The Late.Poomully Neelakandan Nampoothirippadu was born as the 6th Son of Late.Poomully Narayanan Namboodirippad, in the year 1921. He was better known as Aramthampuran(the 6th lord of Poomully family). His education as per the customs of Namboodiri caste were completed under the guidance of his father, which includes recitation of Rig-veda, performing of routine poojas and rituals of family etc. Thampuran completed college education at Zomorin College Calicut. Thereafter, Aramthampuran's studies were under the tutelage of Shri.Cherukulapurath Krishnan Namboodiri of illustrious Koodalloor Gurukulam System. Aramthampuran got rigorous trained in Kavyam, Tarkam, Meemamsa, Vedanta , Ayurveda & Toxicology under Shri.Cherukulapurath Krishnan Namboodiri.
Jagad Guru Sree Sankaracharya has recognised Thampuran's deep knowledge in Meemamsa & Vedantha. Aramthampuran's expertise in Ayurveda,Hasthyayurveda(treatments for elephants with reference to famous ayurvedic texts like 'Palakapyam' and 'Mathangaleela') ,Vishachikitsa(Toxicology),Balachikitsa(pediatric treatments) etc. were beyond discription. Keraleeya Ayurveda Smajam has established a research facility for the treatments for diabetes & infertility under the chairmanship of Aramthampuran. He contributed his knowledge to the health and well being of the elephants belonging to Guruvayoor, Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu Temples. It was under the supervision of Aramthampuran & Vaidyamadhom Valiya Narayanan Namboodiri, the successful Kudipraveshika treatment(Rasayana Chikitsa) of last century was performed at Poomully Mana, in the year 1953. Many snake bite cases has been successfully treated by Aramthampuran. Many people had benefited from the curative powers of Poomully Aramthampuran. He also had a diverse knowledge in Natya Sasthra. He was the Chairman of the Committee constituted by the Guruvayoor Devasam that presented awards to outstanding artists in the field of Kshethra Kala (Temple art forms).
An Ayurveda Medical College namely Poomulli Neelakandan Namboodirippad Memorial Ayurveda Medical College ( PNNM Ayurveda Medical College ) established in 2007/2008 by the Poomulli Neelakandan Namboodiripad Memorial Bharartheeya Sasthra Vidya Peetam Trust and promoted by the Keraleeya Ayurveda Samajam is run under the aegis of Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri.
Poomully Aramthampuran was an authority in Kalaripayattu (the martial art form of Kerala) which is a part of Dhanurveda. Kalarippayattu was trained under the guidance of Shri Ananthan Nair and Shri Appu Nambiar. Aramthampuran used to train young people in his own Kalari. Above all Thampuran had an exceptional mastery of Yoga Sasthra. Shri Narayanji, the Guru of Namboothiripad has instructed both practical and theoretical knowledge of Pathanjalis Yoga Soothra, Vyasa Bhashya and Bhoja vrithi.
Poomully Aramthampuran's expertise in all forms of arts and literature, Ayurveda, Kalari, Yoga and other performing arts has earned him the name "Arivinte Thampuran" (living legend of knowledge). The heritage of Poomully Mana, which the Aram Thampuran ardently carried forward, has been nurtured by his family as well as disciples. The Mana is a heritage centre for ayurveda, kalari, yoga and other traditional art forms, in all its intrinsic worth.
