August – October 2025

At Vaidyagrama, learning is a continuous, living process unfolding through practice, reflection, and shared experience. Our retreats and programs are pathways for seekers, healers, and students to rediscover Ayurveda’s timeless relevance in daily life.

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is one of the most revered herbs in Ayurveda, especially celebrated for its profound benefits in supporting women’s
reproductive health. While popularly misinterpreted as “a woman with a hundred husbands,” the true etymology, as clarified by Acharya Bhanoji Deekshitha, refers to its anatomy : “शतेन आवृणोति इति” “ That which is covered by hundreds (of roots)”.

This aligns with its physical structure, as Shatavari’s juicy tuberous roots lie hidden beneath the soil, forming a dense network. These roots, the main medicinal part, are known to balance hormones and enhance fertility and lactation. Modern studies affirm its phytoestrogenic properties, aligning with classical wisdom that fresh roots offer the greatest potency. Beyond women’s wellness, Shatavari also supports digestion, strengthens the nervous system, and cools the body with its earthy-sweet energy. Truly, it is a herb that nourishes both body and mind, embodying the essence of rasayana rejuvenation.

Monthly Free Ayurveda Medical camps
Our monthly village camps continue to offer free consultations, medicines, and meals to underprivileged villagers. Over 200 patients were treated this quarter, each one receiving compassionate care and traditional healing from the Vaidyagrama team. Over 1200 people had sumptious meals at the three camps.
Aug 2,2025 : Kaliapuram primary School
Sept 6.2025 : Kuttigoundenpathi
Oct 4,2025 : Masithigoundenpathi.

Project Annam : Sharing Food, Spreading Love

Our kitchen continues to serve 150 elderly villagers daily with nourishing, home-cooked meals. Between August and October, 13,500 meals were prepared with love — ensuring dignity and comfort to elders who live alone.

Natural Farming : Nurturing the Soil and Soul

Four acres of naturally cultivated farmland provided a bountiful harvest of vegetables and greens this season. All produce nourishes the patients, staff, and villagers, reminding us that wellbeing begins in the soil.

Lakshmigrama Goshala : Heart of Compassion
Home to 47 cows and bulls, our Goshala remains a sanctuary of care and sustainability. From Panchagavya-based soaps to Vibhuti and Dhoop Varti inhalers, the Goshala supports both our ecology and economy with sacred intent. On Oct 4, a special treat of laddoos were offered to the cows, These laddoos were made with wheat husk, nutritious grain powders, jaggery. The cows enjoyed the surprise treat.

Empowering Local Youth

Punarnava Ayurveda Trust has launched a one-year Empowerment Project for 120 Class XI students of Pichanur Government High School. The program nurtures awareness of health, community, and responsible living, helping Gen Z students reconnect with nature and their inner strength amidst the influences of modern life.

Visit of Dignitaries

On Aug 25, 2025, Shri M K Narayanan. Former National Security Advisor of India, visited Vaidyagrama Ayurveda Healing Village. His visit marked a cherished moment in Vaidyagrama for all of us.

Tatwa Tantu 2025- Thread of Realities Retreat on Devi

The most awaited seven-day Tatwa Tantu Retreat was held at Vaidyagrama from September 5-12, 2025, organized by Punarnava Ayurveda Trust and Vaidyagrama Ayurveda Healing Village, in partnership with INDICA. Curated by Smt. Vijayalakshmi Vijayakumar and anchored by Mr. Aditya Mazumdar, the retreat brought together an inspiring panel of teachers, Dr. Rangan Ramakrishnan, Dr. M. V. Vishwanath, Ms. Rukmini Vijayakumar, Swami Taponidhi Saraswati, Shri Balasubramaniam, and Dr. Ramadas.

The sessions beautifully wove the thread of reality connecting Devi, the Pancha Bhutas (five elements), and human existence, with profound insights and also Ayurveda. Daily Homams to all the Goddesses, Yoga, Yoga Nidra, and soulful Kirtans added depth to the participants’ experience. Rukmini ji’s captivating dance performance and her workshop on the discipline and surrender behind the art of dance left a lasting impression. Participants also enjoyed hands-on Mandala art and garland-making workshops, learning the grace of traditional temple crafts.

The retreat concluded on September 12, 2025, leaving everyone enriched and inspired to live with greater awareness, devotion, and balance.

Navaratri Celebrations – Invoking the Divine Feminine

Nine sacred nights of devotion filled the campus with the chanting of Devi stotras and the fragrance of lamps. The celebrations culminated in Ayudha Puja and Vijayadashami, symbolizing victory of light over darkness and gratitude for divine grace.

Ganesh Chaturti and Onam Celebration at Vaidyagrama

Ganesh Chaturthi : was celebrated with devotion and joy, with prayers, chants, and eco-friendly clay idols made by the Vaidyagrama community. The celebrations ended with a simple procession and visarjan in the campus pond, invoking blessings for wisdom and harmony.

Onam : The spirit of Onam filled Vaidyagrama with color and togetherness as staff and patients joined to create a vibrant Pookalam and share a traditional Onam Sadya. The day reflected unity in diversity and the joy of community living.

Dhanvantari Jayanti and Ayurveda Day

The community gathered to honor Lord Dhanwantari, the divine healer, with abhisheka, puja, and reflection on Sept 23, 2025. Senior Vaidyas together chanted some verses from the Astanga hrdayam Chapter 1.

Nurturing Nature : Vaidya Vana Initiative

Our Vaidya Vana : Forest is growing steadily with the addition of 200 new trees this quarter, native species that enrich biodiversity and provide the much needed green cover in the area.

Opening Puja of Vaidyagrama Store

Opening Puja of Vaidyagrama Store ( Pharmacy, Kitchen and General Store) on Sept 16, 2025 and Opening Puja of Ekantha Residential block- Oct 14, 2025.
Vastu Bali puja on the previous day evening followed by Ganapati Homam and Lakshmi puja was conducted in the new blocks by Pravin Namboodiri, Madhu Namboodiri, and Girish Namboodiri and team.

With the upcoming Navagraha Puja, Manojayam Retreat, and Panchakarma UK Longevity Program, the coming months promise continued learning, reflection, and global outreach for Ayurveda. Together, we move forward, with hearts full of gratitude and hands committed to service.

Gratitude to Our Supporters

Every act of service is possible because of you, our patrons and friends across the world. Your love and prayers sustain this mission of seva, simplicity, and healing for all.

Closing Message

At Punarnava, every day is a prayer in action, for healing, harmony, and wholeness. We bow in gratitude to everyone who walks with us, near or far, and invite you to continue being part of this evolving journey of compassionate living.

~ With love and blessings,
The Punarnava Family | www.punarnava.org | www.vaidyagrama.com