Vaidyabhooshanam K Raghavan Thirumulpad was an Ayurvedic scholar and physician hailing from Kerala, the southern state of India. He was born on 20 May 1920 at Chingoli, Alappuzha District of Kerala. During the period 1944-49, Mr. Raghavan Thirumulpad had the fortune to learn ayurveda in the traditional Gurukula system, under the guidance of Mr. P. Vasudevan Nambisan, an eminent ayurveda scholar and former Chief Physician at Rama Varma Central Ayurveda Hospital in Trichur. Mr. Thirumulpad also did a yearlong internship in the same hospital during 1950-51 during which he specialized in Panchakarma. He was conferred the title of Vaidyabhooshanam in 1950 by the ayurveda department of the then Cochin Government. Mr. Thirumulpad also has a Certificate in Naturopathy from the Indian Institute of Natural Therapeutics, Bombay. He later got registered as an A-Class Medical Practitioner in the then Travancore-Cochin Medical Council.
Mr. Raghavan Thirumulpad is a man of many parts. He adorned many roles in his favourite domain – Ayurveda, and excelled in each one of them. Teaching Sanskrit informally for Vidwan and other examinations and for ayurveda college students, training ayurveda students and young graduates in clinical practice, encouraging and guiding the activities of Ayurveda Study Circle in Chalakudi are some of his regular vocation. Many research students have benefited by seeking Mr.Thirumulpad’s informal guidance for their doctoral works. He was also associated with the Centre for Health Care Research and Education, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences at Kalamassery in Kochi. On Jan 25, 2011, the Ayruveda Acharyan was awarded Padma Bhushan posthumously, 2 months after his death. V.K.R.T. Foundation, consisting of his students, celebrated his 90th birthday on May 23, 2010, at Chalakudy as “Navathi Pranamam”. Many important personalities, including Dr. Rajan Gurukkal, V.C., M.G. University, Dr. K.G. Poulose, V.C. Kerala Kalamandalam, Dr. C. Ratnakaran, Pro. V.C. Kerala University of Health, participated. The releasing of 9 of his books was the highlight of the occasion. This postage stamp on 30th August,2019 by India post.
PUBLISHED WORKS.
1. 1954 (2nd Ed.1968, 3rd Ed. 2004) Chalakudy, Published by Self,pp.179
Bhagavatdgita
A verse-by-verse Malayalam translation of Bhagavadgita
“…. relying on the Sankara-bhashya of Gita, the author has taken great care to maintain fidelity to the original; the translation work has been performed as a yajna in itself”
P Seshadri, (Retd. Superintendent, Dept of Publications, University of Travancore), in his Introduction to the First Edition of the Book
2. 1957 (2nd Ed.2000) Calicut, Sarvodaya Sangham (2nd Ed. 2000, Alter Media, Trichur & Grasshopper, Ernakulam pp.196
Prakrithichikitsa
A comprehensive treatise on Nature Cure
“Raghavan Thirumulpad is one among the rare vaidyas who remind us that the role of a vaidya should be that of an educator or a liberator and the books he has written are more valuable than half a dozen medical colleges”
P N Das in his introduction to the second edition of the book
3. 1959 Chalakudi Published by Self, pp.207
Buddhadharma
Malayalam versification of Dharmapada (teachings of Buddha)
An in-depth study in Buddhism
Sri.Pavanan in his study on influence of Buddhism on Malayalam literature.
4. 1960 Chalakudi Published by Self, p. (2nd Ed. 1988) pp.52
Devimahatmya
Malayalam versification of Sanskrit hymn on Goddess.
5. 1961 Trichur, Murali Publications pp.208
Isavum Mahatmavum
A treatise on Gandhian philosophy and polemical reply to the Marxist criticims on Gandhism
“Renowned as a learned scholar in ayurveda, Sri Thirumulpad is also well versed in Sanskrit, literature and political philosophy. Freethinking and an investigative bent of mind are his forte. His reply to E M S Nambudiripad’s ‘Mahatma and Ism’ stands testimony to his wide knowledge and incisive thinking”
C. P. Sreedharan. Innatthe Sahityakaranmar, p 825
6. 1962 Trichur, Thunchathezhuthachan (Malayalam magazine)
Serialised in Thirukkural
Malayalam versification of famous Tamil classic Thirukkural
7. 1963, Chalakudi, Kerala Ayurveda Mandalam pp.48 (2nd Ed. 2005) Ayurveda Medical Association of India, Ernakulam
Kriyakramam
On the techniques of special Ayurvedic treatments of Kerala
8. 1972 (2nd Ed. 2000) Published by Ambujam R Varma pp.55(2nd Ed. published by Advocate C.S.Anathalakshmi)
Raghaveeyam
Sthothrakavya on Lord Rama in Sanskrit
9. 1973, Kottayam, Ayurveda mandalam pp.141/b>
Hridroga
Ayurvedic approach to heart diseases (co author)
10. 1976 Chalakudy,(2nd Ed.1995, Nagarjuna Research Foundation, Cochin pp.279) Published by Self. pp.128
Ayurvedaparichayam
A lucid introduction to Ayurveda
“While studying ayurveda, I had always keenly felt the lack of a good book that cogently explains its basic principles. It was then that I came across Sri Raghavan Thirumulpad’s ‘Arogya Darsanam’. I read it in one sitting and realized that it contains all the important aspects of Ayurveda. This book is the quintessence of Ayurveda. In times when research and interest in Ayurveda is gaining momentum all over the world, this book will help the keralites to renew their knowledge about their heritage”
Dr M S Valiathan (Founder Director, Sree Chitra Institute Of Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum; Adviser, Manipal Academy of Medical Education) in his introduction to the second edition.
11. 1976 Trivandrum, Publication Division, Govt.Ayurveda College p.
Thanthrayukthiviveka
Commentary on Thanthrayukthivichara of Neelmeghabhishag
12. 1977 (2nd Ed. 1993) Trivandrum, Published by Self pp.335 (2nd Ed. Students Union, Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College, Trichur)
Rasavaiseshikavyakhya
A commentary on Rasavaisheshika Suthra, a treatise on basic principles of Pharmacology in Ayurveda
13. 1980, Chalakudi, published by self pp.86
Mukhakannadi
Autobiography released on 60th birthday
14. 1982, Trivandrum, Publication division, Govt. Ayurveda College
Vivrithi vyakhya
Commentary on the portions of basic principles in Ashtangahridaya
15. 1983, (2nd Ed. 1987)(3rd Ed. (1997) (Trivandrum) Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad(3rd Ed. State Institute of Languages, Trivandrum) pp.157
Ayurvedadarsanam
An outline of Ayurvedic approach to health and disease
16. 1988, Varanasi, Acharya Gurukul Prakashan pp.70
Kushtrog aur ilag
Hindi translation by Sri. S.V. Govindan of the prize winning thesis on kushta roga.
17. 1989, Kottayam, Ayurveda Chandrika pp.168
Sampoorna arogyasamrakshanam
On health & healthy life style
18. 1992, Kottakkal, Students Union, VPSV Ayurveda College pp.158
Ayurvedam-Arogyasastram
Ayurvedic philosophy on health
Raghavan Thirumulpad is a devotee of Ayurveda and a scholar who believes that the path to health is a lifestyle that is based on ayurvedic principles. In order to introduce the basic principles of the science of ayurveda to the common man, he has adopted a unique way of excavating all systems of medicine, comparing them, and presenting them in a dialogic format
Dr C K Ramachandran in his review published in Mathrubhumi Weekly.
19. 1998, Trivandrum, State Institute of Languages pp.303
Ashtangadarsanam
A lucid exposition on the eight clinical branches of ayurveda.
Won STEC Award for in- depth study.
20. 2002, Guruvayoor, Sree Guruvayuruppan (Malayalam Monthly)
Chhayanarayaneeyam
Translation in free verse of the reputed work “Narayaneeyam” is being serialised.
21. 2002, Trivandrum, State Institute of Languages pp.299
Bhaishajyadarsanam
Essays on ayurveda; Won Kerala Sahithya Academy’s G.N. Pillai Endowment Award for Scientific Literature-2005
22. 2002, Trissur, Nisaganghi publications pp.159
Ayurvedam jeevithathilude
Essays on ayurveda in relation to day-to-daylife
23. 2003, Cochin, Svadeshi Science Movement.
Parsvaveekshanangal
A comparative study on ayurveda with other branches of knowledge.
24. 2003, Trissur, Aushadham publications
Nammude Arogyam
Book on healthy life style.
25. 2003, Chalakudy, Gayathri Ashram
Ente Gurudarsanam
On the philosophy of Narayanaguru
26. 2007, Thruvananthapuram, Chintha Publishers
Ayurvedathilude
Articles on Ayurvedag
27. 2007, Kottayam, DC Books
Ayurvedam oru avalokanam
Articles of public interest on Ayurveda.
28. 2010, Publication Division, Aryavaidyasala Kottakkal
Rasavaisheshikasutra
English Translation with commentary
29. 2010, Kottayam, DC Books
Deerghajivitham
Malayalam translation and commentary of first chapter of Charakasamhitha
30. 2010, Nagarjuna Research Foundation, Kalady
Chikitsaprakasham
Malayalam book on principles of treatment with clinical experiences
31. 2010, Foundation for Revitalisation Local Health Traditions
Glimpses of Wisdom
Selected Essays on Ayurveda in English
ASHTANGASANGRAHA SERIES
Ashtangasamgraha, the monumental work of Acharya Vagbhata is translated into Malayalam with a commentary named PRAKASIKA by Thirumulpad. The series is of twelve volumes. First editions of these were published during 1981-1987. All are published by self, from Chalakudy.
“Raghavan Thirumulpad is an eminent scholar in Vedas and Vedanta, and it is indeed admirable that he has taken up this arduous task of translating Ashtanga samgraha into Malayalam with a detailed commentary. His uniqueness lies in his having a scientific attitude and his ability to absorb modern concepts. All these qualities are evident in the interpretation of the text also”
Dr C K Ramachandran (Prof. of Medicine, Medical College, Calicut) Reputed physician and author, in his review in Matrubhumi Weekly.
32.1981(2nd Ed. 1996) pp.200
Mulasidhandha
basic principles of ayurveda.
33. 1981 (2nd Ed. 1989, 3rd 1996) pp.252
Svastavritta
Healthy lifestyle as advised by ayurveda.
34. 1982 (2nd Ed.1982, 3rd Ed. 1997) pp.192
Dravyavijnana
Ayurvedic pharmacology
35. 1982 (2nd Ed.)
Sareeram
ayurvedic anatomy and physiology
36. 1983 (2nd Ed.1998) pp.306
Salyatantram
Surgical considerations in ayurveda.
37. 1982 ( 2nd Ed. 1996) pp.357
Karmaparichayam
panchakarma therapy
38. 1984 (2nd Ed. 1997) pp.290
Nidanastanam
ayurvedic concepts on aetiology and pathology
39. 1984(2nd Ed. 1997) pp.186
Balagrahachikitsa and grahachikitsa
Pediatrics and psychiatry in ayurveda
40. 1985(2nd Ed. 1998) pp.242
Chikitsitam 1
Management of diseases
41. 1985(2nd Ed. 1998) pp.217
Chikitsitam 2
Management of diseases
42. 1987 (2nd Ed. 1999) pp. 326
Visha Rasayana and Vajeekarana
Antitoxic, rejuvinative and aphrodisiac treatments in ayurveda
43. 1987 (2nd Ed. 2000) pp. 232
Urdhvangachikitsita
Management of ENT and eye diseases in ayurveda
MINOR WORKS (list incomplete)
1. Gurugeetha
Malayalam translation of the part of Sivapurana highlighting the importance of Guru.
2. Athmabodham
Malayalam translation of the famous philosophical work of Sankaracharya.
3. Kopisamdesa
A sandesha kavya in Sanskrit addressed to a disciple.
4. Putryupadesa
Message in Sanskrit verse addressed to daughter.
5. Putropadesa
Message in Malayalam verse addressed to son.
6. Ayurvedakautukam
An introduction to ayurv.
7. Samsayangalum samadhanagalum
Responses to common doubts on ayurveda.
8. Hariye theduka
Malayalam versification of the famous work Bhajagovindam of Sree Sankaracharya.
9. Ayyappasthuthi
A sthothra in Malayalam praising Lord Ayyappa.
10. Nayinarpathikam
Malayalam translation of a Tamil work of Sri Narayanagura.
BOOKS EDITED
1. 1998, Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala Ollur,Trissur pp.203
Chinthamanjari
Commemorative volume on Ashtavaidyan Padmasri. E.T. Neelakanthan Mooss
2. 1981, Bharath Books, Kottayam pp.1600
Vaidyavijnanakosham
An encyclopedic work on systems of medicine.
3. 1977, Vivekodayam books,Irinjalakuda pp.865
Ashtangahridayam bhasha
Verse by verse translation in Malayalam of famous Ashtangahridayam by Sri. P.M.Govindan Vaidyan (Tippani by the Editor)
4. 1989, S.N.A. Oushadhasala, Trissur pp.45
Sinduramanjari
Small treatise on rasastra by Pazhanellippurahtu Unni mooss (With a life sketch of the author by the edition)
MISCELLANEOUS
Other works include Introductions, Reviews, Essays, Scientific papers, Mangalaslokas, Stotras etc. written for the past sixty years .The earlier ones are uncollected and not documented.