CCRAS, CSU Workshop Advances Transliteration of Rare Ayurvedic Manuscripts in Kerala
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu: Assistant Chief Editor
Thrissur – Kerala: In a major boost to the preservation of India’s classical medical knowledge, the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), in collaboration with the Central Sanskrit University (CSU), successfully concluded a 15-day transliteration workshop on Ayurvedic manuscripts in Thrissur, Kerala.
National initiative to preserve Ayurvedic heritage
The Transliteration Capacity Building Workshop on Ayurvedic Manuscripts was conducted at the CSU Puranattukara (Guruvayoor) Campus, Thrissur, from January 12 to 25, 2026. Organised under the Memorandum of Understanding between CCRAS and CSU, the programme formed part of CCRAS’s nationwide effort to document, digitise and promote research-based utilisation of classical Ayurvedic manuscripts.
Interdisciplinary participation
The two-week residential workshop brought together 33 scholars—18 from Ayurveda and 15 from Sanskrit—encouraging close interdisciplinary collaboration in manuscript studies and traditional knowledge systems.
Focused training and practical exposure
The training covered manuscriptology, palaeography, Ayurvedic technical terminology and script orientation. Special Lipi Parichaya sessions were held on Grantha and Vattezhuthu scripts. A strong emphasis was placed on hands-on transliteration, enabling participants to work directly with original palm-leaf manuscripts in Grantha, Medieval Malayalam and Vattezhuthu scripts.
Significant scholarly outcomes
As a key outcome, five rare and previously unpublished Ayurvedic manuscripts were successfully transliterated. These include Dhanwanthari (Vaidya) Chinthamani (146 pages), Dravyashuddhi (110 pages), Vaidyam (59 pages), Roga Nirnaya – Part I (75 pages), and Vividharogangal (78 pages). The manuscripts were transliterated into Sanskrit and Malayalam, making them accessible for advanced academic research.
CCRAS leadership on expanding efforts
Addressing the valedictory session, Prof. Vaidya Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, CCRAS, said the workshop was the second collaborative programme with CSU under the Ayurveda Manuscript Research Initiative. He recalled that the first workshop at the CSU Puri Campus in Odisha resulted in the transliteration of 14 manuscripts, highlighting the expanding scope of the initiative.
Commitment from Central Sanskrit University
Prof. KK Shine, Director of the CSU Guruvayoor Campus, along with Prof. K Vishwanathan, reaffirmed CSU’s commitment to continued collaboration with CCRAS, particularly in preserving and revitalising Malayalam Ayurvedic manuscripts, a key component of regional medical traditions.
Coordination and participation
The programme was coordinated by Prof. K Vishwanathan (CSU) and Dr. Parvathy G Nair (CCRAS). The valedictory function was attended by Dr. VC Deep, In-charge of CCRAS–National Ayurveda Research Institute for Panchakarma (NARIP), senior officials, academicians and subject experts.
Strengthening evidence-based Ayurveda
The workshop received wide appreciation for its integrated approach and measurable scholarly outputs within a short duration. CCRAS noted that such initiatives would strengthen evidence-based Ayurveda, safeguard regional medical traditions and ensure long-term conservation of India’s classical medical heritage.
