KALARIPAYATTU AND SPIRITUALITY 

 Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh  – The Warrior Monk

 Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation | Author & Filmmaker

I came through some comments that Some people say there’s no spirituality in Kalaripayattu, that it’s just about fighting. But let me ask you this – if that’s true, then why do we begin every session with a salutation? Why do we say 'Pootharavanakkam' and 'Guruvanakkam'; before we even begin our practice? You think that’s just a formality? 

It's much more than that. It's a way to connect with the wisdom of the lineage and the divine energies that guide us. think about this – before we ever pick up a weapon, we touch it, we honor it. Does that sound like something you do with just any tool? No. We treat our weapons as sacred objects, because they aren’t just tools of combat; they’re extensions of our focus, our intent, and yes, our spirituality.

You see, Kalaripayattu is much more than fighting; it's a discipline that connects us to our inner self, the divine, and the lineage of warriors who came before us. The techniques we practice, the forms we learn, the rituals we perform – they all serve a higher purpose. This isn’t just physical training – it’s about cultivating balance, harmony, and the awareness of how our movements resonate with the universe.

Now, if Kalaripayattu were really 'just fighting', why do we take so much time to honour our Gurus and the deities? Many kalaris are just like temples ,many deities are worshiped, shiva ,bhadrakali, hanuman ,kalarimurthis and many deities regional and universal . Why do we invoke the blessings of the divine before every practice? Think about it: where’s the logic in leaving all that out if it was 'just about fighting'? It doesn’t add up.

Let’s take a moment and reflect on the teachings of great spiritual figures like Vasishta and Vishwamitra. Vasishta, the revered sage, was not just a spiritual teacher but also a master of Kalaripayattu’s deeper philosophical teachings. His wisdom transcended the physical, pointing towards the cultivation of the mind, spirit, and body as one. Vishwamitra, another monumental figure, transformed from a king into a sage. His journey of intense tapas (spiritual discipline) was as much about inner strength as it was about martial prowess. These sages weren’t just warriors; they embodied the fusion of martial arts and spirituality. The martial was always rooted in the spiritual.

Even the great figures of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, like Rama, Ravana, and Hanuman, demonstrate how deeply spirituality is tied to martial abilities. Hanuman, for instance, wasn’t just a mighty warrior; his strength came from his deep connection with the divine. Rama, though an exemplary warrior, was always spiritually grounded, as his victories were rooted in dharma (righteousness), not just strength.

Think about Parashurama, the creator of Kalaripayattu. Yes, he wielded the axe with unmatched skill, but his connection to the divine and his role as a sage were central to his practice. He wasn’t just a fighter – he was a teacher of deeper truths, of balance, and discipline. Agasthya, too, passed down not just physical techniques but spiritual knowledge that has survived for generations. The very essence of Kalaripayattu, its techniques, its rituals, its invocations, is tied to a deep spiritual philosophy.

So, when people say there’s no spirituality in Kalaripayattu, I ask them – have you actually understood the depth of it, or are you just looking at the surface? If you truly dive into this art, you’ll see that every movement, every strike, every gesture is part of something much larger, much more profound. Kalaripayattu is not just a fight; it’s a journey of self-discovery, spiritual growth, and connection to the divine.

ABOUT AUTHOR

Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh, is a fifth-generation Kalaripayattu master, celebrated as a “Warrior Monk”,a self-realized spiritual leader and founder of Agasthyam kalaripayattu. Deeply rooted in a 129-year-old lineage, his journey is marked by profound self-awakening and dedication to Kalaripayattu. His teachings unify physical mastery, mental clarity, and spiritual insight, making Kalaripayattu a global path for holistic well-being. As co-principal investigator of the IKS Center for Kalaripayattu and Siddhar Tradition, he promotes Kalaripayattu’s healing wisdom as vital for modern life. An author and filmmaker, Dr. Mahesh’s legacy inspires resilience, self-discovery, and unity in seekers worldwide