Gurukkal Blogs

  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 ...

  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...

Martial Arts and Medicine  Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh    – The Warrior Monk Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation |  Author & Filmmaker             D o 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?     Yes, Kalaripayattu is  The holistic path for health and wellness   Notably, Kalaripayattu stands out as the only martial art with an associated healing or treatment system, extending beyond self-defence. It promotes the principle of avoiding unnecessary violence and teaches that one must evade attacks and only respond when necessary .    This healing system also serves as a protection system for the community, where Gurukkals take ...

  Nalludal of Agasthyam : Harnessing the Healing Power of Kalaripayattu in Health and Fitness. Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh    – The Warrior Monk Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation |  Author & Filmmaker                I n the pursuit of holistic well-being, Nalludal of Agasthyam, an innovative, successful and an  unique health and fitness program that taps into the ancient art of Kalaripayattu as a profound healing system. Originating from the southern Indian state of Kerala, Kalaripayattu is not merely a martial art but a comprehensive discipline that intertwines physical prowess, mental fortitude, and therapeutic elements. Hundreds of students of all age group, worldwide, embrace Nalludal training as an integral part of their healthy lifestyle   Physical Harmony:                 Nalludal embraces Kalaripayattu's dynamic...

Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh Bodhidharma Attair Bodhidharma : The Blue-eyed Monk Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh           B odhidharma, the founder of Chan / Zen Buddhism. The protector of dharma (the basic principles of cosmic or individual existence).The Chinese called the blue-eyed with piercing looks, long beard, with an unrefined look,quick tempered, he was a big fore headed voyager. A martial artist practitioner who came from India specifically from South India and reached China. Some say he came from Persia.                     The story of Bodhidharma, the Indian founder of Chinese martial arts, is shrouded in myth and legend. Bodhidharma is revered as a master of various practices, including ' adithada ', ' kuthuvarsai ', and ' silmabam ’.He is saint who introduced these practices internationally. The Chinese call him “ Damo ”, while in Japan he is known as “ Dharmo ”. The name suggests a person w...

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...