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?...

 Kalaripayattu: The Ancient Path to Holistic Wellness   Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh    – The Warrior Monk   Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation | Author & Filmmaker Q Thank you for giving us the opportunity to speak with you, could you provide  an overview of your family’s engagement with Kalarippayattu and the history of  Agasthyam Foundation? Gurukkal S. Mahesh:You know, my journey into Kalaripayattu didn’t start from a  decision — it was something I was born into. My father, Sanalji Gurukkal, was my  biggest inspiration. He wasn’t just a teacher to me, he was a living example of what it  meant to live this path — fully, completely.  Our family carries a legacy that goes back more than 150 years, starting from a small  village called Vedanthara, before settling in Nemom. This tradition began with my  ancestor Ashan Vaidyar and his wife, Chakki. Ashan Vaidyar was a yogi, a d...

  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...