Lord Dhanwandhari is revered as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is the God of medicine and the originator of Ayurveda. He played a crucial role in organizing and systematizing Ayurveda, laying the foundation for contemporary medical practices. The Aanakkal temple is dedicated to Lord Dhanwandhari and is believed to be over 2,125 years old. The temple's history dates back to a saint who, while passing through the area, sensed the presence of a divine force in a nearby pond. Through rigorous penance, the saint acknowledged the divinity and performed the rituals prescribed in the Vedas to consecrate the idol of Lord Dhanwandhari. To this day, the more same idol continues to be worshipped at the temple. The temple was renovated in the 14th century by the Kaippully Mana, Kuzhikattu Mana, and Velikkattukara Mana landowners. The temple complex was further expanded and renovated in the 18th century. During this time, the temple possessed over 1,000 acres of fertile land and abundant wealth. The temple festivals were celebrated with grandeur and joy. However, over time, much of the wealth and land were lost, and the temple's gopuram (temple tower) and outer wall fell into ruins. Despite this, the temple still stands as a fairly large structure situated on barren land spanning approximately 2-3 acres. The idol of Lord Dhanwandhari depicts his original form as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, known as Chathurbahu Swaroopam." In this form, he holds a conch (Shankha), wheel (chakra), pot of nectar (kalasam), and a leech (jalookam) in his four hands. The nectar and leech symbolize medicine and the mode of treatment. This form of the deity is exceptionally rare. The temple's two subordinate deities (Upadevathas) are Lord Ayyappa and Lord Ganapathi. Nestled between two small hills, the temple is located in a valley, with a temple pond situated on the northeastern side and the main entrance on the western side. As one approaches the hill, the road is lined with paddy fields, creating a divinely gorgeous atmosphere. A captivating story associated with the temple's festival recounts an incident during an utsavam (temple festival) when an elephant ran amok, causing panic among the gathered devotees. The terrified "tantri" (head priest), "ooralans" (landowners), and devotees collectively prayed to the Almighty. Lord Vishnu appeared before them in the form of Narasimha Moorthy, accompanied by Goddess Lakshmi Devi. Through their divine power, they transformed the rampaging elephant into a stone of the same size, which remains at the site. Consequently, the place came to be known as "Aanakkal," derived from "Aana" (elephant) and "kal" (stone). Since then, the "utsavam" has not been celebrated, and elephants are not brought near the temple premises to this day.It is also believed that Lord Dhanwandhari treated and cured the digestive disorder of Lord Bharatha of Koodalmanikyam, Irinjalakuda, using Ayurvedic medicine. As a commemoration of this event, a libation called "Mukkudi" is offered on the day following the feast known as "Puthari" to Lord Koodalmanikyam. Mukkudi is believed to possess medicinal properties and is said to cure any stomach ailment. Devotees gather in large numbers on this day to collect their share of medicine, which is believed to safeguard their stomachs from disorders for the following year. Furthermore, Lord Aanakkal Dhanwandhari is considered the physician of the four brothers: Lord Rama (Thriprayarappan), Lord Bharatha (Sri Koodalmanikya Swami), Lord Lakshmana (Moozhikulathappan), and Shathrughna Swami (Payammal Temple). If one were to draw a circle connecting these four temples, the Aanakkal Dhanwandhari temple would serve as the central point, symbolizing its significance.