Gurukkal Blogs

  The Wisdom of Combat Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh    – The Warrior Monk Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation | Author & Filmmaker There is a padal about  the Philosophy in action " Ondrāvathu adikkavanrāl, ōradi aṇḍavan kāppār Irandāvathu adi vandal muzhankaiyar irundhu paduṁ..." These opening lines of a traditional Tamil martial verse carry profound strategic depth. In essence, they say:  If the first strike fails, divine grace may still protect you. But if the second strike lands, you must be prepared to block it with your own forearm. In this, we see the humility and sharp realism of a seasoned warrior tradition. The verse doesn’t promise invincibility; it teaches responsibility. The first strike is your moment—makes it count. If you miss, trust must now shift to divine will or your trained instincts. The second strike is survival—you must defend, and often with your own body. This is not just physical—it is men...

Sports and the Warrior Instinct   Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh    – The Warrior Monk Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation | Author & Filmmaker            We, the Homo sapiens, are the children of hunters. For nearly 200,000 years, we lived as hunter-gatherers. The longest part of our evolutionary journey was not spent in cities, but in forests, caves, and open landscapes—tracking prey, protecting kin, surviving against all odds. That legacy is etched deep into our DNA. There’s a warrior buried within each of us—not necessarily one who wields weapons, but one driven by instinct: to move, to fight, to endure, to survive. This ancient instinct hasn’t disappeared. It has simply evolved—finding its expression in what we now call  sport . From Spears to Javelins: The Evolution of Play When I think of our ancestors, I imagine a world where the ability to run fast, jump high, throw accurately, or wre...

  Yoga and Kalaripayattu: A Union of Strength and Stillness Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh    – The Warrior Monk Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation | Author & Filmmaker             Yoga and Kalaripayattu are deeply interconnected, both rooted in the ancient wisdom of Bharath and aimed at achieving physical, mental, and spiritual mastery. These two disciplines, though distinct in their approach, complement each other perfectly in fostering holistic well-being. Their connection can also be explored through the lens of the  Pancha Kosha  principle, the five layers of human existence, which provide a deeper understanding of how Yoga and Kalari together nurture the body, mind, and soul. Common Philosophical Foundation Both Yoga and Kalaripayattu originate from the same spiritual and philosophical tradition. Kalaripayattu is often considered the 'mother of all martial arts,' while Yoga is the ...

DYNAMIC YOGA Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh    – The Warrior Monk Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation | Author & Filmmaker            Kalaripayattu, often referred to as the mother of all martial arts, is not just a combat system but a profound yogic practice that unites the body, mind, and spirit. Unlike static postures in conventional yoga, Kalaripayattu is dynamic, integrating breath, movement, and awareness into a seamless flow of energy. Rooted in the wisdom of the Siddhars, it aligns with the five koshas—sharpening the physical body, refining pranic energy, disciplining the mind, awakening intuition, and leading to higher consciousness. Through disciplined practice, the warrior transforms into a yogi, experiencing oneness with the universe. This ancient science is not merely about self-defense; it is about self-realization. Kalaripayattu, when practiced with devotion, becomes a moving meditation—a...

Project Shakthi :Interview with Gurukkal S. Mahesh on Preserving legacy of Kalaripayattu and Women Empowerment  Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh    – The Warrior Monk Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation | Author & Filmmaker Questions :  Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. Can you share with us your vision for Kalaripayattu and its role in society? Gurukkal :  Kalaripayattu is more than just a martial art—it is a way of life, deeply rooted in self-discipline, physical well-being, and spiritual growth. My vision is to make this ancient wisdom accessible to all, especially to those who need strength and confidence the most. Beyond combat, Kalaripayattu instills resilience, focus, and inner balance, making it a powerful tool for transformation. Questions :  The statistics on violence against women are alarming. Reports show that 1 in 3 women globally experience physical or sexual violence in their lif...

  Guardians of Tradition: Interview with Gurukkal S. Mahesh on Kalaripayattu and Siddha Wisdom Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh    – The Warrior Monk Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation | Author & Filmmaker Questions:  Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. Agasthyam Foundation is widely recognized for its contribution to Kalaripayattu and Siddha traditions. Can you share with us the vision behind Agasthyam? Gurukkal :  Agasthyam was born out of a deep commitment to preserving and promoting Kalaripayattu as a holistic discipline that extends beyond martial arts. I believe in integrating the wisdom of Kalaripayattu with the principles of Siddha healing, ensuring that it serves as a tool for self-discovery, empowerment, and well-being. My vision is to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, making Kalaripayattu accessible to people from all walks of life while maintaining its authenticity. Questions...