Kerala, The Mother Land of Kalari
The Kalaripayattu Art (shortened as Kalari), is considered as the world’s oldest form of Martial art in existence…it is commonly called the « Mother » of all Martial art systems. From this art, many others martial art systems have been developed in Asia and Far East countries. Kalaripayattu is more than a martial art, it is considered as a complete science of life.
Kalari, by itself, is literally translated by physical training center /gymnasium. However, Kalari, is referring to a much deeper meaning. It is composed of 2 words: Kalam, which refers to the Mulhadara chakra, and Ri, which means Prana. More than a martial art system, Kalari can be defined as a self-purification and self-realization process, by mastering and rising Mulhadhara and Prana energy.
Despite being the strongest martial art with specific fighting techniques, Kalari art is also, by itself, a complete scientific healing system with its own treatment method, based on marma knowledge and Ayurveda science.
Different styles of Kalaripayattu system
There are mainly 3 styles
– Northern system or Vadakkan Kalari – focused on escaping attacks and using weapons
– Middle system or madhya s Sampradāyam – combination of northern and southern systems
– Southern system or Thekkan Kalari – focused on hand to hand combat and pressure points
Within these 3 styles, many kalari subdivision systems are present
North Kerala System
Lord Parashurama developed Northern Kalari system, with more emphasis on weaponry art mastering
– Tulunadan Kalari, near Kerala Karnatakan border, is focused on increasing strength and body power
– Adivela Kalari is used to fight in crowd and based on empty-hand techniques and vital points methods
– Vattethiruppan Kalari is essentially based on diving and jumping techniques
– Arappukai Kalari system is giving more importance to the body and stability techniques
– Kadathanadan Kalari: meypayattu or body control training (mey meaning body and payattu exercise) are completely different from the other Kalari styles
– Pillathanghi Kalari can be considered as the softest form of Kalari – It is a slow Kalari that can be practiced by pregnant women.
Middle Kerala System
– Kalamchavit Kalari is based on 64 step-techniques
– Drawnamvali is more of a dancing flexible Kalari process
These Kalari forms are meant to disappear with time.
– Ugranidi is basically a diving process technique
South Kerala System
The southern form of Kalari was initiated by the Saptarishi Agastya Muni, with more emphasis on body endurance and impact based-techniques
– Nadimurai is focusing on fighting techniques
– Adimurai (Adi = strike and murai = procedure) is found to be the origin of the first techniques of martial arts, which came directly from Shiva to Sage Agastya –
– Kuthuvarisai is more concentrated on sticks techniques
– Nadasari is considered as the original southern Kalari form – It is only based on chuvadu (offensive and defensive movements) and kaipporu (unarmed hand fighting techniques) – No mayapayattu training is practiced in this Kalari form
Kalari, a decisive role in the olden social system and education field
In the olden days, the whole judicial system was based on Kalari value system. For instance, when Lords and Chiefs were locked in an irresolvable problem, a form of duel, called angam, was set up. This ancient judicial procedure was considered as a noble sacrifice, as it was avoiding a war, which could cost many lives.
Each village used to have its own Kalari. Children, when they turned 7, were sent to receive their military fighting training, after achieving normal academic school. Dying on the batter field was considered as a sacrifice that gives you direct access to moksha.
Kalari, a spiritual installation place
The building must be constructed facing East/West direction.
The building depth from the ground must be equal to the chest height of the Guru.
According to the sacred science, Vastu shastra, traditional Kalari is considered as a highly spiritually oriented temple, following Vastu shastra, based on specified length, width, and depth, with number of specifications. The Kalari temple construction is following specific rules to vibrate in harmony with Nature and the cosmic universe principles.
Everything is designed in such way to maintain the cosmic energy equilibrium.
The special dimensions of the space, the consecrated installation of divinity, and rituals performed, are all understood and performed according to the tantric texts and worship systems of each local Kalari
42 x 22
52 x 32
32 x11
18×10 and 10×10 are called kurukalari
Poothara and Guruthara
Poothara (platform of flowers) constitutes an important and foremost feature in Kalari rituals. Based on the southwest corner of Kalari – It is a 7 step-pyramidal platform, which represents symbolically the 7 Chakras. 3 other steps are present and refer to the secret Shakti dimensions. At its apex, stands the symbol of all creations, the YONI/DEVI. Poothara constitutes the main symbol of Kalari Tradition and set in every kalarippayat training space. Although, the other divine installations in Kalari may differ according to the Guru tradition of each Kalari.
Next to the Poothara, we find the Ganapthitara, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, son of Shiva and remover of all obstacles. Next to this, is the Gurutara, which honors the Parampara Guru. Finally, there is the Ayudhatara, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Protector of weapons.
Kalari rituals
At the entrance of Kalari, a ritual is followed before starting. The student enters the Kalari with his right foot and bends to touch the earth with reverence. Then, the student proceeds to the Poothara vandanam (salute Poothara) towards the direction of the Poothara and the different deities who are worshiped in the Kalari. Only after paying respect and remembrances to all the deities can the training start.
Navaratri (nine nights worshiping of Durga) remains a very important festival in Kalari tradition. Special pujas and rituals are taking place during this period.
Chandika and Durga pujas are also performed weekly on Tuesday and Friday inside Kalari temple.