Arakkal Dhanwantari Temple

Arakkal is a Dhanwantari temple located in Thaniyathukunnu, in the Indian state of Kerala. The temple is located in the town of Thalassery along with multiple other temples and shrines. Arakkal is accessible by rail from Irinjalakuda and by plane from Nedumbassery.
History
A ritual called "Ashtamangalya Devaprasnam" conducted at the temple revealed the idol of Lord Dhanwantari at Aanakkal temple was consecrated approximately 2125 years ago. A saint experienced the presence of a divine force in a pond near the present temple. The power of penance enabled him to recognize the divinity. He performed the rituals laid down in the Vedas for invocation and consecrated the idol of Lord Dhanwandhari. The idol is still worshipped there.
Kaippully Mana, Kuzhikattu Mana and Velikkattukara Mana were the ‘Ooralans’ (landlords) of this temple. Around AD 1345, the shrine was renovated and a large temple complex was built by the landlords. Scholars of Nagaramannu Mana, who were the ‘Tantris’ of Koodalmanikyam temple, performed Tantric poojas at this temple.
In AD 1725, a second renovation was undertaken, reinstalling the Dhanwandhari idol. During this period, the temple possessed more than 1000 acres of arable land and an abundance of wealth. Temple festivals were celebrated with pomp and gaiety. As time passed, most of the wealth and the land was lost. The ‘gopuram’ and the outer wall were also destroyed. However, remnants of the ruins are still there.
Grounds
The temple is in a valley of two small hills covering the western and south-eastern sides. The temple pond is situated at the north-eastern side. The main entrance is on the western side. The road leading to the hill is covered by paddy fields on either side and the ambience is divinely gorgeous. The temple has a large structure situated in a barren land of 2-3 acres.
Idol
The idol is in its original form of Lord Vishnu's incarnation of Lord Dhanwandhari, i.e., 'Chathurbahu Swaroopam' carrying Shankha (conch), chakra (wheel), kalasam (a pot containing nectar) and jalookam (leech) in four hands; nectar and leech symbolizing the medicine and mode of treatment. This form of the deity is very rare. The two-storied sanctum sanctorum is square shaped with a facade. A unique feature is the tall and wide verandah (around 3 ft width) surrounding the shrine with beautiful wooden pillars.
Lord Ayyappa and Lord Ganapathi are the two Upadevathas of the temple.
Legend
A story related to the festival of this temple is that once during an 'utsavam', an elephant ran amok and created panic among the devotees thronged there for the celebration. Panicstricken 'tantri', 'ooralans' and the devotees prayed in unison. The Lord appeared before them in another form of Vishnu, namely "Narasimha Moorthy" along with Goddess Lakshmi Devi and the elephant was metamorphosed into a stone of the same size by their divine power. The stone is still there. Hence the name "Aanakkal" originated. ('Aana' means elephant and 'kal' means stone) Since then the 'utsavam' has not been celebrated. Elephants are still not brought to the vicinity of the temple. It is also believed that this ‘Dhanwandhari Moorthy’ treated and cured the digestive disorder of Lord Bharatha of Koodalmanikyam, Irinjalakuda with an ayurvedic medicine. To commemorate this, a libation called Mukkudi is provided on a day of the feast called Puthari to Lord Koodalmanikyam. Mukkudi is believed to have medicinal properties and to cure any stomach ailment. Devotees gather in large numbers on this day to collect this medicine, which could protect their stomach from disorders. For the same reason Lord Aanakkal Dhanwandhari is considered as the physician of the 4 brothers; Lord Rama (Thriprayarappan), Lord Bharatha (Sri Koodalmanikya Swami), Lord Lakshmana (Moozhikulathappan) and Shathrughna Swami (Payammal Temple). If one draws a circle connecting these four temples, Aanakkal Dhanwantari temple will be the centre point.

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