The initiative at Sri Kshetra Gejjegiri aims to preserve traditional herbal medicine practices while establishing Ayurveda healthcare, education and research facilities.
Ayurveda Infrastructure Project Begins at Gejjegiri
A major Ayurveda infrastructure project has been initiated at Sri Kshetra Gejjegiri in Nandanabittil, Karnataka, with an estimated investment of Rs 7 crore.
The project aims to preserve traditional herbal medicine practices while developing healthcare, education and research facilities at the temple-linked institution.
Project to Preserve Traditional Herbal Knowledge
The initiative focuses on documenting and carrying forward the healing traditions associated with Deyi Baidethi, a renowned nati vaidya (traditional herbal healer) and the mother of the legendary Tulu Nadu warrior twins Koti-Chennaya.
Project representatives said the initiative is intended to strengthen indigenous Ayurvedic knowledge while expanding healthcare-related activities at the institution.
Ayurveda Clinic, Pharmacy and Panchakarma Facility Planned
The development has been planned in multiple phases.
The first phase includes an Ayurveda clinic, pharmacy, medicine manufacturing unit, yoga centre, Panchakarma facility and a medicinal plants garden.
The second phase proposes a larger expansion comprising an Ayurveda hospital, medical college and research centre, reports the Times of India.
Construction Work Already Underway
Temple spokesperson Rajendra Chilimbi said discussions regarding the project were held under the leadership of Dayananda Bontra, chief patron of Sri Kshetra Gejjegiri and honorary president of the Gujarat Billava Sangha.
Construction work on the Ayurveda centre and a Yatri Nivas has already commenced.
The project is being supported by entrepreneurs and donors from the Billava community, including Dayananda Bontra, Gangadhara Amin and an industrialist from Nashik, Maharashtra.
Development Supported Through Donations
Development activities are being overseen by Gejjegiri Development Trust president Sanjeeva Birva, administrative committee honorary president Pitambara Heraje and president Ravipoojari Chilimbi.
Project organisers said the initiative is expected to help preserve the community’s traditional medicinal knowledge for future generations while expanding the institution’s role beyond that of a religious destination.
Sanjeeva Birva said the ongoing development works are currently being funded through donations from supporters in India and abroad.
He added that the project has not received any government grants so far, although requests for financial assistance have been submitted to both the Karnataka state government and the central government.
