YODHA LAB

Kalari In Vedanta and it's Progenitors.

Kalaripayattu holds a significant role in Hinduism, primarily through its connections to Hindu mythology, its function as a form of spiritual and physical discipline, and its integration into the cultural and religious life of Kerala.
Mythological Origins and Deities
The origins of Kalaripayattu are deeply rooted in Hindu legends, providing it with a sacred foundation.
Lord Parashurama: He is the central figure in the art's origin myth. According to legend, Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, created the land of Kerala by throwing his axe into the sea. To protect this new land, he is said to have learned the art of Kalaripayattu from Lord Shiva and then established the first 108 Kalaris (training schools/gymnasiums) and instructed 21 disciples in the art.
Lord Shiva and Sage Agastya: Other traditions link the art's origins to Lord Shiva and the sage Agastya. In the Southern style of Kalaripayattu, the patron saint is Sage Agastya, who is believed to have received the knowledge from Lord Murugan, the son of Shiva and Parvati.

War Deities: Other deities, such as Ayyappa, a regional war deity, are also part of the Kalaripayattu narrative, learning the martial art in specific Kalaris in Kerala.

Spiritual and Philosophical Aspects
The practice of Kalaripayattu extends beyond mere physical combat and is considered a spiritual discipline that aligns with Hindu philosophical concepts.
Holistic Development: It is viewed as a way of life that contributes to the holistic development of practitioners, integrating physical training with mental and spiritual well-being.
Connection to Divine Energy: Practitioners believe Kalaripayattu helps them connect with the "divine energy that pervades all creation".
Ritual and Prayer: The training space, the kalari, is often considered a sacred area. Practitioners typically pay homage to Hindu deities and offer prayers before training or performances, seeking blessings and protection.

Union of Mind and Body: The ultimate goal is to achieve coordination between the mind and body and master the self, embodying the moral and ascetic dictates expected by the masters.
Ayurveda and Healing: Kalaripayattu is intrinsically linked with the traditional Hindu healing system of Ayurveda and Kalarichikitsa (Kalari treatment). Knowledge of the body's vital points (marma points) is used for both combat and healing purposes, reflecting the Hindu principle of balance and well-being.

Cultural Integration and Practice
Kalaripayattu is a vital part of Kerala's cultural identity and is performed during various traditional Hindu festivals and cultural events, solidifying its role in the community's religious and social fabric.
While it is deeply tied to Hindu mythology and practices, the training itself was historically accessible across different communities and castes in Kerala, including Muslims and Christians, highlighting its broad cultural significance beyond a strictly sectarian religious practice.

Bodhidharma is a legendary Indian Buddhist monk credited with introducing Kalaripayattu to China, where it is considered the root of Shaolin Kung Fu. According to tradition, Bodhidharma traveled to the Shaolin Temple in the 6th century, finding the monks physically weak. He developed a new physical and mental training system based on Kalaripayattu, known as the 18 Arhat exercises, which transformed the monks into formidable martial artists.
Bodhidharma and Kalaripayattu
Origin: Bodhidharma was a prince from the Pallava dynasty in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. He was trained in both Buddhism and Kalaripayattu, the ancient martial art of Kerala.
Journey to China: He is said to have traveled to China around the early 6th century to spread Buddhism.
The Shaolin Temple: Upon arrival at the Shaolin Temple, he found the monks' spiritual discipline lacked physical strength.
Contribution to Shaolin: He created a new system of exercises based on Kalaripayattu movements to improve the monks' physical fitness, which became the foundation of Shaolin Kung Fu.
Legacy: His teachings are seen as the origin of many East Asian martial arts, including Karate and Kung Fu.