Gurukkal Blogs

SHAKTHI :THE FEARLESS FEMININE Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh    – The Warrior Monk   Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation | Author & Filmmaker   There comes a moment in every teacher’s journey when a student’s silence speaks louder than any scream. I still remember that moment in Mumbai. A young girl sat quietly at the edge of the training space. Her body was tense, her shoulders drawn inward, her eyes fixed on the floor. It was the first day of a SHAKTHI workshop, and I sensed something inside her had already been broken. She wouldn’t meet anyone’s gaze, not even mine.   On the third day, after a simple breathing exercise, she stayed back. Her voice trembled as she spoke: “I was molested two years ago. I never told anyone. I blamed myself. I still live in fear every time I leave the house. I didn’t come here to learn how to fight. I came here hoping to feel normal again.”   In that moment, I realized that SH...

  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...

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...

  MAHASHIVARATHRI  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 honore...

  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...