Maruthorvattom Sree Dhanwanthari Temple
The temple located at Cherthala is dedicated to Lord Dhanwanthari, who is regarded by Hindus as the Master-God of Ayurveda. Lord Dhanwanthari is regarded as a part-incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is the first temple in South Kerala to have Lord Dhanwanthari as the presiding deity. The murti of Maruthorvattom Sree Dhanwanthari is carved in granite stone – shila bimbam. The four-armed (chatur bahu) murti is nearly 2 feet tall. The murti holds Shankh, Chakram and Amrita Kumbham. One arm is in a blessing posture.
The temple is famous for mural paintings on the walls of the sreekovil. Some of the important paintings are Poothanamoksham, Sri Krishna Avatharam and Panchali Swayamvaram.
The name of the place Maruthorvattom is said to have been derived from 'Marunnu Oru Vattam' which in Malayalam means "a single dose of medicine." This has reference to the famous Brahmin Ayurvedic doctor, Vellodu Moos who lived here some 600 years ago whose medicines were enough to give relief even from chronic ailments. The idol of Lord Dhanwanthari installed in the temple was the one worshiped in the pooja room of the Brahmin.
Location
Cherthala
Main Deity
Lord Dhanwanthari
Other Deities
Lord Ganesha, Lord Siva, Lord Ayyappa, Bhagavathy & Bhadrakali
Festivals
Astami Rohini, Dhanwanthari Jayanthi, Mandala Bhajan and Sree Rama Pattabhishekam, Maha Gnapathi Homam and Bhagavatha Sapthaham, Navarathri Sangeetholsavam and Navaham, Vavu Pooja and Samkrama Pooja, Thiru Onam Pooja.
Main Offerings
Dhanvanthari Puja, Dhanvanthari Homam, Chandhanam, Charthu Muzhukappu.
How To Reach
By Air: Kochi International Airport is situated 63.8 KM from the temple.
By Rail: Cherthala Railway Station is situated 4.4 KM from the Temple.
By Road: Cherthala KSRTC Bus Stand is situated 3.5 KM from the Temple.