About Us

Centre for Textual Studies & Publications

Early days

Centre for Textual Studies & Publications, Arya Vaidya Sala, was formally established in 1987. But publishing books, magazines and awareness literature were a part of Arya Vaidya Sala’s activity since its inception itself. A catalogue of products of the Vaidyasala was the first publication. Later, a detailed book on Ayurvedic treatment with medicines and indications; panchakarma, pathyapathya (regimen during medication) was brought out by P.S.Varier in 1903. This was titled as ‘Chikitsasamgraham’ of which, the thirty-third editions is the presently available one.  It has been translated to English and Hindi also.

For students of Aryavaidyapathasala, Varier authored Ashtangasareeram (a text book on modern anatomy in Sanskrit). This was published in 1925. The author had won a certificate in 1932 from the 16^th Conference of All India Ayurvedic Congress (National Organization of Physicians) held at Jaipur. Later, this text was abridged and produced as Brihachhareeram (1942).

During the cholera outbreak in early nineties P.S.Varier printed and distributed pamphlets to make people aware on the precautionary steps. Prasavachikitsa was a small book on the post natal care for women.

Sri.P.V. Krishna Varier (1877-1958), brother of P.S. Varier, was a poet-scholar in Malayalam, Sanskrit and Astrology. He inspired many writers of that period and thus was called Kavikulaguru (mentor of the cluster of poets). Krishna Varier edited and published ‘Kavanakaumudi’, a monthly, solely dedicated to poetry. So many poets rose to fame through this magazine. With his support, P.S. Varier published an Ayurvedic monthly in Malayalam titled ‘Dhanvanthari’. Started in August 1903, it was published regularly for twenty three years without any break. This is the first science periodical in Malayalam. Each issue contained articles on Ayurveda and related allopathic subjects. The policy matters of Ayurveda were also discussed. There were regular columns for students. Due to problems related to subscriptions and finance, the publication was ceased. 

Annual seminars on different topics are being conducted by AVS since 1964. The proceedings of annual seminars are published every year. National level annual essay competition was introduced in the year 1965. The prize winning essays of All India essay competition are also printed and made available every year. In addition to these, books authored by scholars also are being published.

As a formal department

Publication Department of Arya Vaidya Sala, established in 1987, is continuing the legacy of the Founder. The ‘Kottakkal Ayurveda Series’ includes major works in Malayalam, English and Hindi. Doctors and students find them useful as reference manuals. Some of our prestigious products are given below:

• There are books born out of ardent research. Indian Medicinal Plants (1994) is a five volume book prepared by the Department. Apart from compiling all the information available in classical texts on 500 plants, the book gives the botanical identity of each plant with illustrations. This was published by Orient Longman India Ltd.
• Popular Ayurveda Series (2003) includes publications of health related topic to provide useful information for the layman. There are twenty titles in this low priced series. These are at present in Malayalam, of which the English editions are under way.
• Old volumes of Dhanvavthari were published (2008) in a single CD with various indices as a printed book.
• Alathur manipravalam (2009) is a compendium of compound formulations which has its origins six centuries back. Hitherto unpublished work slept in palm-leaf manuscripts, this was deciphered and brought out in book form with a worthwhile study by noted historian Dr. M.R. Raghava Varier, the then Chief Editor of Publication Department.
• History of Ayurveda was published both in Malayalam (1980) and English (2005) is a comprehensive text on the subject. Dr. N.V.K. Varier, the founder editor, was the author.
• Smrithiparvam out in 2005, is the autobiography of our former managing trustee Dr. P.K. Warrier (1921-2021), which can be considered as a piece of socio-political history of Malabar (North Kerala) through his memory. It has won Kerala Sahithya Academy award, Cherukad Memorial Award, etc.
• Panchakarma-chikitsa-sara-samgraham (2006) is a Malayalam book on Panchakarma by Dr. K. Rajagopalan, which is also of much demand.  

Currently, as a tribute to Dr. P.K. Warrier, Former Managing Trustee and Chief Physician of Arya Vaidya Sala, the newly published books come under ‘P.K. Warrier Commemoration Series’.

To sum up, this outreach activity served two purposes essentially. The first is to strengthen Ayurvedic knowledge-base by bringing out authentic texts. The target readers are professionals and students. Second is to make society aware of the strengths of Ayurveda.

The establishment of Department of Publications in 1987 ensured the continuous publication of the Journal Aryavaidyan, peer reviewed quarterly journal on Ayurveda and allied sciences. Getting published for more than three decades, the journal could disseminate the original concepts and practices of Ayurveda. Several stalwarts of Ayurveda and esteemed institutions in the field had their presence felt through Aryavaidyan.

Reference library: The Publication Department extends the facility of a reference library for the students who are pursuing Ayurvedic studies as well as research in various universities.

Palm-leaf manuscript conservation project: Ancient manuscripts scribbled in palm leaves on Ayurveda, traditional treatment methodologies, epics, mythology /devotional subjects, etc., are valuable assets of our rich culture and heritage. Such manuscripts available at the institution are being conserved scientifically and digitised, so as to facilitate the easy reference of the same, without further damage to the collection. The project is currently under-way and will be complete within a few months.

Past Chief Editors

Dr. N.V. Krishnakutty Varier (1922-2004) had qualified in Ayurveda from VPSV Ayurveda College, Kottakkal. He was a post graduate in English from Mysore University. Dr. Varier was honored with ‘Fellow of National Academy of Ayurveda’. He was an ardent scholar who authored articles and books. He occupied several honorary positions in many policy making committees of both State and Central Governments. He visited many countries including San Marino, Indonesia, Denmark, Canada, Russia, United States of America and Italy.  Dr. N.V.K. Varier was the Founder Chief Editor served during 1987- 2001.

Dr. M.R. Raghava Varier (born 1936), is a reputed historian and epigraphist. He was former Professor, Department of History at the University of Calicut, Kerala. Prof. Varier also holds a post-graduate degree in Malayalam Language (1976), and M. Phil. (1980) in History from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. His doctoral degree (1986) is on folk songs of northern Kerala from the University of Calicut. He served as Senior Fellow in the Cultural Department, Government of India (1997- 1999). Dr. Varier is an author of several authentic books on history and Malayalam criticism and has won many awards.  He was Chief Editor during 2007-2015. 

Dr. K.G. Paulose (born 1946) is reputed scholar of Sanskrit and ancient Indian Theatre.  He was the Principal of Govt. Sanskrit Colleges of Kerala in different terms. Dr. Paulose became the first Registrar of Sree Sankara University of Sanskrit (1996-2000) Kerala. He was also the first Vice Chancellor of Kerala Kalamandalam (Institution of Kerala traditional performing arts) when it was elevated as a deemed university. As a fellow of Indian Institution of Advance Studies (2012-2014) he contributed much to the Kerala theatre studies. Dr. Paulose has authored several books on Sanskrit and Dramaturgy. He also edited many books and journals. He served two terms (2001- 2007) and (2015- 2020) as our Chief Editor.

Currently, Prof. K. Murali (Retd. Vice Principal, Govt. Ayurveda College, Trippunittura, Kerala) is the Chief Editor.