Gurukkal Blogs

  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...

  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...

The Ancient Art of Kalaripayattu: A Journey Through Time and Healing Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh Do 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?    Tracing the roots   Gurukkal Dr S Mahesh     Kalaripayattu, one of the world's oldest martial arts, boasts a rich history that spans over 3,000 years, and it is often referred to as the mother of all martial arts. Originating in southern India, its roots can be traced back to the Sangam period, from the 3rd century BCE to the 4th century CE. This ancient art has evolved from the combat techniques used by warriors and hunters in the region, with "Kalari" denoting the training arena and "Payattu" signifying combat or fight, giving rise to the name "Kalaripayattu."        The e...

Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh with Sword   The Philosophy of Kalaripayattu Weapons Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh           Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh is an Indian Martial arts Guru, renowned for his expertise in ancient Indian martial arts, kalaripayattu. He is a fifth-generation Kalaripayattu Guru, who leads Agastyam Kalaripayattu, boasting a remarkable legacy of 127 years. Beyond martial arts, he is also a filmmaker, media personality, and writer, with a strong commitment to promote Kalaripayattu as a foundation for a healthy lifestyle.   Kalari weapons             K alaripayattu isn't just about physical combat; it embodies a profound philosophy of discipline, self-control, and respect for life. Weapons training teaches practitioners to be responsible and ethical warriors, emphasizing the importance of preserving  life and using their skills for protection only when necessary.  Gurukkal...