Gurukkal Blogs

       VASISTA VISWAMITRA  Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh    – The Warrior Monk Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation | Author & Filmmaker The Journey of Vishwamitra to Brahmarsi        Students, let us delve into a remarkable story that embodies perseverance, transformation, and the profound teachings of Dhanurveda. The journey of Vishwamitra from a powerful king to the exalted status of Brahmarsi—offers invaluable lessons for our own lives and  aspirations. The Ambition of a King             Vishwamitra was not born a sage. He was a celebrated king, renowned for his valor and  ambition. Yet, even with all his wealth and power, there was a yearning within him—a desire to transcend his worldly identity and attain spiritual enlightenment.  Realizing that true fulfillment lay beyond material success, he renounced his kingdom and set  out on a ...

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...

  Astral Armory Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh    – The Warrior Monk Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation | Author & Filmmaker          I ts surprising that Every God we worship , gods in mythologies ,around the globe keeps a weapon or multiple weapons , it shows that they were experts to use that weapons , its evident that they were expert martial artists As we know Lord Paramasiva's  Trident, Pinakam  or  Vijay  ,Lord Mahavishnu's  Sudarshana Chakra , Lord Sreeram's bow  Kodanda , Hanuman with a  Mighty Gada  and Arjuna's bow  Gandeeva . Goddess Bhadrakali holds the  Mahakhadgam  ( Great Sword ), and Parasurama holds an  Axe  . The epics Ramayana and Mahabharata revolve around battles and defence, portraying different weapons and their handling. The virtues and expertise in warfare are elevated to a divine status in these narratives T his...

  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 The wellness and wisdom of kalaripayattu             A gasthyam 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 to the legendary Kalari master, Shri R. Sanal Kumar Gurukkal, who possessed extraordinary knowledge in the Thekkan Sampradayam style, as well ...

  Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh and Ashans in Treatment Room Martial arts Medicine: Embracing Kalaripayattu as Holistic Health Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh                D o you know that Kalaripayattu has a unique healing or curing system associated with it, setting it apart from other martial arts?                  Do you know that Kalaripayattu encompasses both physical training and a healing system, offering a holistic approach to health and well-being?                  Yes, Kalaripayattu is  The holistic path for health and wellness                  Notably, Kalaripayattu stands out as the only martial art with an associated healing or treatment system, extending beyond self-defence. It promotes the principle of avoiding unnecessary violence and teaches that one must evade attacks and on...