Health services started in the Ashram in 1929 led by Dr. Krishnamurthi Iyer. But for more than ten years medical procedures were conducted in makeshift facilities, until the early 1940s, when construction began on a proper Ashram dispensary. Inaugurated in 1942, the old Ashram Dispensary is one of the Ashram’s earliest buildings. Built in the Madras terrace style with lime-mortar finish and segmental-arched windows, it harks back to a simpler time. However, it is not only its period architecture that merits its designation as a heritage site but also its historical value: this is where Bhagavan was treated in the last years of his life and where he underwent surgery in March 1949 by an eminent medical team from Chennai.

          In 2010 investigation revealed that the building required immediate repairs. Due to the ravages of time, numerous wooden rafters were badly damaged as portions of the lime-plaster exterior and window frames were damaged. With the help of Ashram devotee, Dr. Perumal, architectural conservationists working in the Tanjavur area were contacted to carry out the work. Shakti Murugan, the project-in-charge, is an architect by training and has dedicated his career to renovating historical buildings. Among his priorities is taking measures to extend and protect the life of vintage buildings far into the future. Concerning the Ashram Dispensary, since the building’s underlying structure seems to be intact, renovation will focus on replicating damaged portions of the lime-plaster façade, securing the overall exterior against the elements, replacing damaged woodwork and, with the help of archival photos, restoring the building to its original condition. The project was carried out by six temple masons and three carpenters.