V. M. Kuṭṭikṛṣṇa Mēnōn: An unmatched scholar of traditional Ayurveda system of medicine

Abstract

V. M. Kuṭṭikṛṣṇa Mēnōn was an eminent Ayurveda physician, an astute researcher, and an insightful and eloquent writer. He is the author of three great books on Ayurveda and myriad publications on Ayurveda and folklore. The translation of Vāgbhaṭa’s Aṣṭāṅgahṛdayam (Sūtrasthāna), the quintessence and their treatment, and the publication of “Kriyākaumudi” and “Cikitsākautukam,” can all be seen as efforts to revive Kerala’s ancient traditions. As his writings were available only in the native Malayalam language, he remained unknown to other parts of the country. He perused innumerable palm leaf manuscripts from private collections and manuscript repositories at Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode, the contents of which otherwise would have never appeared in publications. He has not received much recognition and rewards that he deserved, but his insatiable thirst for knowledge has urged him to dig deep into the treasures of Ayurveda.