VAIDYAMATOM

Ashtavaidyas are believed to be the traditional Ayurvedic physicians of Kerala and are from the Brahmin Community called Namboodiris. They practise the eight branches of medicine from which the word Ashtavaidya is originated. They wrote several books with their age old observations and clinical experiences. "Chikitsa Manjari", "Yogamithram", "Abhidhana Manjari", "Alathur Manipravalam", "Sindoora Manjari" are some of them. They come under the family of Vaagbhata, one of the members of The Great Three, Brihat Trayee. Brihat Trayees are three authentic scholars in Ayurveda, namely Susrutha, Charaka and Vaagbhata. 


As moosses were given a lower status to Namboodiris, they were not allowed in Yagasalas, where religious sacrifices were made. Kaarathol Nambis were upgraded to Namboothiris and made to be known as Vaidyamatom. They were brought to Mezhathur for this purpose. Vaidyamatom was said to be the physician for all the 99 Yaagams performed by Mezhathur Agnihothri. The family follows Aalathiyoor Nambi's school, which points to the possibility of his ancestry to Kaarathol Nambi, who was himself trained under Aalathiyoor Nambi. Vaidyamatom Valiya Narayan Namboodiri, meaning the Senior Most member in the family thus became famous.

He was in the first panel of Samajam. He has worked with Samajam till his demise. But more popular was his son, while he was with Samajam. He also served Samajam till he left.