S. Subramanian Moosath
President
However, during the British rule, Ayurveda was side lined and its value questioned, as colonial authorities gave preference to Western medicine and made no effort to support indigenous practices. It was around this time that the Zamorin of Calicut, Manavikrama Ettan Raja, took a groundbreaking step in 1902 by founding the Arya Vaidya Samajam at Chalappuram, Kozhikode, to bring Ayurvedic knowledge and treatment to the common people.
In a rare act of unity, the rulers of Kochi and Malabar, along with eminent Ashta Vaidya families, came together to strengthen this effort. Their collaboration led to the renaming of the organization in 1913 as the Keraleeya Ayurveda Samajam, which went on to establish the world’s first Ayurvedic hospital for the public at Cheruthuruthy.
The Samajam's Legacy
What made the Samajam remarkable was its approach. For the first time, Ayurveda was moved out of individual homes and into a structured, hospital-like setting, where patients could receive treatment in an organized way.
In 1911, the British attitude toward Ayurveda shifted when Sir Basil Scott, Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, bedridden with a chronic stomach ailment, was cured by the Samajam’s Chief Physician, Thriprangottu Parameswaran Mooss. This success earned the institution credibility even among the colonial authorities and led to the creation of the honorary title Vaidyaratnam, first conferred on Parameswaran Mooss, then president of the Samajam.
Samajam Chikilsa Sampradayam (Panchakarma of Samajam)
The authentic traditional treatment procedures of Ayurveda - ‘the Panchakarma’ have been well executed at the Samajam. In fact, Samajam fathered the institutionalized practices of Ayurvedic therapies and introduced specialised Kerala therapies like, Dhara (head bath), Pizhichil (body bath), Thalapothichil (helmet therapy), Njavarakkizhi an (Diaphoresis), Njavaralepam
(special rice massage) etc. Another innovation to Samajam’s credit was the sequential development and application of Ayurvedic therapies.
Well-trained male and female therapists carry out the treatments under the close supervision of expert doctors.
Addressing Critical Health Concerns
Special treatment for gynaecology-related challenges are addressed at the Samajam, emphasising infertility, menstrual disorders, etc, under super vision of expert female Ayurvedic physician.
Neck rigidity, cervical and lumbar spondylitis, Spondylolisthesis, Sciatic neuritis, Auto-immune diseases - Such as Rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, etc, Degenerative osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis, calcaneal spur, psoriasis, eczema, varicose vein, DVT, Chronic sinusitis, migraine post stroke symptoms & disability, facial palsy, Sleeplessness, stress related problems are treated successfully under the medical supervision of experts.
Alongside therapeutic care, the Samajam also offers wellness treatments for relaxation and stress relief. A significant number of patients, including foreign nationals from Europe, the US, and Australia, return year after year for the institution’s authenticity and holistic care.
The Samajam manufactures its own medicines within its hospital premises, sourcing raw herbs and preparing treatments in-house. Besides the general medicines from the classical text of Ayurveda, there are a series of formulation made in the pharmacy from the old manuscript of ancient vaidyas and by the knowledge, experience and expertise of Samajam physician.
The Samajam Experience
The hospital is spread across 8 acres of land, bordered by Kerala’s largest river, the Bharathappuzha.
The campus is designed in a cottage style, with small houses that create a homely, serene atmosphere. Meals are prepared in a central kitchen and served to each cottage thrice a day.
Treatment facilities at the Keraleeya Ayurveda Samajam, address both shared and private needs. While Indian patients mostly choose common treatment rooms, international visitors opt for individual spaces. Core therapies include Panchakarma, which includes oil massages, herbal baths, and steam therapies, supported by medicines prescribed by experienced Vaidyas and Physicaians. Treatment durations range from a week to 45 days, depending on the patient’s condition and the physician’s advice.
A Society-Oriented Institution
Keraleeya Ayurveda Samajam has always been a society-oriented institution, not a profit-making one. For generations, it has been regarded as a “pitrutulya” or parent institution by Ayurvedic practitioners, who see it as a place rooted in service rather than commerce. Membership in the Samajam is open, and anyone who is capable and committed can become part of it, even contest for the role of president through elections held every five years.
Future Vision
The Samajam is now working towards various accreditations and certifications to align with current global standards. While this process has just begun, the institution is committed to achieving uniformity and recognition for its practices.
The institution is also exploring collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH. Initial discussions and correspondence are underway, with the hope that such partnerships will further enhance its profile and standards. As the Samajam approaches its 125th anniversary, having been established in 1902, it aims not only to be recognized as the world’s first Ayurvedic center but also to become one of the best leading centers globally in authentic Ayurvedic care.
Well-trained male and female therapists carry out the treatments under the close supervision of expert doctors.
Addressing Critical Health Concerns
Special treatment for gynaecology-related challenges are addressed at the Samajam, emphasising infertility, menstrual disorders, etc, under super vision of expert female Ayurvedic physician.
Neck rigidity, cervical and lumbar spondylitis, Spondylolisthesis, Sciatic neuritis, Auto-immune diseases - Such as Rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, etc, Degenerative osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis, calcaneal spur, psoriasis, eczema, varicose vein, DVT, Chronic sinusitis, migraine post stroke symptoms & disability, facial palsy, Sleeplessness, stress related problems are treated successfully under the medical supervision of experts.
Alongside therapeutic care, the Samajam also offers wellness treatments for relaxation and stress relief. A significant number of patients, including foreign nationals from Europe, the US, and Australia, return year after year for the institution’s authenticity and holistic care.
The Samajam manufactures its own medicines within its hospital premises, sourcing raw herbs and preparing treatments in-house. Besides the general medicines from the classical text of Ayurveda, there are a series of formulation made in the pharmacy from the old manuscript of ancient vaidyas and by the knowledge, experience and expertise of Samajam physician.
Our legacy is not just medicine, but the trust and care we provide to every patient
The Samajam Experience
The hospital is spread across 8 acres of land, bordered by Kerala’s largest river, the Bharathappuzha.
The campus is designed in a cottage style, with small houses that create a homely, serene atmosphere. Meals are prepared in a central kitchen and served to each cottage thrice a day.
Treatment facilities at the Keraleeya Ayurveda Samajam, address both shared and private needs. While Indian patients mostly choose common treatment rooms, international visitors opt for individual spaces. Core therapies include Panchakarma, which includes oil massages, herbal baths, and steam therapies, supported by medicines prescribed by experienced Vaidyas and Physicaians. Treatment durations range from a week to 45 days, depending on the patient’s condition and the physician’s advice.
A Society-Oriented Institution
Keraleeya Ayurveda Samajam has always been a society-oriented institution, not a profit-making one. For generations, it has been regarded as a “pitrutulya” or parent institution by Ayurvedic practitioners, who see it as a place rooted in service rather than commerce. Membership in the Samajam is open, and anyone who is capable and committed can become part of it, even contest for the role of president through elections held every five years.
Future Vision
The Samajam is now working towards various accreditations and certifications to align with current global standards. While this process has just begun, the institution is committed to achieving uniformity and recognition for its practices.
The institution is also exploring collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH. Initial discussions and correspondence are underway, with the hope that such partnerships will further enhance its profile and standards. As the Samajam approaches its 125th anniversary, having been established in 1902, it aims not only to be recognized as the world’s first Ayurvedic center but also to become one of the best leading centers globally in authentic Ayurvedic care.
