Poomully Mana in Palakkad
The northern peaks of Palakkad host a prominent wonder, and the name Poomully Mana is now synonymous with its misty slopes. This Namboothiri (Brahmin) ancestral home has a 500-year-old history of being famed practitioners of Ayurveda, Kalari, Yoga, music and many other performing arts. Some of the most well-known members of the family include Sri. Poomully Raman Namboothiripad, the genius pupil of the famous Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar, and Sri. Poomully Neelakandan Namboothiripad (Aramthampuran), the legendary Ayurveda practitioner. Today, they are easily regarded among the most renowned families in all of Kerala.
The story goes that many centuries ago, while the original Namboothiri was paying his respects at the Kamakshi Amman Temple, the Goddess was so impressed by his devotion that she decided to accompany him to Kerala atop his umbrella. While he wasn’t aware of this, she would appear to him in a dream at night and give him instructions on building a temple at the site and the location from where he was supposed to procure an idol for the same. He would donate his all to the process, and his family was blessed with prosperity and fame for a long time.
The family is known for encouraging scientific endeavours, with its primary focus being on Ayurveda. Its library contains a huge collection of ancient manuscripts and books on the same. Many have benefitted from the Kalari and Ayurvedic treatment on offer at this historic site. Today, they also house an exhibit with a plethora of unique items including rare bronze brass vessels, potteries, old musical equipment, coins, ivory carvings, martial art equipment etc.
Poomully Mana Ayurveda Centre, established in 1997, has become one among the de facto leaders in research and studies regarding Ayurveda, Kalari, Yoga and other traditional art forms. It enshrines the ancient values of each of these art forms, while keeping in mind the needs and demands of modern times. Treatments are done in their own unique “Poonmully way”, synonymous with excellence and rich with ancient wisdom that has been passed down in the family for centuries.