Gurukkal Blogs

  Styles in Kalaripayattu.  Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh    – The Warrior Monk Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation | Author & Filmmaker                                   Kalaripayattu is the strength and foundation of Kerala. History always travels with warriors, and our warriors came from our Kalaris. This was the strength and beauty of Kerala—an unbreakable legacy. Kalaripayattu never discriminated based on sex, religion, caste, or creed. Boys and girls alike received this fundamental education, creating a society of warrior leaders who were immortalized by their courage. While Kalaripayattu is deeply rooted in Kerala, equivalent martial traditions exist in other parts of South India. In Karnataka, we have Garidis, and in Tamil Nadu, we see Silambam, Adithada, Adimurai, and Varma Kalai. More than just historical records, these traditio...

  GURUKULAM Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh    – The Warrior Monk Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation | Author & Filmmaker                                    I n ancient times, the gurukulam system of education was not just away to acquire knowledge—it was a way of life. Education wasn’t confined to books or classrooms but was deeply rooted in the relationship between the Guru and the student, the shishya. Back then, the responsibility of learning rested entirely on the Guru.                   The Guru was not just a teacher but a mentor, guide, and even a parent to the student. The Guru would observe, understand, and nurture each student based on their unique potential. But today, the situation is reversed. In modern education, the responsibility of learn...

IS MURUGAN A MAN OR A GOD? WHO IS MURUGAN? Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh    – The Warrior Monk Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation | Author & Filmmaker Murugan, the divine figure of South India, is known by many names—Subramanian, Seyon, Skandan, Vadivelan, Padayappa, Devasenapati. Is he a god, or was he once a man who  ascended to godhood? This question resonates deeply with the spiritual and historical  understanding of Murugan’s place in Indian culture. The God with Many Names Murugan is not just a god in the traditional sense. He represents the embodiment of wisdom,  bravery, and the path to spiritual enlightenment. In ancient Tamil tradition, Murugan’s  journey from a mortal man to a divinely revered figure was a process marked by  extraordinary feats—both spiritual and earthly—that elevated him to the status of a god. He  was a man who transformed into a god through his knowledge, penance, and he...

THE MIGHTY GADHA Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh    – The Warrior Monk Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation | Author & Filmmaker                      T he gada, a formidable weapon, has a deep-rooted significance in Indian martial traditions, especially in the epics and lore of ancient warriors. In Kalaripayattu, the wooden gada serves as both a training tool for muscle development and a weapon in combat.                     The gada holds a prominent place in Indian mythology and history. It is best known as the weapon of Hanuman, the mighty Vanara, and a key figure in the Ramayana. Hanuman’s gada symbolizes strength, loyalty, and unwavering devotion, attributes that are central to the martial spirit. In the Mahabharata, the gada is wielded Bhima and Duryodhana , two of the greatest warriors in the Kurukshetra War. The infamo...

  MAHASIVARATHRI  Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh    – The Warrior Monk Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation | Author & Filmmaker           S hivaratri, the auspicious night dedicated to Lord Shiva, holds profound spiritual significance in our culture. It symbolizes the convergence of divine energy and human consciousness, offering devotees an opportunity for deep , purification, and spiritual awakening. In the practice of Kalari, an ancient Indian martial art, Shivaratri holds special significance as a day to initiate or recommence one's journey on the path of mastery.Just as Lord Shiva is revered as the guru of kalaripayattu and sivasampradayam and the embodiment of strength, discipline.  the practitioners of Kalari seek to embody these qualities through rigorous training and self-discipline.                    At Agasthyam, we are honored...

    Gurukkal   Elevating the Self: Enhancing Pancha Koshas through Kalari Mastery Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh           T he Pancha Koshas, or five sheaths, are fundamental concepts in spirituality  that describe the layers or dimensions of the human being. Each sheath represents a different aspect of existence, ranging from the physical to the spiritual, and understanding them is crucial for holistic well-being and self-realization.            Rooted in this philosophy, the practice of Kalari Sadhana, within the realm of Kalaripayattu, serves as a transformative journey that addresses and enhances each of these sheaths.    Gurukkal Annamaya Kosha (Physical Sheath):           The journey begins with the Annamaya Kosha, the physical sheath, where practitioners cultivate strength and agility through rigorous kalari training. As you know T...