A L N Rao Memorial Ayurvedic Medical College,Kappa

About A L N Rao Memorial Ayurvedic Medical College,Kappa

ALN Rao Memorial Ayurvedic Medical College is located, about one and a half kilometers away from Koppa town, which comes within the jurisdiction of Chikmagalur District of Karnataka. The small Taluk town of Koppa is located close to the border of Shimoga District of Karnataka. Its surrounding regions have been blessed with a very rich bio-diversity. Mountainous ranges that extend throughout the area are covered with carpets of lush green vegetation, nurtured and sustained with care by profuse rainfall that soaks the entire region in a continuous spray of water for nearly six months in a year. A variety of flora and fauna thrive and flourish in this ecological niche and it is a breathtaking and delightful experience to witness life unfolding itself in many colors here. From early times, human beings have been attracted by the abundance of natural resources and serenity of this place. Historical monuments like the Kamandala, 6 kms away from Koppa Town, where erecting a shrine has sanctified a natural spring, speak silently of the reverence people have felt towards Mother Nature for her generous gifts. The Tunga River majestically flows through this region, on the shores of which the Kigga Temple has been consecrated. Living in this region, one cannot fail to hear nature whispering through ruffling leaves, trickling streams and the mild cool breeze, beckoning us to return to our original home. No wonder, then, that myths and legends have been woven to sanctify the place. Sage Parashurama, it is said, finally succeeded in removing the stain of blood from his axe by cleaning it in the waters of the Tunga River at a place called Tirthahalli, 25 kms away from Koppa. Rishyashrnga, the Rishi who performed the sacrifice to bless Dasaratha with children, settled here according to a legend. Kigga, the place where he performed austerities, proudly preserves a shrine in his honor. Rishyashrngagiri got shortened to Shrngagiri and is now known as Sringeri. About 28 kms away from Koppa, Sringeri is a holy place where Adi Sankara established his first Monastery during his victorious sojourn in the country, preaching the doctrine of Advaita. With the atmosphere charged by the memorable stories of saints and natural conditions conducive to the development of a contemplative mind, the local people discovered the medicinal values of the rich flora around them. The discovery of medicinal plants went hand in hand with the development of local manpower that maintained a self-sufficient folk medical system for primary health care. Some of these traditions, though weakened, have managed to survive into our times. College is thus housed in an environment that is congenial to initiate foundational in the field of Ayurveda. The location is perhaps, suited to initiate the study of an ancient science-Ayurveda.