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 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,  ...