Achyuthan resting after the surgery. Photo: ManoramaThrissur: A true friendship is one in which friends make sacrifices, they say. It is hard to find a sacrifice more beautiful and touching than the one made by Achyuthan to give the gift of good health to his soulmate.
Jairam, a native of Sasthanagar near the Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple, had been suffering from a life-threatening liver disease. He was diagnosed with liver failure a few months ago, and a transplant was advised as the only option to save him.
His wife and other close relatives were ready to donate but they were found to be incompatible.
The family almost gave up hope owing to the patient’s critical condition. They realized that it would be difficult to find a matching liver immediately.
It was at that time that Jayaram’s friend Achyuthan emerged as a savior.
Achyuthan and Jayaram have known each other for over two decades. Both of them live adjacent to the famous Thiruvambadi temple. They first met on the premises of the temple and soon became good friends.
A few years ago, Jayaram moved aboard after landing a job, but their friendship remained intact.
Achyuthan, an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna, the main deity of the Thiruvambadi temple, took the decision to offer a part of his liver to his friend with the blessings of his deity.
Luckily, his blood group matched with Jayaram’s and further tests showed that his liver was compatible.
The doctors warned Achyuthan of the potential risks associated with the surgery, but he stood firm on his decision to stand by his soulmate.
The transplant surgery was performed by a team of doctors at the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences in Kochi on February 2. Both the friends are now back home and recuperating.
Achyuthan’s whole life revolves around the Thiruvambadi temple. He is a familiar face for devotees, always be spotted in and around the temple wearing saffron clothes. An astrology expert, Achyuthan visits famous pilgrim destinations such as Sri Mookambika Temple at Kollur, and Sabarimala once in a while.
“The doctors have advised me rest for 3-4 months,” he said.
