Martuvam is a continuously growing center that requires alot of energy and innovation.

Volunteers are most welcome and we have long term and short term opportunities available!

Your tasks may include:

All kinds of gardening work Harvesting and preserving

medicinal plants Creating educational materials Manual and construction work Public relations work

Martuvam Healing ForestAnnai NagarAlankuppam

Auroville 605 111Website: www.martuvam.orgEmail: Martuvam@auroville.org.in

More on Siddha Medicine-

One of the oldest medical systems know to mankind, this system originated from Tamil Nadu of south India as part of the trio Indian medicines - Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani. This system was extremely popular in ancient India and is considered to be one of the most ancient traditional medical systems in south India

Siddha is believed to be developed by the 18 siddhars of the south India. Siddhars were spiritual adepts who possessed the ashta siddhis, or the eight supernatural powers. Sara Agathiyar, the first siddhar, is believed to have been given the Siddha system of healing by Lord Muruga, son of the Hindu God Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. Agathiyar and his 17 disciples contributed thousands of texts on Siddha, including but not limited to

Martuvam Healing Forest

Annai NagarAlankuppam

Auroville 605 111

Martuvam can also offe

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space for you

Martuvam is home to a small and developing clinical facility where the herbs are processed into medicines and some services are provided. The clinic also offers the use of its facilities to healing practitioners visiting Auroville.

Malar India- Under the umbrella of Auroville’s ABC program, this project began as a way to provide skills and income

for local women living in difficult circumstances. At present, Sivaraj, with the help of his wife Malar, has drawn on his experience with Auroville’s Maria Grazia and Janaka Art Studio to create the Energy Bedcovers initiative, which produces quilted and patch-work bedcovers, replete with

About Us-

Martuvam Healing Forest is a 7.5 acre medicinal forest and garden in the western periphery of Auroville near the Tamil village of Annainagar. Beginning in 2002, Sivaraj, his wife, Malar, their three children, and friends of Auroville have used traditional cultivation and harvesting techniques to turn their barren plot of land into a multi-dimensional healing centre and educational haven.

Friends from the Pitchandikulam Bio Resource Centre in Auroville, where Sivaraj once worked, gave enormously of information and seedlings, which have grown into a

The Healing Forest and Herbal Garden- Martuvam is home to thousands of medicinal plants, bushes and trees of more than 100 varieties. The plants are grown organically without pesticides, herbicides or fungicides and are used directly in medicine prepared at the Siddha Clinic.Furthermore the Healing Forest is a place where villagers and guests can learn about the healing qualities of the plants. Martuvam conducts workshops, clinics, volunteer opportunities and forest walks. Local villagers are welcome to collect plants as they need.

Work on the new Herbal Garden began in 2006. Still in its early stages, this project will increase the number and variety of medicinal plants available, as well as create new opportunities to learn about the cultivation and harvesting of traditional herbs.

Siddha Medicine Clinic- Studying under guru Dr. Salvarasu Sivaraj has received a diploma in Siddha

Mission- Our aim is to grow and provide medicinal herbs to the

community. We are committed to educating all peoples about the

traditional Indian medicine system of “Siddha” and encouraging a

holistic lifestyle

Village Sports Ground- Sanctioned by the Joint Development Council, Auroville Land Service and Village Action, Sivaraj is working tirelessly to turn an unused plot of land near Annaingar into a sports ground for village children. Volunteers from both communities helped in 2002 and 2004 to fill holes and ready the land. Sivaraj continues manage the task and work with the