It is believed that Kerala has been formed by Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu by throwing his ax into the sea from the hills of Gokarna. After forming the state, he has appointed eight Brahmin families to take care of the health of people inhabiting here. They are known as "Ashta Vaidyas" or eight doctors. These families are carrying out the practice of Ayurveda, the traditional medical stream of India even now. Vayaskara family in the Kottayam district of Kerala is one such family.