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...

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 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 ...

    Benefits of kalari   Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh           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   Gurukkal   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 life without panicking or faltering.             A leader is in fact a warrior. Warrio...