Kalaripayattu: The Ancient Path to Holistic Wellness
Kalaripayattu: The Ancient Path to Holistic Wellness Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh – The Warrior Monk Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation | Author & Filmmaker Q Thank you for giving us the opportunity to speak with you, could you provide an overview of your family’s engagement with Kalarippayattu and the history of Agasthyam Foundation? Gurukkal S. Mahesh:You know, my journey into Kalaripayattu didn’t start from a decision — it was something I was born into. My father, Sanalji Gurukkal, was my biggest inspiration. He wasn’t just a teacher to me, he was a living example of what it meant to live this path — fully, completely. Our family carries a legacy that goes back more than 150 years, starting from a small village called Vedanthara, before settling in Nemom. This tradition began with my ancestor Ashan Vaidyar and his wife, Chakki. Ashan Vaidyar was a yogi, a d...