Tradition / Faith in Ayurveda, Ancient Healing Tradition Live On in Mayurbhanj's Aluni

Kendujhar, Sep 30: In the remote corners of Kendujhar district’s Telkoi block lies Aluni village, where age‑old traditions and indigenous healing practices continue to flourish.

At the heart of this legacy is Kabiraj Raghunath Hembram, who has inherited ancient medical knowledge from his forefathers through palm‑leaf manuscripts and still treats patients with Ayurvedic remedies.

Despite the dominance of modern medicine, Raghunath’s practice remains a lifeline for many. Patients from surrounding areas and even outside the district flock to his home, often waiting overnight to consult him.

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His unique diagnostic method involves examining a patient’s urine sample placed in a vessel. By observing its colour and changes, he claims to identify ailments without relying on medical reports.

The Kabiraj then prescribes herbal medicines prepared at home, often using roots and plants like cher muli. His dedication and the trust of villagers have kept this tradition alive.

Patients suffering from kidney problems, rheumatism, and other chronic conditions assert that they have benefited from his treatments, reinforcing faith in his methods.

The long queues outside his house each morning reflect both belief and necessity. Some come driven by faith in traditional healing, while others return after experiencing relief in the past. This continuity of knowledge across generations has given Aluni village a distinct identity.

Local medical associations acknowledge that while modern healthcare is advancing rapidly, the persistence of such indigenous practices highlights the deep cultural roots of Ayurveda and traditional medicine. As the district medical association president noted, “Even in the age of allopathy, people’s faith in indigenous Ayurveda remains a living example.”

Aluni’s story is not just about healing — it is about preserving heritage.