Gurukkal Blogs

  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...

KALARIPAYATTU :THE TIMELESS PATH TO SELF MASTERY    Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh    – The Warrior Monk   Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation | Author & Filmmaker Let me start by asking a question: In life, what do we encounter more often—success or  failure? If we are honest, we know that failure is our frequent companion, while success is often just a  fleeting moment. In life, setbacks outnumber triumphs.  Today, many people feel overwhelmed by competition, stress, and the fear of failing. For some,  this pressure drives them to the brink of despair, even to suicide. Tragically, even some of the  brightest minds from esteemed institutions like the IITs fall prey to this. They are weighed  down, unable to find a way out. But what if there was a way to embrace challenges and failures rather than being defeated by  them? What if we could become more resilient, patient, and strong?...

  The Wellness and Wisdom of Kalaripayattu Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh    – The Warrior Monk Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation |  Author & Filmmaker            Agasthyam Kalari , is the ultimate destination for seekers of the ancient southern martial art of Kalaripayattu and the revered Kalari healing systems in Thiruvananthapuram. Nestled in the heart of tradition, our retreat proudly upholds a legacy that spans over 126 years.        Under the expert guidance of Gurukkal Dr. S. Mahesh , an esteemed authority in the realm of Kalaripayattu, our students not only master the intricate techniques but also embark on a transformative journey of self-realization. Dr. Mahesh Gurukkal, a fifth-generation martial artist, was initiated into Kalaripayattu at a tender age, inheriting a profound legacy from his family deeply rooted in this ancient art form. His lineage traces back ...

  Benefits of Kalaripayattu  Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh    – The Warrior Monk Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation |  Author & Filmmaker            H ow does Kalaripayattu help here? Along with defence techniques, it teaches us how to live. It teaches us life skills. Helps us towards warrior mind-set, to be fearless, to face crisis, to lead a society, to respect your enemy, Kalaris used to teach these.   Let us examine these skills.      1. Warrior Mindset     2. Fearless Mind and       3. Awareness   What is the warrior mindset?           Warrior has to fight under all circumstances and help his or her society. That is the Dharma. It doesn't mean walking around with sword and shield today  or physically fighting. But leaders are those who faced all kinds of situations in l...