THE SPIRITUAL SIDE OF KALARIPAYATTU

Kalaripayattu has a strong spiritual component that is integral to its practice. Like many other martial arts, it places great emphasis on spirituality, which serves as the foundation for all its teachings. Practitioners pay homage to the gods, teachers, lineage, and the earth as part of their daily routine, and these spiritual practices are deeply ingrained in the moral and ethical principles of the art.

The Dhanurveda emphasizes that human existence on earth is meant to discover the meaning of life. Unlike animals, humans have the unique ability to think and reflect on experiences. According to Indian mythology, the ultimate goal is to uncover the eternal truth of the soul's existence. God, or eternal consciousness, resides within humanity, waiting to be realized. Individuals can attain the skills and wisdom needed to achieve this goal through kalaripayattu.

SPIRITUAL PRACTICES IN THE KALARI

PRACTICES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH IN KALARI

Upon entering the kalari, students follow a specific ritual involving touching the earth, their third eye chakra, and heart chakra. This is followed by a hand striking technique to receive blessings from the Universe and Earth Mother. Approaching the Puthara altar representing the 7 chakras, students repeat the process to instill a spiritual mindset and respect for the mind-body connection.

RITUALS AND CUSTOMS IN KALARI

At the initiation of knowledge acquisition, or vidyarambam, tradition and ceremony play a significant role in kalaripayattu. Vidyarambam signifies the commencement of a new art, a new practice, or the progression to the next phase of a practice, such as mastery of a new weapon. While people may start their practices at any time of the year, the most auspicious time is on Vijayadeshami, the annual day of Kalari pooja (offering) which commemorates the victory of the goddess Durga over Mahisharsura. On this day, all weapons receive a pooja. Vidyarambam is recognized as the official start of a practice only when commenced on Vijayadeshami. Vijayadeshami is observed once a year in September or October according to the Malayalam lunar calendar, and while it encompasses all forms of arts, it holds particular significance for kalaripayattu.

Before being taught advanced combat techniques, it is crucial for the Gurukkal to trust that the student will not misuse the knowledge shared with them. A genuine bond must exist between the Gurukkal and the student. When the student is preparing to practice a new weapon, they must first offer dekshina—a customary offering— to the Gurukkal as a sign of respect and receive their blessing. This offering typically includes an areca nut, three betel leaves representing Brahma, Visnu, and Shiva, along with money and sometimes fruits. After presenting the dekshina and touching the Gurukkal's feet, the student will receive a blessing as the Gurukkal touches their head. Only then can the training commence. The dekshina tradition originated in ancient India and was not limited to kalaripayattu; it was a part of passing down knowledge in various fields. Without the dekshina, no new phase can be initiated.