

Durbar Hall Map

Under the guidance of award winning conservation architect Vikas Dilawari, the venue is now equipped with Erco LED museum lighting, climate control and disability access-the available exhibition space has also increased substantially.

Durbar Hall will be a primary venue for the Biennale.

For 360 degree view of the Durbar Hall click here

DIRECTIONS

9 min (700 m)

via S Railway Station Rd, Swami Chinmayananda Rd and Durbar Hall Rd

For navigation click here

Courtesy: google

LOTUS LAMP in Kerala - Spiritual Attraction of INDIA

THE DIVINE LOTUS LAMP 

(Spiritual lamp of Kerala)

When your stars are not favorable, your profession, service or business may suffer a set back. As a consequence, your body, mind and soul could be depressed.

The remedy is an Astrological correction, possible only by the ever powerful “Lotus Lamp”.

Lotus Lamp entitled in Sanskrit as “Padma Deepam “is an ancient divine Lamp. The name, star, and the problems of the devotee is submitted in the writing “Copper Plates” with ‘archans’. For

the solution of their difficulties. The Lotus Lamp is enlighted by pure ghee and the submission will be empowered by the required ‘Mantras’ ‘archanas’ and ‘sapthahas’ accordingly.

The ‘Manthragni’ on the Lotus lamp shall purify the soul and sprit of the devotee because his soul and sprit is submitted in the talisman on the wick. The Karma of present and past life could be corrected astrologically and the required result may follow.

‘Ahma Brahmasmi’ – ( I am the Brahma) and ‘Thatwamasi’-( I am the Thatva ) are two great  slogans of Indian Spirituality .When the devotee dedicates himself to the holy lamp , his soul , mind & body is purified .The Devamsha, or Brahmamsha in you is purified . A pure soul is an abode of God. So ‘Swatma Pooja’ is the specialty of Lotus Lamp dedication. This cult is unique and not found elsewhere in the world.

Lotus Lamp or Padma Deepa is the wish giving ‘Shubha Deep’ of Utharayana or the summer solstice. It is the lamp blessed by the Presence of ‘Vedarshi’ ‘Chaithanya’.

Lotus Lamp is the abode of the joinity –Brahma Vishnu, Maheswaras.

The Grace of Srikrishna Paramatmas & Bhishmapithamaha encircles this holy lamp.

It is empowered by twenty four Deva chaithnya including Sri Maha Lakshmi, The Goddess of Wealth.

  

Hence, all hindrances coming across your life could be resolved by the systematic worship

Of the ‘Divya Agni ‘blossomed in the Lotus Lamp. Certain Examples of the problems and its solution are written below.

• Matrimonial Hindrances :

This is a major problem faced by a girl or a boy who are seeking partners. You may be beautiful or handsome. You may be having wealth as well as a good career still a suitable alliance may not be turning up. Matrimonial difficulties could be resolved easily by Lakshmi Narayana Pooja dedicated especially on the first wick of the Lotus Lamp.

• Rivalry

 

    You may be a good person trying to help friends and foes equally. But certain envois characters may not like you and they may be probing chances to spoil you out of sheer jealousy .Business, profession, education & family life could be affected by their enemity.All sort of rivalry and black magic could be neutralized by ‘ Maha Sudarshana Pooja ‘ on this second wick of  “Padma Deepam” .

• Wealth

It is told that the wealth goddess is not stable, hence even the acquired wealth may be lost and you may fall in the disgrace. It could be resolved by the help of ‘Laxmi Kubera’pooja submitted on the third wick of “Lotus Lamp”

• Family Problems

Family is the basement of life. If your children spouse is not compassionate or loving, life shall turn into a hell. A quarrel some family could spoil the life. Without peace of mind one could not live .A suspicious spouse is dreded by all.Maha Gayathri manthrachana on the fourth wick of the Lotus Lamp shall give you immediate solutions without doubt.

• Education

This is a world of competition your children may be good at studies, but ‘Eswarachidhya’ or heavenly blessing should backup their talent, without that, success in educational field is impossible. All hinderence in the educational field could be tackled by the help of “Saraswathy Pooja’ performed on the fifth wick of ‘Lotus Lamp’, Where the Goddess of Vidhya abode.

• Profession

Just like education, profession side is also competitive. To glitter in profession, along with the talent heavenly support is also needed. This could be mustered by ‘Vishwa Karma’ Pooja on the sixth petal of the Lotus Lamp.

• Incurable disease & Health

  “Health is Wealth”. Imagine the pathetic condition of an incurable patient. He may require not only medicine, but also help from god, for a successful treatment.Dhanvanthari mantrarchana on the seventh petal of the Lotus Lamp shall speed up the recovery.

• Business

Cut throat competition prevails in the business field.Enemity may go up to the level of using “Black Magic” against you. When your time is not proper it could destroy you. The remedy to such evil spells is “Kubera Mantrarchana” along with “Maha Sudarshana Pooja” dedicated on the basement of Lotus Lamp.

• Infertility

An offspring is god given many couples suffer from infertility .They might have under gone multiple medical treatments without results. Just ring “Gayathri Srilakom” for guidance before medical treatment, along with “Padma Deepa mantrarchana”. The “Srilakam shall direct the couples certain mantra’s for having marital relationship. Which may help to conceive an “Utham Puthra”.

• Vasthu Dosha

Vasthus Dosha could destroy the inhabitance of a house which is constructed unscientifically.

Simple corrections could make wonderful change, ask “Gayathri Srilakom” for guidance and follow-up which along with Vasthu Pursha Pooja”.

• Astrological Imbalance

If your stars are not favorable, failure may follow in all your attempts in life which may lead even to suicide. “Graha Dosha” can be corrected and remedial with immediate effect by the “Soorya Gayathri mantharchana” on the Lotus Lamp, in the name star of the devotee.

• For Prosperity

Sarvaicharya mantharchana to all the 24 “Devacahaithanyas on the “Padma Deepa’ along with the “Moola mantharchana” of the Lotus Lamp shall ensure victory in all your attempts.Guidences by the “Gayathri Srilakom” is to be solicited along with the continuation of the “Moolamantra” given to devotee for daily chanting .

The devotees are allowed the ‘Darshan’ of “Padma Deepa” only on Thursday. Those who require the “Darshan” are requested to complete certain prayer rituals as a preparation fpr the “Darshan” of the “Holy lamp” , Which will be accorded by the “Gayathri Srilakom”

Vasthu Naga Dosha or all such problems could be consulted through telephone for your Convenience. Use this unique Solution for a better life..

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT Anugraha Gayathry

 DIRECTIONS

26 min (7.9 km)

via Sahodaran Ayyappan Rd and Salem - Kochi - Kanyakumari Hwy

18 min without traffic

for navigation click here 

Chinese fishing nets

Chinese Fishing Nets

The Chinese fishing nets of Fort Cochin,
from Das Buch der Welt, Stuttgart, 1842-48

In India, Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala) are fishing nets that are fixed land installations for fishing. While commonly known as "Chinese fishing nets" in India, the more formal name for such nets is "shore operated lift nets".
Huge mechanical contrivances hold out horizontal nets of 20 m or more across. Each structure is at least 10 m high and comprises a cantilever with an outstretched net suspended over the sea and large stones suspended from ropes as counterweights at the other end. Each installation is operated by a team of up to six fishermen. While such nets are used throughout coastalsouthern China and Indochina, in India they are mostly found in the Indian cities of Kochi and Kollam, where they have become a tourist attraction. The Indian common name arises because they are unusual in India and different from usual fishing nets in India.

The system is sufficiently balanced that the weight of a man walking along the main beam is sufficient to cause the net to descend into the sea. The net is left for a short time, possibly just a few minutes, before it is raised by pulling on ropes. The catch is usually modest: a few fish and crustaceans — these may be sold to passers by within minutes.

Rocks, each 30 cm or so in diameter are suspended from ropes of different lengths. As the net is raised, some of the rocks one-by-one come to rest on a platform thereby keeping everything in balance.

Each installation has a limited operating depth. Consequently, an individual net cannot be continually operated in tidal waters. Different installations will be operated depending on the state of the tide.

It was earlier thought that the nets might have been introduced by the Chinese explorer Zheng He.  Recent research shows that these were introduced by Portuguese Casado settlers from Macau
The Chinese fishing nets have become a very popular tourist attraction, their size and elegant construction is photogenic and the slow rhythm of their operation is quite hypnotic. In addition, catches can be purchased individually and need be taken only a short distance to a street entrepreneur who will cook it.

Structure and working of Chinese fishing nets

The Chinese nets, made of teak wood and bamboo poles, work on the principle of balance. Each structure, about 10m high, is fixed on the beach and has a cantilever with an attached net that is  spread over an area of about 20 meters.  Counterweights, usually stones about 30 cm in diameter, tied to ropes of different lengths, facilitate the working of the nets. Often, lights, attached to the teak posts. are suspended above the net to attract fish. 

Each fishing net is operated by more than four fishermen and is made in such a way that the weight of a man walking on the main plank is enough to cause the equipment to be pulled down into the sea. Fishing is usually done in the morning and early evening. The net is descended into the water for a short time and then raised delicately by pulling on the ropes. The slow rhythm and balancing of the net is spellbinding to a first-time viewer. 

DIRECTIONS

33 min (13.0 km)

via Chellanam Pandikudi Rd

28 min without traffic

for navigations click here

courtesy: wikipedia, google

St. Francis Church, Kochi

Front view of the church

St. Francis CSI Church, in Fort Kochi (aka. Fort Cochin), originally built in 1503, is the oldest European church in India and has great historical significance as a mute witness to the European colonial struggle in the subcontinent. 

vasco da gama tomb

The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama died in Kochi in 1524 when he was on his third visit to India. His body was originally buried in this church, but after fourteen years his remains were removed to Lisbon.

History

Vasco da Gama, who discovered the sea route from Europe to India, landed at Kappad near Kozhikode (Calicut) in 1498. He was followed by Pedro Álvares Cabral  and Afonso de Albuquerque. They built a fort at Kochi with permission from the Raja of Cochin. Within the fort, they built a church with a wooden structure, which was dedicated toSt. Bartholomew. The neighbourhood is now known as Fort Kochi. Francisco de Almeida, the Portuguese viceroy, was allowed, in 1506, by the Raja of Cochin to reconstruct wooden buildings in stone and masonry. The wooden church was rebuilt, presumably by the Franciscan friars, with bricks and mortar and a tiled roof was erected. In 1516, the new church was completed and it was dedicated to St. Anthony.

The Franciscans retained control over the church till the Dutch captured Kochi in 1663. While the Portuguese were Roman Catholics, the Dutch were Protestants. They demolished all the churches except this one. They reconditioned it and converted it into a government church.

In 1795, the British captured Kochi from the Dutch but they allowed the latter to retain the church. In 1804, the Dutch voluntarily handed over the church to the Anglican Communion. It was placed under the Ecclesiastical Department of the Government of India. It is believed that the Anglicans changed the name of the patron saint to St. Francis.

The Church was declared a protected monument in April 1923 under the Protected Monuments Act of 1904. As a protected monument it is under the Archaeological Survey of India but is owned by the North Kerala diocese of Church of South India. It has services on Sundays and commemorative days. On weekdays it is kept open for visitors.

Vasco da Gama

Vasco da Gama

The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama died in Kochi in 1524 when he was on his third visit to India. His body was originally buried in this church, but after fourteen years his remains were removed to Lisbon. 
The gravestone of Vasco da Gama can still be seen here. It is on the ground at the southern side. The gravestones of other Portuguese are on the northern sidewall and the Dutch on the southern wall. A cenotaph in memory of the residents of Kochi who fell in the World War I was erected in 1920.



Architecture
The church has a lofty structure with a gabled timber framed roof covered with tiles. A stepped pinnacle is constructed on both sides of the façade, which is very impressive and retains the old world charm.  The interior of the church too provides a magnificent view with two stepped pinnacles crowning the top of the chancel roof and with the plain arched opening that divides the chancel from the nave.  The old world charm and magnificence is very visible on every element of the church – be it the pulpit made of wood decorated with carvings, the confessional, baptism platform, book rests or the offering.

There also stands a cenotaph in the middle of the lawn and it was built in 1920 in remembrance of the Kochiites who laid down their lives in World War I. 

Other historical elements in the church

An old Dutch baptism and marriage register (1751 to 1804), the Doop Book, is preserved in the church. Records say that the register was maintained by a Predikant Cornelies. Many Dutch citizens visit the church to try and trace their family roots from the register. The church also has a British register. 

There are also several inscriptions on leaves, depicting the life and times of the Portuguese and the Dutch.

DIRECTIONS

For directions click here



courtesy: wikipedia, google