Arya Vaidya Sala


Lokāḥ Samastāḥ Sukhino Bhavantu

Let there be well-being in the whole world.


Arya Vaidya Sala Kottakkal (AVS) is a 120+ year old Charitable Institution engaged in the practice and propagation of Ayurveda, the ancient health care system of India. AVS offers classical Ayurvedic medicines, authentic Ayurvedic treatments & therapies to patients from all over India and abroad.


The institution's magnificent past provides the logical backdrop and foundation for future programmes, The vision is to establish Arya Vaidya Sala as a global brand. However, the strongest aspiration remains the same - "To provide help and solace to the weak".

  • An Overview
  • The Founder
  • Managing Trustee
  • Board of Trustees
  • CEO
  • Milestones

The true practice of Ayurveda entails a holistic way of life where individuals are in harmony with themselves and with the world that surrounds them.

AVS was established at Kottakkal in the Kerala State of India in 1902 by the visionary physician and philanthropist, the late Vaidyaratnam P.S. Varier. Started essentially as a village clinic, it has now grown into a multi-unit, multi-disciplinary, multi-functional and multi-crore organisation. Its operations in different areas of Ayurvedic practice is supported by Medicine Manufacturing Units, Branch clinics & authorized dealers, Ayurvedic Hospital & Research Centers, Charitable hospital, R&D dept., CMPR, Herb gardens, CTS&P dept., Ayurveda College and a Kathakali school.

AVS is having 3 medicine manufacturing units at Kottakkal, Kanjikode and Nanjangud attached with well-equipped quality control labs which produce more than 550 classical and new generation formulations.

Medical consultation and authentic medicines are made available through the 27 branches and around 2000 authorised dealers located throughout the country.

The Ayurvedic Hosptial & Research Centres at Kottakkal, Kochi and Delhi offers Classic Panchakarma and other Kerala treatments which are administered under the supervision of expert Ayurvedic Physicians.

The Charitable hospital located at Kottakkal provides both Ayurvedic and Allopathic treatments, medicines, accommodation and food free of cost to deserving patients.

Clinical research activities are also undertaken here with a focus on Cancer and also to validate new drug development.

The Research & Development Department of the institution is engaged in research work for modernization of production and quality control of Ayurvedic drugs.

The Centre for Medicinal Plants Research (CMPR) which is recognized as a ‘Centre of Excellence’ by the Department of Ayush, Government of India and established in 2003 undertakes modern research in various aspects of medicinal plants.

The Herbal gardens of AVS undertakes the task of planned cultivation of medicinal plants as a part of a project of conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plants.

The Centre for Textual Studies & Publication Department publishes Ayurvedic periodicals and books on Ayurveda and allied topics.

Vaidyaratnam P.S. Varier Ayurveda College affiliated to Kerala University of Health Sciences having Graduate and Post Graduate courses in Ayurveda to which AVS extends financial and administration support as per the provision in the Will of the founder, was initially established as Ayurveda Pathasala in the year 1917.

P.S.V. Natyasangham, the Kathakali troupe which was initiated by the founder as a dramatic troupe in the year 1939 stages Kathakali performances in India and abroad.

AVS is also engaged in academic activities aiming at strengthening Ayurveda knowledge base by conducting annual Ayurveda Seminars and holding competitions for Ayurveda professionals and students.

To reach AVS the nearest railway station is Tirur (Malappuram Dist.) at a distance of 16 kms. and the nearest airport is Karipur /Calicut International Airport at a distance of 28 kms.

 

Vaidyaratnam P. S. Varier

Vaidyaratnam P S Varier bequeathed Arya Vaidya Sala to the public in a unique testament. The administrative structure that he desired for the establishments he founded was clearly defined.

Vaidyaratnam P. Sankunni Varier (P.S.Varier) (1869 – 1944) impacted the destiny of Ayurveda by his sincere, dedicated and eminently successful efforts to bring the Ayurveda health system into inclusive open society. He had solid footing in tradition, but he accepted modernity for strengthening tradition. Until his death in 1944, he practiced Ayurveda as the founder and owner of Arya Vaidya Sala.

Education

Sri. Varier had his Vidyarambham, the formal initiation to education, at the age of four.  He started with instructions in basic Sanskrit and subsequently grammar and Tarka Sastra under the seniors of his family and later from the teachers of the Zamorin Royal Palace.  He had also the opportunity to learn astrology and poetics under experts.  After this, he started the formal study of basic principles of Ayurveda at the age of fifteen and two years later at the age of seventeen, he joined the reputed Gurukula of the Kuttanchery Ashtavaidya family.  He underwent five years long advanced theoretical and practical training under the senior Kuttanchery Vasudevan Mooss.

Special Training

Apart from receiving formal Gurukula training in Ayurveda, P.S. Varier received three years long theoretical and practical training in Modern Medicine, under Diwan Bahadur Dr. V. Verghese, who prompted him to initiate pioneering steps to modernise Ayurveda drug preparation and drug marketing modalities.

He was also well trained in classical music.

Professional Carrier

He started his professional career as an individual practicing physician at the age of 21 immediately after completing his Gurukula studies in 1890.  The phase continued for 12 years until 1902 when he founded AVS.

As a Manufacturer

P.S. Varier was a pioneer in the domain of industrialisation of Ayurveda drug manufacture. He established AVS in order to achieve his ardent wish to see that patients can use authentic classical Ayurveda medicines with confidence and trust on their quality and reliability.  For this purpose, for the first time in the history of Ayurveda, he introduced scientific methods of preserving Kashayams, by setting up a pharmacy/drug manufacturing unit for ensuring availability of authentic and standardized medicaments. This is how AVS came into being in 1902 which has come to be recognized as a torch bearer of Ayurveda renaissance in the whole country.

As a Clinician

P.S. Varier was an expert physician with a unique healing touch.  He was also an authority in administering Panchakarma and special Kerala Purvakarma therapies. He was a general practitioner with equal skill for dealing with all kinds of ailments afflicting the people of his time.

He established a hospital at Kottakkal to provide OP and IP treatments to patients free of cost.  Allopathy care was also made available there as a parallel system.

As a Faculty

P.S. Varier started a formal school for syllabus based Ayurveda teaching, the Aryavaidya Pathashala. Subject experts were appointed as the Head and members of the faculty.  He, himself was the Principal from its inception until his death.  He taught anatomy, physiology and naditantra at the Pathashala.

As an Editor & Publisher

P.S. Varier was the Editor and Publisher of the first Malayalam Ayurveda journal “Dhanwantari” which carried authoritative articles on all topics related to Ayurveda and allied knowledge including regulations, education, policy, modern developments etc. He authored many books and wrote several works of Poetry (in Sanskrit and Malayalam) and about 30 traditional musical plays.

Honor

P.S. Varier was awarded the prestigious “Vaidyaratnam” citation in 1933 by the then Viceroy of India, Lord Willington.  He was, by then, recognized as one of the leaders of the national Ayurveda renaissance.

Other contributions

P.S. Varier introduced the system of Bonus and payment to his employees at a time when it was not the standard industrial practice in India.

P.S. Varier had set up a dramatic troupe specialized in musicals for theatrical performances which was later  converted to the PSV Natyasangham for the purpose of training and performance of Kathakali, the classical theatre form of Kerala.

The Vishwambhara temple established by him was open to people of all caste and creed and it illustrates his progressive attitude and courage to deviate from tradition and the social practice of those days.

During the ill reputed Malabar rebellion of 1921 P.S. Varier took a very bold step to thwart any violent incidents in and around Kottakkal which was close to the epicenter of the revolt.  He protected  and helped both the Hindu and Muslim families from being attacked and he also provided financial and material support to the affected people of both the communities.

P.S. Varier had established AVS as an umbrella organisation and several other sub-institutions as independent units under his personal care and supervision.    (i) the Arya Vaidya Sala in 1902, (ii) the Aryavaidya Samajam in 1903, (iii) Dhanwantari Ayurveda Magazine in 1903, (iv) PSV Dramatic Troupe in 1909, (v) Aryavaidya Pathashala in 1917, (vi) Charitable Hospital in 1924, (vii) Vishwambhara Temple in 1932, (viii) the medicinal plant estate in 1934 and (ix) PSV Natyasangham in 1939.

Apart from managing all these enterprises for 42 years, he executed a Will in 1939 which became the Constitution of AVS since his demise in 1944. The Will made it possible for the Trustees of the seven member Trust Board comprising of five members of his family and two members associated with Institution, to earmark the financial earnings for charitable & educational purposes and for the growth of AVS without any individual or family beneficiary.

Dr. P. Madhavankutty Varier

Dr. Panniyampally Madhavankutty Varier, succeeded Padmabhushan Dr. P.K. Warrier, his uncle, to become the Managing Trustee of Arya Vaidya Sala on 11-07-2021. He was made a Trustee of the Arya Vaidya Sala on 29.11.2007 at the age of 60 years.

Dr. P M Varier completed his graduation - B.A.M. (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine) from the prestigious Govt. Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram. He acquired post-graduation - M.D. (Ayurveda - Kayachikitsa) form the same institute. He joined Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal as Assistant Physician in 1969.

From 1969 to 2021 he served in different positions like Assistant Factory Manager, Factory Manager, Physician & Manager (AVS Branch, Chennai), Additional Chief Physician, Additional Chief Physician & Chief Superintendent (Ayurvedic Hospital & Research Centres) and Chief Physician.

Dr. Varier is a Physician of repute and an able administrator with a will and vision and is actively associated with various Govt. Agencies and Social organisations. He participated in several National and International Seminars, presented papers and Chaired sessions. He is a member and office bearer of several professional organizations and regulatory bodies.

Dr. P.M. Varier is a Guru under Gurushishya Parampara of Rashtreeya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth since 2007 and a recipient of various Professional Awards like Fellow of RAV (2009), Dhanwantari Award of State Government of Kerala (2014), BhishakShreshta Award of Lions Club International (2015).

He has widely travelled within the Country and Abroad. He visited countries like Germany, Russia, USA, Oman, UAE, Sri Lanka, UK, Australia, Austria, Portugal, France, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Holland, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand for Professional accomplishment.

Dr. P.M. Varier is married to Smt. Shylaja Madhavankutty, Head (Materials Dept.), Arya Vaidya Sala.

Dr. P. K.Warrier

Aryavaidyan P.K. Warrier took over as the second Managing Trustee on the demise of his brother P.M. Varier. He lead Arya Vaidya Sala as its Managing Trustee for sixty-seven years. Dr P.K. Warrier also served Arya Vaidya Sala as the Medical Director. Under his leadership, Arya Vaidya Sala has grown into a multi-crore, multi-unit, multi-functional Organisation and has been recognised as the premier centre of Ayurveda in the country. Arya Vaidya Sala has become the destination of ailing patients, rich and poor alike, students and scholars from India and abroad. He has made Kottakkal a synonym of authentic Ayurveda.

K Warrier was known for his forward looking approach to all aspects of Ayurveda, which enabled him to spearhead many innovative moves to modernise drug presentation, drug processing and knowledge enhancement. He was bestowed with the Padmashri and Padmabhushan awards of the Government of India. He has been honoured with Doctoral degrees by several universities and has received many other awards and recognition.

P.K. Warrier was recognised as an able administrator, educationist and academician and above all a physician of international repute. Dr.Warrier has travelled extensively in both hemispheres spreading the message of Ayurveda. He has also authored several books.

P. Madhava Varier

The Founder, in his will, had nominated the members of the first Trust Board to administer Arya Vaidya Sala after his demise. Accordingly his nephew Aryavaidyan P. Madhava Varier became the first Managing Trustee in 1944. He was in office till his tragic death in an air crash in 1953. He initiated the process of modernising Arya Vaidya Sala and laid the foundation for many later developments including the Ayurvedic Hospitals. Mechanisation of drug manufacture was initiated by him, which enabled AVS to expand its reach to larger areas.

Dr. P. Madhavankutty Varier

Dr. P. Madhavankutty Varier is the Managing Trustee and Chief Physician of Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal.

He completed his graduation – B.A.M. (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine) from the prestigious Govt. Ayurveda College, Thiruvananthapuram.  He acquired post-graduation – M.D. (Ayurveda – Kayachikitsa) form the same  institute. On joining Arya Vaidya Sala in 1969 he had held various key positions before donning the position of Chief Physician of Arya Vaidya Sala in 2019.

Dr. P.M. Varier is a Guru under Gurushishya Parampara of Rashtreeya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth since 2007. He is a member and office bearer of several professional organisations and regulatory bodies and has visited several countries for professional accomplishments. As a Physician of repute Dr. Varier is the recipient of many Awards and Honors.

Dr. P.M. Varier was co-opted as Member, Board of Trustees of Arya Vaidya Sala in 2007 and opted as Managing Trustee in 2021.

Shri P. Raghava Varier

Sri. P. Raghava Varier holds the post of Special Consultant in Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal. He has been in the service of Arya Vaidya Sala since 1958 and was in-charge of major departments and a consultant for various construction projects. He has a reputation for personal and professional integrity.

Sri. Raghava Varier was co-opted as a Member, Board of Trustees of Arya Vaidya Sala in the year 1978.

Dr. K. Muraleedharan

Dr. K. Muraleedharan holds the post of Additional Chief Physician & Superintendent, Ayurvedic Hospital & Research Centre, Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal. After his DAM from VPSV Ayurveda College, Kottakkal, he has been in the service of Arya Vaidya Sala since 1977. In recognition to his outstanding contribution for the overall promotion of Ayurveda he was awarded the prestigious Dhawantari Award instituted by Government of Kerala for the best Ayurveda Doctor and the Bhishak Ratna Award by AMAI, in the year 2013. He has also authored a number of books.

Dr. K. Muraleedharan was co-opted as a Member, Board of Trustees of Arya Vaidya Sala in the year 2007.

Adv. C. E. Unnikrishnan

Adv. C. E. Unnikrishnan, B.A. LL.B, is an Advocate practicing before the High Court of Kerala. He is a Graduate in Economics and Bachelor of Law from the Kerala Law Academy Law College, Thiruvananthapuram. He started practice in the year 1988. Apart from a Lawyer practicing in the field of Constitution, Tax and Arbitration Laws, he is also an accredited mediator of Kerala State Mediation and Conciliation Center.

Adv. Unnikrishnan was a Standing Counsel for Cochin Devaswom Board and Standing Counsel for Kerala State Backward Classes Development Corporation. He has served the Government of Kerala as Government Pleader and at present he is serving as Special Government Pleader to Advocate General.

Adv. C. E. Unnikrishnan was co-opted as a Trustee of Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal in the year 2011.

Sri. K.R. Ajay

Sri. K.R. Ajay is the Factory Manager of Arya Vaidya Sala Factory in Nanjangud. He is a Graduate in Bachelor of Law from School of Legal Studies, CUSAT and a Post Graduate in Certificate Program in Management from Indian Institute of Management, Calicut. He joined Arya Vaidya Sala in 2016 and was responsible in co-ordinating and facilitating the smooth functions of all vital departments of AVS before his transition as Factory Manager, Nanjangud.

Sri. Ajay K.R. was co-opted as a Member, Board of Trustees of Arya Vaidya Sala in the year 2019.

Dr. Sujith. S. Varier

Dr. Sujit S. Warier is the Factory Manager of Arya Vaidya Sala Factory in Kanjikode. He is a graduate in BAMS from VPSV Ayurveda College, Kottakkal and has been in the service of Arya Vaidya Sala since 1995. Prior to his present position as Factory Manager he was the Chief Medical Officer & Manager of AVS Branch in Bengaluru.

Dr. Sujit S. Warrier was co-opted as a Member, Board of Trustees of Arya Vaidya Sala in the year 2019.

Dr. P. Ramkumar

Dr. P. Ramkumar is the Factory Manager of Arya Vaidya Sala Factory in Kottakkal. He is a graduate in BAMS from VPSV Ayurveda College, Kottakkal and joined the service of Arya Vaidya Sala in 1999. Prior to his present position as Factory Manager he was holding the post of Senior Manager of the Materials Department of AVS in Kottakkal.

Dr. P. Ramkumar was co-opted as a Member, Board of Trustees of Arya Vaidya Sala in the year 2021.

Shri K Hari Kumar

Shri K Hari Kumar is  the Chief Executive Officer of Arya Vaidya Sala since  Feb’2024.

A senior business leader with an MBA in Marketing & International Trade from CUSAT,  Shri Hari Kumar has a successful track record of corporate turnaround with more than 20 years’ experience at the Board level. His core competencies include organizational re-structuring, Innovation and the ability to bring in efficiency and effectiveness in operations and steer top-line and bottom-line growth.

Shri K Hari Kumar holds the position of Senior Vice President of Kerala Management Association and is also a member of the outside Expert Committee of ONGC.

Shri K Hari Kumar was also the Vice Chairman of the Centre for Management Studies, Trivandrum, Director of the Board of Alkali Manufacturers Association, Crop care Federation, Standing Conference on Public sector Enterprises, President of Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, member of the National Chemicals Committee of FICCI and Public Sector committee of CII.

Key Achievements:

  • Award from Hon. Prime Minister of India for Excellence and Outstanding Contribution to the Public Sector Management in Individual capacity in 2012
  • Best Managing Director award by the Department of Industries, Govt. of Kerala in 2022.
  • Turnaround award from the Bureau of Reconstruction of Public Enterprises (BRPSE)
  • TCC was adjudged as the best PSU by the Govt. of Kerala in 2022.

Major Professional posts held:

  • Managing Director of TRAVANCORE COCHIN CHEMICALS (TCC) from 2016 to 2024
  • Managing Director (additional charge) of MALABAR CEMENTS 2022-2024
  • Managing Director (additional charge) of KERALA STATE DRUGS & PHARMACEUTICALS LTD (KSDPL) in 2021-22
  • Chairman and Managing Director of HINDUSTAN INSECTICIDES LTD,(HIL India Ltd) New Delhi 2005-2015
  • Director Marketing of Hindustan Insecticides Ltd (HIL India Ltd), New Delhi 2003-2005
  • Chairman and Managing Director of INDIAN DRUGS & PHARMACEUTICALS LTD, ”(Additional Charge)  2010

Explore our great history

After all, the knowledge of life' entails the knowledge of everything that promotes well-being and all-round human development.


More than a Century of Health Care Tradition ...

More than a Century of Health Care Tradition ...

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Vaidyaratnam P S Varier's Arya Vaidya Sala,
Head office, Kottakkal (PO), Malappuram (Dist.),
Kerala - 676 503, INDIA
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