Gurukkal Blogs

  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,  ...

IS MURUGAN A MAN OR A GOD? WHO IS MURUGAN? Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh    – The Warrior Monk Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation | Author & Filmmaker Murugan, the divine figure of South India, is known by many names—Subramanian, Seyon, Skandan, Vadivelan, Padayappa, Devasenapati. Is he a god, or was he once a man who  ascended to godhood? This question resonates deeply with the spiritual and historical  understanding of Murugan’s place in Indian culture. The God with Many Names Murugan is not just a god in the traditional sense. He represents the embodiment of wisdom,  bravery, and the path to spiritual enlightenment. In ancient Tamil tradition, Murugan’s  journey from a mortal man to a divinely revered figure was a process marked by  extraordinary feats—both spiritual and earthly—that elevated him to the status of a god. He  was a man who transformed into a god through his knowledge, penance, and he...

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...

  Astral Armory Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh    – The Warrior Monk Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation | Author & Filmmaker          I ts surprising that Every God we worship , gods in mythologies ,around the globe keeps a weapon or multiple weapons , it shows that they were experts to use that weapons , its evident that they were expert martial artists  As we know Lord Paramasiva's  Trident, Pinakam  or  Vijay  ,Lord Mahavishnu's  Sudarshana Chakra , Lord Sreeram's bow  Kodanda , Hanuman with a  Mighty Gada  and Arjuna's bow  Gandeeva . Goddess Bhadrakali holds the  Mahakhadgam  ( Great Sword ), and Parasurama holds an  Axe  . The epics Ramayana and Mahabharata revolve around battles and defence, portraying different weapons and their handling. The virtues and expertise in warfare are elevated to a divine status in these narratives...

  MAHASHIVARATHRI  Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh    – The Warrior Monk Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation | Author & Filmmaker           S hivaratri, the auspicious night dedicated to Lord Shiva, holds profound spiritual significance in our culture. It symbolizes the convergence of divine energy and human consciousness, offering devotees an opportunity for deep , purification, and spiritual awakening. In the practice of Kalari, an ancient Indian martial art, Shivaratri holds special significance as a day to initiate or recommence one's journey on the path of mastery.Just as Lord Shiva is revered as the guru of kalaripayattu and sivasampradayam and the embodiment of strength, discipline.  the practitioners of Kalari seek to embody these qualities through rigorous training and self-discipline.                    At Agasthyam, we are honore...

  Elevating the Self: Enhancing Pancha Koshas through Kalari Mastery Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh    – The Warrior Monk Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation | Author & Filmmaker           T he Pancha Koshas, or five sheaths, are fundamental concepts in spirituality  that describe the layers or dimensions of the human being. Each sheath represents a different aspect of existence, ranging from the physical to the spiritual, and understanding them is crucial for holistic well-being and self-realization.            Rooted in this philosophy, the practice of Kalari Sadhana, within the realm of Kalaripayattu, serves as a transformative journey that addresses and enhances each of these sheaths.    Annamaya Kosha (Physical Sheath):           The journey begins with the Annamaya Kosha, the physical s...