OUR INFRASTRUCTURE
Sree Swami Vaidhya Gurukualam has always been known for it's striking architecture brimming with iconography depicting the traditional heritage of Kerala. The belief that removing the concerns of disease that haunt a person is crucial to the process of healing was the ideology that way the driving force behind such a selection. Hence, the structures preserve the dying arts of the nature-embracing traditional Kerala architecture practices and invoke a sense of fanscination, rather than the dread associated with illnesses and medical facilities.
SUDHEERAM - THE TRISHALA
The Sudheeram, which was formally inaugurated in January 2024, is a modern construction that is the pinnacle of traditional architecture goals. Combining sustainable modern construction techniques with traditional ideologies, the Trishala represents the best aspects of both worlds. The word 'tri-shala' is indicative of the three islands or entryways created by the two open air courtyards situated past the next to the front main door. Modelled after the erstwhile 'Illam' the structure is resplendent with intricate carvings and woodwork and features elements like high thresholds with low placed doors, bringing back elements that have nearly vanished from the achitecture of Kerala. With ample light and ventillation provided by the courtyards, Sudheeram is a truely sustainable work of art.
ILANKAM - THE KALARI OF CULTIVATION
The first principle that a member of a Kalari internalises, is that of self reliance. The kalari of Sree Swami Vaidhya Gurukulam is named 'Ilankam - the Kalari of cultivation'. This reason for this is that, as a place fostering self reliance and originality development over personality development, all members of the kalari are involved in activities such as farming and cattle rearing. Designed as an open concept area, a large portion of the kalari and the surrounding land were reclaimed and prepared for agricultural activites through mostly the hard work of the members themselves. This becomes a way to earn valuable knowledge in areas such as landscape management and basic construction engineering.
ADMISSION SECTION
At Sree Swami Vaidhya Gurukulam, great efforts are taken to avoid any reinforcement of an idea of illness on anyone who visits. As such, the admission section is also a reflection of this ideology. All admissions are managed on a priority waiting-list basis. Each person to be admitted is treated as a guest and accomadated in a facility that in no way feels like a hospital. The overall atmosphere is maintained to reflect relaxation and healing. Male and female admission sections are managed separately and the care system implemented takes away any requirement for bystanders. All treatments and care are managed by women only in the women's admission section.
SRISHTI
The accomodations for women are at 'Srishti' a two-storey building that has separate treatment and consultation rooms and can accomodate 16 women at a given time. Rooms are modelled after 2 room apartments and two guests are accomodated in one such apartment which are arranged with a separate dining area and sectioned balcony. There is a spacious yard that promot outdoor exposure and exercise, as well as a sheltered mandapam called the 'Kalithattu' for relaxation and recreational activities. The black-stone lamp, along with the mural depiction of the story of ‘Ahalya Moksham’ on the surrounding walls, truly present Srishti as a scene of beauty.
