Mangaluru: Sri Kshetra Gejjegiri at Nandanabittil, revered as the birthplace of Deyi Baidethi and Koti-Chennaya, is set to become a centre for preserving and promoting the Billava community’s traditional Ayurvedic knowledge while strengthening its religious and cultural significance.The project seeks to document and pass on the healing legacy of Deyi Baidethi, mother of the Tulu Nadu warrior twins Koti-Chennaya and a legendary nati vaidya (traditional herbal healer). Planned in phases, the initiative will combine healthcare, education and research facilities rooted in indigenous medicinal traditions.Temple spokesperson Rajendra Chilimbi told TOI that discussions on the project were held under the leadership of Dayananda Bontra, chief patron of Sri Kshetra and honorary president of the Gujarat Billava Sangha. The first phase includes an Ayurveda clinic, pharmacy, medicine manufacturing unit, yoga centre, Panchakarma facility and medicinal plants garden. The second phase envisages an Ayurveda hospital, medical college and research centre.Construction of an Ayurveda centre and Yatri Nivas, estimated to cost around Rs 7 crore, has already begun, Chilimbi said.The project is being supported by entrepreneurs and donors from the Billava community, including Bontra, Gangadhara Amin and an industrialist from Nashik, Maharashtra. Development activities are being carried out under the leadership of Gejjegiri Development Trust president Sanjeeva Birva, administrative committee honorary president Pitambara Heraje and president Ravipoojari Chilimbi.Appealing for wider community support, the organisers said the initiative would help preserve the community’s traditional medicinal knowledge for future generations. Ravipoojari Chilimbi said Sri Kshetra Gejjegiri is evolving into a centre for healthcare, education and community service in addition to being a religious destination.Birva said development works are progressing with support from donors in India and abroad, but no government grants have been received so far. Requests seeking support from the state and central governments have been submitted.
