Nearly all of Kerala’s renowned and revered Ayurveda physicians have deep roots in traditional Ayurvedic families. However, the Itoozhi Ayurveda family from Kannur, North Kerala, stands out as one of the oldest and most socially progressive among them. The name of the founding fathers’ title, “Itoozhi” translates to “Keepers of the Flame,” reflecting the family’s ancestral role as custodians of the sacred flame in the Yagnasalas of the Mayyil region.
Some of the renowned and respected founding fathers who carried forward the esteemed legacy of the Itoozhi way of healing include Brahmasree Itoozhi Vaidyar Krishnan Namboothiri, Brahmasree Itoozhi Vaidyar Valiya Madhavan Namboothiri, Brahmasree Itoozhi Vaidyar Madhavan Namboothiri (1901-1974), and Brahmasree Itoozhi Vaidyar Madhavan Namboothiri (1922-1984).
Brahmasree Itoozhi Vaidyar Krishnan Namboothiri
The founding patriarch of the Itoozhi Illam is believed to be Brahmasree Itoozhi Vaidyar Krishnan Namboothiri, who lived in the 18th century. The Itoozhi Namboothiri family is regarded as one of the most authentic Vaidya Kudumbams (healing families) in the field of Ayurvedic science. According to legend, the Itoozhi Namboothiris were the chosen physicians of Perinchelloor village, which was established by Sage Parashurama, the warrior-saint of Indian mythology.
The unique approach to holistic treatment practiced by the physicians from Itoozhi Illam has been admired and adopted by many of their peers. Today, they remain one of the most respected families of holistic healers in Ayurveda in the Malabar tradition.
Brahmasree Itoozhi Vaidyar Valiya Madhavan Namboothiri (1877-1937)
Brahmasree Itoozhi Vaidyar Valiya Madhavan Namboothiri was born into a family known for its traditional generosity, which eventually led to financial hardship as they shared both wealth and Ayurvedic knowledge. With a keen interest in service and academics, he dedicated himself to studying traditional texts and learning from the elders at the illam.
By the age of 25, he had become one of the most renowned Ayurveda vaidyars in Malabar. His popularity was so great that, according to Kerala Charithra (1946), regional squires, provincial heads, and wealthy feudal lords insisted on being treated only by him.
Brahmasree Itoozhi Vaidyar Madhavan Namboothiri (1901-1974)
Itoozhi Madhavan Namboothiri, who took charge of the Tellicherry Vaidyasala, was a remarkable and multi-talented figure. His life is both inspiring and intriguing, as he significantly contributed to the social, cultural, academic, and economic development of Mayyil. Highly knowledgeable in ancient Ayurvedic texts, he was respected by his peers across Kerala.
Beyond being an Ayurvedic physician, he was also a researcher, social reformer, and visionary who made a lasting impact in both the medical and social spheres. Following the guidance of his guru, Swami Narayanji Maharaj, he focused his efforts in Mayyil and established the renowned Itoozhi Namboothiri’s Ayurveda Vaidyasala.