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...

 GURU PARAMPARA    Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh    – The Warrior Monk   Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation | Author & Filmmaker You know, in our tradition, the Guru is not just someone who teaches the Guru is the one who removes the veil . The Sanskrit verse says: "ajñāna-timirāndhasya jñānāñjana-śalākayā cakṣur unmīlitaṁ yena tasmai śrī-gurave namaḥ" It means: To the Guru, I offer my salutations the one who, hold the  stick of knowledge, opens the eyes of the one blinded by the darkness of ignorance. That’s what a Guru does removes ajñāna , the blindness of the inner eye. Not just by speaking, but by being. By living it. By making you see who you really are. And when we talk about Guru Parampara , we’re speaking of something eternal a chain of awakened beings, who pass on not just techniques, but consciousness . A living wisdom that flows from heart to heart, soul to soul. In Kalaripayattu , ...

  The Urumi:  A Marvel of Ancient Craftsmanship Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh    – The Warrior Monk Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation | Author & Filmmaker             W hen you think about weapons made over the centuries, there’s a  crazy variety—from tiny penknives to massive swords like the  Japanese katana, which takes thousands of hours to craft. But  honestly, among all these, the Urumi stands out like nothing else. It is  not just a weapon; it’s a masterpiece of creativity and engineering. The Urumi, or whip sword, is something truly unique to southern  India especially Kerala  and Tamil Nadu—and also Sri Lanka. Unlike  your typical sword, this one bends, flexes, and snaps around like a  whip, making it both elegant and terrifying. And the real genius? It’s  not just how you use it but how it’s made. The Science Behind the Blade Now,  ...

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...

  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 ...