Legend goes that the warrior saint Parasurama threw his battleaxe into the sea and that the sea withdrew till the point where the axe fell. Thus emerged the land of Kerala. Parasurama then established 108 Kalaris and taught the art of martial training to a chosen band of 21 disciples inorder to protect his land. These 21 disciples are known to be the pioneers of Kalarippayat. Even today, Lord Parasurama and his disciples are worshipped in the Kalaris. Kalarippayat has its roots in Dhanurveda, the ancient Indian science of warfare.
 

Turning back the pages of history…..
Travelogues of 14th and 16th century travellers of Kerala like Duarte Barbosa give evidence that, Kalarippayat as practiced today, evolved between the 9th and the 12th century AD. The popular ballads of Malabar (Northern Kerala) which depict the heroics of Kalarippayat maestros are definite proofs of the influence this art form had on Kerala society. Kalarippayat played a vital role in the education of the youth and the training of the warriors.

Kalarippayat….rituals and practices….

The Kalari ie. the training arena has to be built in keeping with specific dimensions. The structure of Kalari (coccon-like) is greatly suited for training in the humid climate of Kerala. The ritualistic and spiritual atmosphere plays an important role in forming a strong character and moral attitude to the disciples. To acquire discipline and concentration, a series of symbolic rituals are practiced everyday.

The training is mainly divided into three parts: Maithari, Kolthari, Ankathari.

The master and healer…. The Gurukkal…..

The Gurukkal is responsible in creating the proper environment for nurturing self-discipline in the student and in turn he is revered by the students as the direct representative of the entire line of Gurus. The gurukkal undergoes special training in meditation, mantras and Kalari Chikilsa. Thus he plays a dual role of martial art master as well as healer..