Following my previous blog ADI MURAI: THE ANCIENT MARTIAL ART OF TAMIL NADU - A BASIC OUTLINE", I would like to continue with this blog.
If you have not read the previous blog, kindly read that blog before proceeding any further.
In this blog, I am going to show you how the WARRIOR STYLE OF KALARIPAYATTU - THE KADATHANADAN STYLE KALARIPAYATTU, was developed from the Ancient Art of Adi Murai, which is also known as Thekkan Kalari today.
Adithadi
KADATHANADAN KALARI DID NOT ORIGINATE IN KADATHANADU, IT ORIGINATED IN TRIVANDRUM FROM ANOTHER MARTIAL ART NAMED ADI MURAI, AND WAS TAKEN TO KADATHANADU BY THE NAIRS OF SOUTH TRAVANCORE WHO LATER MIGRATED TO KADATHANADU
Kadathanadan Kalari, which primarily had Siddha Medical System and Siddha Varma Kalai as its base, later adopted to Ayurveda and Ayurveda based Marma Art, when the Nairs of South Travancore migrated to Kadathanadu regions.
To know the difference between Siddha Varma Kalai and Ayurvedic Marma Kala, kindly punch into Google Search:
"SIDDHA VARMA KALAI VS AYURVEDIC MARMA"
A specialty in Kadathanadan style Kalaripayattu is the Full Body Oil Massage which is given to the student for him to attain flexibility of body, (which is now adopted by many other styles of Northern Style Payattu practitioners) but was originally practiced by Kadathanadu Kalari practitioners was from the Siddha System of Full Body Oil Massage
வசவெண்ணெய் , முக்கூட்டு(Troika) and நாராயணத் தைலம் (Siddha Oushada Thailam) are the ones used to treat the Vatha, Pitha and Kapha states of the body and also the nervous weakness of the body.
The hand written manuscript on the preparation of these balms declare that these methods are from "Agathiyar Grantha Yoga" book and are NOT from "Vaghbatha's Asthanga Hridhaya".
Even today, in Trivandrum there is only one AUTHENTIC KADATHANADAN STYLE KALARI which is teaching this art.
THAT IS NONE OTHER THAN "N.S.SIDDHA MARMA KADATHANADAN KALARI, NEIYATTINKARA". (http://www.keralamartialarts.com/)
COMING TO THE POINT,
Unlike many other styles of Northern Kalaripayattu, this style adopted weapons based training, as the people living in Kadathanadu areas were prone to encounter wild animals in their day to day life, they needed a method to protect themselves from these animals.
SO, PEOPLE OF KADATHANADU ADOPTED THE USE OF WEAPONS INSTEAD OF BARE HAND FIGHT FIRST.
When Kadathanadan Kalari first originated in Trivandrum, just like it's Mother Martial Art, Adi Murai, Kadathanadan Kalari was primarily an Empty Hand based fighting System.
Even today, Some of the famous Kalari's in Kerala that follow the Kadathanadan style follow the Empty Hand sets.
In Adi Murai, there are three stages of training and four different styles.
The three different stages of training are:
Adithadi (Unarmed Combat - against empty hands and against weaposn)
Ayudha Varisai (Weapon based arts, with stick, spear and flexible sword as the base weapons vs any other weapons)
Varma Ati with Naadi and Amirtha Nilai (Pressure Point attack, based on injuring the Internal Organs and based on Meridian Attack System)
The Four differnt styles of Adi Murai are:
NadaSaari Adi Murai
Beeman Varisai Adi Murai
Sailaath Adi Murai and
Thadavara Vazhi Adi Murai
Among the above said, the Adi Murai Martial Art is also known as Thekkan Kalari in Trivandrum District of Kerala.
The Adithadi component, which is known as Adithada or the Unarmed component of Adi Murai is the base for Kadathanadan Style of Kalari.
In, the videos below, you can see how Adithadi plays a vital role in the Kadathanadan style of Kalaripayattu.
Adi Murai which is also known as Kuthu Varisai and Silambam in Tamil Nadu can be seen in this video.
Video number 4 clearly demonstrated Silambam at the beginning and moves on to Adithada or Kuthu Varisai.
A video on Kuthu Varisai, Silambam, Varmam and Yoga.
After seeing these videos, I hope my readers would agree with me with the fact that Kadathanadan Kalari was developed from Adi Murai (Kuthu Varisai and Silambam) with Siddha Medical System as their base
Kindly enjoy these vidoes..
We have got a forgotten past, that we need to bring back to this own Mother Land, and it IS the DUTY OF ALL PARENTS IN TAMIL NADU TO SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO KUTHU VARISAI, SILAMBAM, ADI MURAI, MALYUTHAM AND SIDDHA MEDICINE CLASSES.
PROUD TO BE AN INDIAN... ESPECIALLY A TAMILIAN....!!!!
BUT...!!!! DON'T JUST STOP BEING PROUD,
LEARN THESE ARTS, AND PASS THEM TO THE NEXT GENERATION....!!!!
Adi Murai is an Ancient Martial Art of Tamil Nadu that has got over 3 Millennium Years of History.
Adi Murai Martial Art (Aadhi Shivan Varma Kalai), Canada
But, the Historic Development of this Art has taken place in the recent past years of the Ancient Kingdom of South Travancore regions which consisted of Kollam and Trivandrum regions of present days Kerala state and Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu.
BUT, FROM TIME IMMEMORIAL THERE WERE FOUR DIFFERENT BRANCHES TO ADI MURAI MARTIAL ART. THEY ARE:
NAADA SAARI ADI MURAI
BEEMAN VARISAI ADI MURAI
SAILAATHU ADI MURAI
THADAVARA VAZHI ADI MURAI
Though the historic development of these styles were not recorded, these names are got from Ancient Tamil manuscripts that are owned by several families of Kanyakumari and Trivandrum districts.
Out of the above four styles of Adi Murai, today we can see only Naada Saari Adi Murai and Sailaathu Adi Murai in practice.
Beeman Varisai and Thadavara Vazhi styles of Adi Murai MUST be in practice in some remote places where the Aasaan is NOT willing to teach the style.
THE GOVERNMENT OF TAMIL NADU AND KERALA MUST SUPPORT FOR THESE STYLES OF ADI MURAI MARTIAL ART TO COME TO LIGHT, LEST THEY BECOME EXTINCT.
Here, you can see some of the videos of Naada Saari Adi Murai:
Siddhar Ramadevar, who is also known as one of the CHIEF MYSTIC SIDDHARS, is said to have contributed a lot to a Martial and Esoteric Healing art called Varma Kalai, which has its origin in Tamil Nadu.
Siddhar Ramadevar
In one of the Varma Kalai manuscripts on Varma Kalai, named Kai Mathirai Thiravukol, verse 41, says thus
Kai Mathirai Thiravukol, Verse 41
It mentions that the Esoteric art of Varma Kalai was developed by 3 main Siddhars. They are:
Siddhar Agathiyar
Siddhar Ramadevar
Siddhar Bogar
While, the Schools of Varma Kalai opened by Sage Agathiyar and Sage Bogar are still in practice to date, the School of Thought of Varma Kalai by Siddhar Ramadevar is thought to have been lost forever.
BUT, THERE ARE FEW REASONS WHY I ALWAYS WOULD SAY THAT THE MARTIAL ART OF THULUNADAN KALARI, WHICH IS KNOWN AS CARNATIC KALARI IS THE RAMADEVAR SCHOOL OF VARMA KALAI FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS.
SIDDHAR RAMADEVAR IS ALSO KNOWN AS MANTHRIGA SIDDHAR
Siddhar Ramadevar is the first person in the world to Introduce the art of Occultism to the world.
Siddhar Ramadevar who was a disciple of Sage Agathiyar learnt this art from Agathiyar and has brought it to the whole world.
WHEN SIDDHAR RAMADEVAR TRAVELLED TO ARABIA, DURING THE DAYS OF PROPHET MOHAMMED, THROUGH TRANSMIGRATION OF THE BODY -- IT WAS DURING THIS TIME THAT SIDDHAR RAMADEVAR TAUGHT THE ART OF OCCULTISM TO THE ARABS, ESPECIALLY THE USAGE OF JINNS
JINNS EXISTED EVEN BEFORE THE ARABS BECAME A NATION, BUT TODAY, IT IS ONLY THE PEOPLE OF ISLAMIC RELIGION USE THE JINNS, THIS IS BECAUSE SIDDHAR RAMADEVAR TAUGHT THIS ART TO THEM WHEN HE WAS IN ARABIA
After finishing His work in Arabia, Siddhar Ramadevar came to India back and settled in Thulunadu, which existed as a separate Country then.
THULUNADU DID NOT BELONG TO KARNATAKA, NOR KERALA, UNTIL IT WAS GIVEN TO KARNATAKA AFTER 1956.
THULUNADU WAS A MAIN IMPORTANT SPOT FOR THE POETS OF SANGAM LITERATURE, WHICH SHOWS THAT THIS AREA BELONGED TO THE TAMILS IN ANCIENT DAYS.
Coming to my point, as to why I would say that the Lost School of Ramadevar Varma Kalai IS Carnatic Kalari is because,
Thulunadan Kalari distinguishes itself from other styles of Kalari of Northern Sampradayam by its usage of Manthrik and Tanthrik practices.
Thulunadan Kalari is also known as Carnatic Kalari, not because it belongs to Karnataka, BUT, because of Carnatic Music (Tamil Music) which goes along in Rhythm with its performance,
Unlike other styles of Northern Sampradayam Kalari, where the teachers or masters are called Gurukkals, Thulunadan Kalari masters are called as Ahsans.
THULUNADAN KALARI AND MANTHRA THANTRA SASTRA:
Thulunadan System of Kalari is the only system of Kalari that was used by the Ancient spies of the Mysire Maharaja palace.
It makes use of Mantra Sastra, given by Siddhar Ramadevar who is known as Manthrigam Siddhar.
THIS IS ONE MAIN POINT WHY I CONCLUDE THAT CARNATIC KALARI IS RAMADEVAR SCHOOL OF VARMA KALAI
CARNATIC KALARI AND CARNATIC MUSIC:
Generally, in South Indian tradition of the Tamils in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Sri Lanka, along with the Martial Art practice they use traditional music instruments and traditional music played during demonstrations.
This is clearly seen in Silambam, Kalari Payat and Angampora Martial Arts respectively.
BUT, in Thulunadan Kalari, it is really surprising to see the Ancient Music of Tamils, the Carnatic Music being played, while other styles of Northern Kalari follow other styles of Kerala folk music
THIS IS ANOTHER MAIN POINT TO CONCLUDE THAT THE THULUNADAN KALARI IS RAMADEVAR SCHOOL OF VARMA KALAI
THULANADAN KALARI AHSANS:
Generally in Northern Sambradhayam Kalaripayattu, the Masters are called Gurukkals and the training starts with exercises for strength and flexibility.
BUT, IN THULUNADAN STYLE KALARI, THERE ARE NO BODY BUILDING EXERCISES, FROM THE VERY FIRST CLASS YOU START FROM SALUTATION TO GOD, TEACHER, KALARI AND THE FELLOW STUDENTS AND LEARN WHAT YOU NEED, TO DEFEND YOURSELF IN A REAL LIFE SITUATION LIKE AS IN AGATHIYAR SCHOOL OF VARMA KALAI AND BOGAR SCHOOL OF VARMA KALAI
You can take a look at the documentary of one of the Thulunadan Schools (Carnatic Kalari) of Kalari being practiced in Kollam district of Kerala
ONE MORE INTERESTING THING TO NOTE IS THAT, UNLIKE IN ALL OTHER STYLES OF NORTHERN STYLE KALARI SYSTEM, IN THULUNADAN STYLE KALARI SYSTEM, THE MASTERS ARE CALLES AS AHSANS AND NOT GURUKKALS AS IN AGATHIYAR SCHOOL OF VARMA KALAI AND BOGAR SCHOOL OF VARMA KALAI.
Similar to Kalaripayattu which has got two distinct styles called Vadakkan (Northern) Kalari and Thekkan (Southern) Kalari,
THULUNADAN KALARI IS ALSO DIVIDED INTO TWO GROUPS, NAMELY,
Thulunadan Kalari and
Thekkan Thulunadan Kalari
Both these Masters whom we see below are teachers of Thekkan Thulunadan Kalari.
Late Mr. Thangappan Aasaan (left) and Mr K.C. Hari Kumar Aasaan (Right) of Thulunadan Kalari
Similar to Vadakkan and Thekkan Kalari, the Thulunadan Kalari practiced in the Malabar region, gives importance to Body Exercises, Flexibility and Weapon based trainings
Whereas, the Thekkan Thulunadan, which is very similar to Thekkan Style gives importance to Empty Hand Fighting Style first, and later weapons are taught.
IN BOTH SYSTEMS (THULUNADAN AND THEKKAN - THULUNADAN), THEY DISTINGUISH THEMSELVES FROM OTHER STYLES OF KALARI, BY THE USAGE OF MANTRIK AND TANTRIK PRACTICES.
IT IS NO DOUBT THAT SIDDHAR RAMADEVAR WAS ALSO KNOWN AS MANTHRIKA SIDDHAR, (ONE WHO EXTENSIVELY USES MANTRIK AND TANTRIK PRACTICES)
WHOSE MANTRA SASTRA (WHICH IS THOUGHT TO BE COMPLETELY LOST BEYOND RECOVERY) IS PROBABLY THE ONE USED IN THEKKAN - THULUNADAN STYLE OF KALARI
Here, we can see short videos of Thulunadan Style Kalari and Thekkan Thulunadan style of Kalari.
Thulunadan Style of Kalari, North Kerala
Thekkan Thulunadan Style of Kalari, Kottayam
THUS, WE CAN CONCLUDE THAT THE THULUNADAN SCHOOL OF KALARI PAYAT IS THE RAMADEVAR SCHOOL OF VARMA KALAI
Well, I just wanted to write about this article for information purpose.
INFORMATION WHICH ARE PURPOSELY SUPPRESSED WILL BE COMING TO LIGHT THROUGH MY BLOGS.
THESE ARTICLES ARE NOT TO HURT ANYONE'S BELIEF - BUT, WHATEVER I HAVE FOUND TO BE PRACTICAL AND TRUE WILL SURELY BE EXPOSED THROUGH MY BLOGS.
AS I SAID BEFORE, THIS CANNOT BECOME HATE SPEECH -- SO, BEWARE...!!!!
A few days back, while I was studying about Kalaripayattu, The Martial Art form of Kerala, I happened to see some similarities that I would like to share with you in this blog article.
There are many different types of Kalaripayattu. They are:
Northern Style Kalaripayattu
Southern Style Kalari
Madhya Kerala Kalari
Kadathanadan Kalari and
Thulunadan Kalari
Kathina Yoga Kalari
Out of which the Madhya Kerala, Kadathanadan and Thulunadan styles are categorized with the Northern system of Kalaripayattu.
In Tamil Nadu, there is an art of Healing and Killing practiced, which is called Varma Kalai, which was developed by the 18 Tamil Siddhars.
As per a stanza from a popular Varma Kalai palm leaf manuscript, Varma Kalai grew independently under 3 different School of Thoughts. They are:
Agathiyar School
Bogar School and
Ramadevar School
Out of which the Agathiyar School of Varma Kalai is the most commonly practiced School in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.
WE HARDLY FIND FEW TEACHERS TEACHING THE BOGAR SCHOOL OF VARMA KALAI
ON THE OTHER HAND, PEOPLE SAY THAT THE RAMADEVAR SCHOOL OF VARMA KALAI IS ALMOST EXTINCT.
I WILL DEAL WITH THE RAMADEVAR SCHOOL OF VARMA KALAI IN ANOTHER POST.
COMING TO THE POINT,
Bogar School of Varma Kalai as I had seen IS still practiced in Kerala in different names.
Or rather should I say that the Original Bogar School of Varma Kalai has been divided into 2 different parts and is practiced in Kerala. They are:
Kathina Yoga Kalari and
Madhya Kerala Kalari
BOGAR VARMA KALAI: THE ORIGIN OF KATHINA YOGA KALARI:
The reason I am convinced that Bogar School of Varma Kalai gave birth to Kathina Yoga Kalari is because,
BOGAR SCHOOL OF VARMA KALAI, HAS GOT A VERY PRONOUNCED YOGA COMPONENT, WHICH MAKES THE STUDENT FIT, AND ALSO HEALS THE BODY AND THE AFFECTED VARMAM'S IN THE BODY NATURALLY.
Kumaran Asan, Kathina Yoga Master
Similarly, the name Kathina Yoga itself means, HARD YOGA, which is one of the reasons why I am convinced that Kathina Yoga is from Bogar School of Varma Kalai.
SECONDLY, MASTERS OF KATHINA YOGA ARE KNOWN AS AHSANS, AND NOT GURUKKALS AS IN OTHER NORTHERN SYSTEMS OF KALARI.
THIRDLY, KATHINA YOGA IS PRACTICED ONLY IN TRIVANDRUM DISTRICT OF KERALA, AND NOT IN ANY OTHER PORTION OF KERALA.
This shows that the Agathiyar School and Bogar School of Varma Kalai from Tamil Nadu is still practiced in Trivandrum district of Tamil Nadu.
BOGAR VARMA KALAI: THE ORIGIN OF MADHYA KERALA KALARI:
Coming to know about the more obscure style of Kalaripayattu - The Madhya Kerala Kalari
It is evident that this style uses empty hand system of Thekkan Style (Adi Murai) and weaponry system of the Vadakkan Style, but also distinguishes itself by its importance for lower body strength.
In Bogar School of Varma Kalai, it is evident that importance is given for Lower Body Strength.
BUT -- ONE MORE IMPORTANT THING TO NOTE IN MADHYA KERALA KALARI IS THE IMPORTANCE GIVEN FOR THE CHUVADU MURAI (FOOTWORK METHODS)
Footwork is of primary importance in both Agathiyar School of Varma Kalai and Bogar School of Varma Kalai.
BUT -- IT IS ALSO INTERESTING TO NOTE THAT SAME IMPORTANCE IS GIVEN IN MADHYA KERALA KALARI (CENTRAL STYLE KALARI) FOR THE FOOTWORK SYSTEM.
SINCE THERE ARE NO DOCUMENTATION OF THE BOGAR SCHOOL OF VARMA KALAI AVAILABLE ON THE NET, EXCEPTING FOR DR. KANNAN AASAAN DEMONSTRATING VARMA ATI METHOD OF BOGAR SCHOOL,
Late. Dr. Kannan Aasaan demonstrating a joint lock (Bogar Varma Kalai)
I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE MADHYA KERALA STYLE KALARI DOCUMENTARY IN THIS POST:
Madhya Kerala Style (Kalari Footwork)
Those who know Kuthu Varisai Martial Art would know how this Footwork System was developed.
NOT ONLY THAT, UNLIKE NORTHERN STYLE KALARIPAYATTU, WHICH TEACHES ONLY ONE TO ONE FIGHT, MADHYA KERALA STYLE RESEMBLES MORE OF THEKKAN STYLE (ADI MURAI) IN FIGHTING MULTIPLE ARMED AND UNARMED OPPONENTS AT THE SAME TIME.
THIS CONCEPT IS VERY CLOSELY RELATED TO THE PADAI VEECHU IN KUTHU VARISAI AND ADI MURAI.
IT WAS DURING THE SIVAKASI RIOTS OF 1899, WHERE THERE WAS A MARAVAR-NADAR RIOT, THAT PEOPLE FROM BOTH THESE COMMUNITIES CONVERTED TO ISLAM AND MIGRATED TO KERALA -- PROBABLY WHICH COULD HAVE LEAD TO THE FORMATION OF THE MADHYA KERALA KALARI STYLE.
THUS, IT IS CLEAR AND EVIDENT THAT BOTH KATHINA YOGA KALARI AND MADHYA KERALA KALARI DEVELOPED FROM BOGAR SCHOOL OF VARMA KALAI
KINDLY KEEP READING ON...
MY NEXT ARTICLES WILL BE ON THULUNADAN KALARI AND KADATHANADAN KALARI...
KINDLY READ, UNDERSTAND OUR ANCIENT HISTORY AND SHARE THIS SUPPRESSED HISTORY TO BRING OUT THE REAL HISTORY AGAINST THE DISTORTED HISTORY OF THE TAMILS....
Well, in India there is always a trend to sideline and degrade the tradition of the Tamils.
One such thing is the sidelining and degrading the Siddha Medicaal System, The Mother of ALL Other Medical Systems in the world.
Siddha Mdical System
SIDDHA MEDICINE - WORLD'S OLDEST AND THE PUREST FORM OF MEDICINE AVAILABLE ON THIS PLANET.
SIDDHA MEDICAL SYSTEM - THE MOTHER OF ALL OTHER MEDICAL SYSTEMS ON THIS PLANET
Coming to the Question as to which, Siddha or Ayurveda, which is the Oldest, most people would try to avoid these questions by saying the following
Both are Ancient
Neither came from either or vice versa.
BUT -- WE NEED TO KNOW WITH EXACT PROOF AS TO WHICH IS THE OLDEST AMONG THESE TWO, AND WITH CORRECT PROOFS.
First of all Siddha Medicine was founded by Sage Agasthya the Chief of ALL 18 Siddhars and also ALL the other 17 Siddhars have contributed to the growth of Siddha Medicine..
The names of these 18 Siddhars are as follows:
18 Siddhars of Tamil Nadu
Siddhar Agathiyar
Siddhar Pathanjali
Siddhar Ramadevar (Therayar / Yacobu)
Siddhar Bogar
Siddhar Thirumoolar
Siddhar Korakkar
Siddhar Konganar
Siddhar Dhanvantari
Siddhar Karuvurar
Siddhar Edaikaddar
Siddhar Chaataimuni
Siddhar Pambatti
Siddhar Machamuni
Siddhar Vaanmeegar
Siddhar Kamalamuni
Siddhar Kudambai
Siddhar Sundaranadar
Siddhar Pulipani
these were the 18 great siddhars who were practitioners of the World's First Medical System - The Siddha Medical System
Among the above 18 said Siddhars, Siddhar Dhanvantari is the founder of Ayurveda.
DHANVANTARI - THE GOD AND FOUNDER OF AYURVEDA WAS A SIDDHA MEDICAL PRACTITIONER.
THUS, WE SEE THAT THE FOUNDER OF AYURVEDA WAS A SIDDHA MEDICAL PRACTITIONER WHO WAS WELL VERSED IN THE SIDDHA MEDICAL SYSTEM OF TAMIL NADU.
BUT -- TODAY, WHEN PEOPLE SPEAK OF AYURVEDA, THE 3 MAIN PEOPLE WHO COME TO THEIR MIND ARE SUSRUTHA, CHARAKA AND VAGHBHATA.
THE SUSRUTHA SAMHITA, CHARAKA SAMHITA AND VAGHBATA SAMHITA ARE THE 3 GREAT DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE FOR AYUVEDIC PRACTITIONERS.
BUT -- PEOPLE EITHER FORGET THE FACT -- OR PURPOSELY IGNORE THE TRUE FACT THAT SUSRUTHA AND CHARAKA WERE STUDENTS OF SIDDHAR DHANVANTARI - WHO WAS A PRACTITIONER OF SIDDHA MEDICAL SYSTEM HIMSELF AND LATER FOUNDED AYURVEDA FROM SIDDHA.
BOTH, SIDDHA AND AYURVEDA MAKE USE OF HERBAL MEDICINES.
The main difference between Siddha and Ayurveda are
Siddha Medicine is more Health - Oriented, while Ayurveda is more Disease Oriented.
Both Siddha and Ayurveda make use of the same Herbs. BUT, the same Herbs are used for different and distinguished purposes in these Systems.
The usage of Metals, Minerals, Animal fats and Leech Therapy practiced in Siddha Medicine is absent in Ayurveda.
IT IS BECAUSE OF THIS REASON (AYURVEDA WAS FOUNDED BY A SIDDHAR) THAT MOST SIDDHA MEDICINE PRACTITIONERS ARE ALSO WELL - VERSED IN AYURVEDA.
BUT--AYURVEDIC PRACTITIONERS WILL NOT BE KNOWING MUCH ABOUT SIDDHA MEDICINE.
CHARAKA IN HIS CHARAKA SAMHITA, ASKS THE AYURVEDA PRACTITIONERS TO WORSHIP THE SIDDHARS.
THIS IS BECAUSE HE KNOWS THAT AYURVEDA WAS DEVELOPED BY SIDDHA MEDICINE PRACTITIONERS.
THUS, WE COULD BOLDLY AND EASILY CONCLUDE THAT
AYURVEDA WAS DEVELOPED FROM SIDDHA MEDICAL SYSTEM
SIDDHA MEDICAL SYSTEM IS OLDER THAN THE AYURVEDIC MEDICAL SYSTEM.
HENCE, WE SEE THAT SIDDHA MEDICAL SYSTEM IS THE OLDEST MEDICAL SYSTEM ON EARTH.
In this article we are going to see about one of the greatest Siddhars, Siddhar Agasthya.
His actual name is Agathiyar, also known as Agasthi in North India or Agasthiya in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
In one of my other posts, there was a person who told me Agasthya is from Kerala and He is a founder of Kalaripayattu, a martial art form of Kerala.
I GENERALLY DO NOT APPROVE ANY COMMENTS FOR MY BLOG, UNLESS THEY ARE USEFUL AND COULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE BENEFIT OF MY READERS, AS MY BLOGS ARE ONLY FOR INFORMATIVE PURPOSES OF THE INFORMATION WHICH ARE PURPOSELY SUPPRESSED BY THE MEDIAS AND OTHER TAMIL HATERS.
Coming to the point, there are certain controversies surrounding this Great Sage Agathiyar.
Since Agathiyar is also present in the Vedas as the composer of Mantras, the North Indians have a completely different story about Agasthya.
Above all this, the so called researchers who come to India try to confuse the people saying Agasthiya of North Indian tradition is different and the Agathiyar of Tamil Tradition is different.
BUT--ON THE CONTRARY THERE IS ONLY ONE AGATHIYAR'S SAMADHI IN INDIA.
To get more clarity on the above said controversy,
Punch into Google Search:
TAMIL - THE MOTHER OF ALL LANGUAGES ON EARTH BY BENJAMIN FURROWS.
I think the above article would have cleared most of your doubts.
Coming to the point again, Agasthiya was the Chiefest of ALL MAIN 18 SIDDHARS.
SIDDHARS WERE TAMIL SAINTS, WHO KNEW NO OTHER LANGUAGE EXCEPT TAMIL.
SIDDHARS WERE FROM THE PANDIYAN KINGDOM.
SIDDHARS WERE EXPERTS IN MARTIAL ARTS, ALCHEMY, MEDICINE, ASTROLOGY, WISDOM (GNANAM), RASAVATHAM, TANTRA MANTRA YANTA, PHILOSOPHY AND YOGA.
There are 18 Main Siddhars. they are:
Agathiyar (Agasthya)
Thirumoolar
Bogar
Kongannar
Therayar
Korakkar
Karuvurar
Edaikaddar
Chattamuni
Sundaranar
Ramadevar
Pambatti
Machamuni
Kudambai
Azhuganni
Agapai
Nandhi Devar
Kakapusundar
Agathiyar who is the chief of them, was the Guru of Siddhar Bogar, Pulipani and Therayar.
Siddhar Bogar, in one of his
writings describes Sage Agathiyar in this way.
"தென் பொதிகை நாதன் துணையால் பாடி வைத்தேன் முறை நண்றாமே"
In the above verse in one of his palm leaf manuscripts, Siddhar Bogar describes Sage Agasthya as a person from South Podhigai Hills. A stone in which Sage Agathiyar meditated is still present in Ambasmudhram of Kutrallam in Tirunelveli District of Tamil Nadu
Agathiyar Meditation Stone
This is the stone where Sage Agathiyar sat down and meditated.
It is still believed that the Spirit of Sage Agathiyar is moving there to heal people who come there.
This Podhiga Hills is the place where Sage Agasthya was born.
THIS PODHIGAI HILLS IS SITUATED IN COUTRALLAM (KUTRALLAM) IN TAMIL NADU
Kutrallam, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu
This is the original place of Birth and the place where Siddhar Agasthya had lived.
BUT -- In other Siddha Medical Literature there is a description of Sage Agasthya having attained SAMADHI in Ananthasayanam in Thiruvanathapuram district.
Keeping this as a point, people tend to say that Sage Agasthya was a Keralite.
BUT--ON THE CONTROVERSY, PEOPLE FORGET TO OBSERVE THAT AGASTHYA ATTAINED SAMADHI 2 MILLENNIUM YEARS BACK.
SO, GOING BACK 2,000 YEARS, WE SEE THAT THE WHOLE LAND OF TODAY'S TAMIL NADU AND KERALA WERE TAMIL KINGDOMS RULED BY THE PANDIYAN KINGS OF THE SOUTH.
TRIVANDRUM 2,000 YEARS BACK BELONGED TO THE PANDIYAS.
IT WAS ONLY 60 YEARS BACK, AFTER THE BRITISH HAD LEFT INDIA, WHEN THE STATES WERE DIVIDED IN THE SOUTH THAT THIS EVERGREEN CITY OF TRIVANDRUM WAS GIVEN TO KERALA AFTER MUCH PROTEST THAT IT MUST NOT BE GIVEN.
TILL THEN THE KOCHI - TRAVANCORE AREAS NEVER BELONGED TO KERALA, BUT STILL THEY ABODE AS A SEPARATE STATE.
IN ORDER TO GIVE MORE LAND AREA TO KERALA, THE TRIVANDRUM CITY WAS GIVEN TO KERALA IN 1956, AS PER THE STATES ACT.
IS AGASTHYA A FOUNDER OF KALARIPAYATTU, A MARTIAL ART OF KERALA?
When I was inquisitive to know more about the Agasthyas style of Kalaripayattu, I happened to come across certain articles over the net, which gave me some information about this.
I would like to share them here with you.
Agasthya was a Great Sage, who was well versed in many of the Ancient Skills and has compiled many works on Yogam, Gnanam, Manthrikam, Tanthrikam, Yantra Science, Martial Arts, Siddha Medicine, Varmam Medicine, Rasavatham, Alchemy etc.
Coming to the Martial Arts part, where people say that he is the founder of Thekkan Kalari or Southern Style Kalaripayattu which is practiced in the Southern Districts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
BY CLOSE OBSERVATION, YOU CAN CLEARLY MAKE OUT THAT THEKKAN KALARI IS A COMBINATION OF SILAMBAM, MALYUTHAM AND ADIMURAI.
While collecting information on Agasthiya's Martial Art forms, Master Arunachalam Mani who teaches ALL - Silambam, Adimurai, Malyutham, Yoga etc. points out to the fact that
THOUGH THERE ARE SO MANY PALM LEAVES IN THE NAME OF AGASTHYA, WHICH SPEAK OF
SILAMBAM
ADIMURAI
MALYUTHAM AND GUSTHI
SIDDHA MEDICINE
VARMAM
IT IS TO BE NOTED THAT THE WORD KALARI IS NOT PRESENT EVEN IN ONE OF HIS PALM LEAVES.
He also points out to the fact that,
During the formation of Kerala Kalaripayattu Association in the year 1956, in order to promote Traditional Martial Arts, KKA declared that the
ORIGINAL MARTIAL ART OF KALARIPAYATTU WILL BE CALLED AS "NORTHERN OR VADAKKAN" KALARI AND THE TAMIL FIGHTING STYLES COLLECTIVELY WILL BE CALLED "SOUTHERN OR THEKKAN" KALARI
THEKKAN KALARI INCLUDES SILAMBAM, VAAL VEECHU, KUTHU VARISAI, VARMA ADI (ADIMURAI), MALYUTHAM AND GUSTHI, SIDDHA AND VARMAM MEDICINE.
All these arts are COLLECTIVELY being trained under one roof in the name of Thekkan Kalari or Southern Style Kalari in Trivandrum and Kollam districts of Kerala,
WHILE, all these arts are practiced separately and uniquely in Tamil Nadu.
THUS, THE VARIOUS UNIQUE AND DIFFERENT MARTIAL ARTS ATTRIBUTED TO SAGE AGASTHYA IS TAUGHT UNDER ONE ROOF IN THE NAME OF THEKKAN KALARI IN SOUTH KERALA.
Some of the videos to see on Silambam, Adimurai and Malyutham.
Silambam Documentary
Adimurai (Varma Ati)
Malyutham (Wrestling Sports of Tamil Nadu)
Videos of Thekkan Kalari (Southern Style Kalari)
Buddha Kalari (Thekkan or Southern Style)
I THINK MY READERS WOULD HAVE UNDERSTOOD THIS ARTICLE AFTER SEEING THESE VIDEOS AT LEAST.
In this post, we are going to see the ORIGIN of the Chinese Acupuncture.
Before I continue with this post, I would kindly request ALL my readers to SHARE THESE POSTS, so that my research into the
TRUE ANCIENT GLORY OF OUR TAMIL KINGDOM, WHICH IS PURPOSELY SUPPRESSED BY THE INDIAN AND THE WORLD GOVERNMENT, WOULD COME TO LIGHT AND HAVE A NEW BEGINNING
The picture above shows Golden Needles that are used in a Traditional Varma Kalai Treatment, an alternative medicine from the State of Tamil Nadu in India. The Ponoosi (Pon - Gold; Oosi - Needle in Tamil) in used extensively in Varma Kalai treatment method. In this method, the Golden Needle is poked in certain Varmam points in the Human body which removes the blockages in that particular Varma point and stimulates the health of the patient.
THERE IS CERTAINLY A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CHINESE METHOD OF ACUPUNCTURE, WHICH WAS DEVELOPED FROM THIS VARMAM PONOOSI METHOD AND THE ORIGINAL VARMAM PONOOSI METHOD.
Acupuncture Treatment
In Acupuncture Treatment, the Acupuncture Doctor pokes some needles in a series as shown in the picture above. BUT, it is by chance that any one of their CORRECT Dim Mak points gets stimulated and the patient is rejuvenated
BUT -- IN VARMA KALAI, THE VARMA KALAI DOCTORS KNOW EXACTLY IN WHICH VARMAM POINT THE NEEDLE HAS TO BE PUT, SO THAT THE PATIENT WOULD RECOVER.
VARMAM DOCTORS DO NOT USE MORE THAN 2 OR AT THE MAXIMUM OF 3 GOLDEN NEEDLES PER PATIENT, AS THEY KNOW WHICH EXACT POINT TO STIMULATE.
THIS METHOD OF TREATMENT IN VARMA KALAI IS NOT NORMALLY TAUGHT BY VARMA KALAI TRAINERS, UNTIL THE STUDENT FIRST LEARNS TO STIMULATE THE VARMAM POINT WITH THEIR HANDS.
Not only that, when I happened to come across this method of treatment practiced in Varma Kalai, I started to study the History of Chinese Acupuncture.
ONE THING THAT SHOCKED ME WAS THAT DURING THE ANCIENT TIMES WHEN ACUPUNCTURE WAS DEVELOPED, THE ACUPUNCTURE DOCTORS ALSO USED GOLDEN NEEDLES AT THAT TIME. BUT -- DUE TO THE COST FACTOR, THE PRACTICE OF USING GOLDEN NEEDLES IN ACUPUNCTURE IS NOW EXTINCT.
Siddhar Bogar who went to China before 500BC has taught this method of using Golden Needles in their vital Varmam Points to cure ANY MAJOR DISEASES that were prevalent in China during that time.
THIS METHOD OF VARMAM PONOOSI WAS LATER CALLED BY THE CHINESE AS ACUPUNCTURE.
THUS, WE SEE THAT THE CHINESE ACUPUNCTURE SYSTEM HAS ITS ROOTS AND WAS DEVELOPED FROM THE TAMIL'S SYSTEM OF VARMA KALAI PONOOSI METHOD.
The Chola Empire: A Tamil Kingdom that Ruled the World and the Trade for Centuries.
I am sure, that, it is a fact that everyone would be aware of, that the great King, Alexander the Great, who once ruled the world, was not defeated in any of his wars.
BUT -- HOW MANY OF YOU, IN INDIA, OR AT THE LEAST IN TAMIL NADU ARE AWARE OF THE FACT THAT THE GREAT KING OF THE CHOLA EMPIRE - RAJA RAJA CHOLAN WAS ALSO VICTORIOUS IN ALL HIS BATTLES.
YES... I HOPE MY READERS GOT THE DRIFT....
RAJA RAJA CHOLAN WAS NOT DEFEATED IN ANY OF HIS BATTLES.
ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS FOR THIS IS THEIR STRONG MILITARY FORCE.
In Ancient Times, The Warriors of the Pandiyan and Chola Kingdoms were the bravest and the fiercest of ALL Warriors around the world.
A small video demonstration of Silambam and Kuthu Varisai
THE BRITISH KNIGHTS WERE AFRAID EVEN AT THE SIGHT OF THESE CHOLA AND PANDIYAN SOLDIERS WHEN THEY CAME AS A FLOWING RIVER FOR WAR.
In India, it were ONLY the Cholas who had conquered countries outside India, and extended their Kingdom to such an extent, that even Alexander the Great or Ashoka the great who had conquered most of India, but was unable even to touch the borders of Ancient Tamilagam could ever dream of.
You can see the extent to which the Kings of the Chola Kingdom had extended their Kingdom.
The main reason for this is that they had a Powerful Army and Navy force.
The Cholas were very Brilliant as well as Brave Warriors who were trained in the Traditional Martial Arts of Varma Kuthu Varisai (Empty Hand Fighting Style) and Varmakalai Silambam (Deadly Weapon Based Martial Art). This was one of the Great Reasons for their victory over so many countries that they had conquered.
Not only were they trained in these Martial Arts, BUT, in whatever places they laid their feet, they planted their Traditional Martial Arts.
The CHOLAS were the ones in India to have a great sea trade with other countries around the world.
Wherever the Cholas had Sea Trade, in all those countries, they also planted their Weapon based Martial art (Varmakalai Silambam).
Influence of Kuthu Varisai and Silambam could be seen in all the countries which the Cholas had conquered and in all places where the Cholas had sea trade as well.
In order to know more about the Empty Hand Fighting Style, Kuthu Varisai,
Punch into Google Search:
"KUTTU VARISAI: THE UNKNOWN HISTORY OF BODHIDHARMAS MARTIAL ART"
One of the prominent practitioners of Kuthu Varisai was Karikala Cholan.
His name Karikalan was given to him at a later stage.
The term Kari Kalan has two different meanings. They are
The man with Charred (kari) Legs (kalan)
Elephant (kari) Slayer (kalan)
Ancient methods of Varma Kalai training involved punching and kicking on woods, which some say, could have charred his legs.
This training, now though extinct in Varmakalai (Kuthu Varisai), is still practiced in Wing Chun Martial Art of China, which had it's origin from Kuthu Varisai.
Among the different styles of Kuthu Varisai, i.e.,
Thanjavur Kuthu Varisai
Madurai Kuthu Varisai and
Varma Adimurai of (South Travancore areas)
The Thanjavur Kuthu Varisai is the very famous and popular style of Kuthu Varisai, which is also the only style practiced outside Tamil Nadu, in Kerala, Karnataka, Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka among the Tamil Communities.
Today, Kuthu Varisai is gaining popularity among the Tamil Youths.
Not only among the Tamil Youths, but also people who have searched history and have come to know that
KUTHU VARISAI IS THE MOTHER OF ALL EMPTY HAND FIGHTING SYSTEMS IN THE WORLD
are interested in learning this art. Kuthu Varisai is becoming popular in London, Canada and France today.
In Kuthu Varisai, the student is taught the Footwork (geometrical patterns) to move within a closed range or long range for escaping the strike of an opponent and to handle multiple attackers at the same time.
Generally, the student would be practicing the footwork patterns for about 3 months, before going into the Sandai paada Murai (Fight or Pair Combat lessons)
Kuthu Varisai maskes use of Fists, Elbows, Knees, Legs and Headbutts
Kuthu Varisi teaches strikes, grapplings, throws and locks.
Kuthu Varisai makes use of Animal based stances and sequences like tiger snake, elephant, eagle and monkey.
Monkey style in Kuthu Varisai
The picture to the left, shows Master Zacria Rahama, who teaches Kuthu Varisai, Silambam and Varma Kalai in France performing a Monkey Stance.
Each different stance has got a particular benefit on the students health and flexibility.
Advanced Kuthu Varisai students would be familiar with Pressure Point Strikes for Combat called "Varma Ati" and knows where to strike and how to strike the pressure point to cause devastating effects like dysfunction, death, delayed death or sometimes only severe pain etc.
NOW --Coming to the point, I am going to show you how
Kuthu Varisai gave birth to Bokator (Cambodian Martial Art)
Kuthu Varisai gave birth to Lerdrit, Muay Boran and Muay Thai (Thailand Martial Arts)
Kuthu Varisai and Silambam gave birth to Kali, Escrima and Arnis (Filipino Martial Arts)
Kuthu Varisai and Silambam gave birth to Ber-Silat and Pentcak-Silat (Indonesian Martial Arts)
But, before I go further, first
Punch into google search:
KUTHU VARISAI - A BASIC OUTLINE BY BENJAMIN FURROWS to understand this article fully
KUTHU VARISAI: THE ORIGIN OF BOKATOR
Before I start, I would like to tell you one thing. Unlike other Martial Arts, Kuthu Varisai and its practitioners are still shrouded in deep mystery.
What we see in YouTube is just a fraction of the original art.
The reason for this is because, REAL Kuthu Varisai practitioners DO NOT teach this art publicly to anyone and everyone who wants to learn this art.
In order to get knowledge about this art, and to learn this art, I had to go to the nook and corner of the villages in Thanjavur, Madurai and Nagercoil areas.
We all know that it was Raja Raja Cholan who built Angor Wat. It was during this time that the soldiers of Raja Raja Cholan taught both Kuthu Varisai and Silambam to the people of Cambodia.
Thuis Kuthu Varisai, later gave birth to another Martial Art in Cambodia named Bokator.
It is a Lethal and Practical street Martial Art.
Below i am linking a video of the History of Angor Wat and Bokator
In the Bokator portion, I am sure that those who have learnt Kuthu Varisai would know what is happening here.
THIS WAS HOW THE KHMERISH MARTIAL ART BOKATOR WAS FORMED.
KUTHU VARISAI AND SILAMBAM: THE ORIGIN OF LERDRIT, MUAY BORAN, MUAY THAI AND KRABI KRABONG:
Muay Boran (Ancient Muay Thai)
Lerdrit (Military Muay Thai)
Coming to know about the Martial Arts of Thailand we are sure that today, only Muay Thai is the common sports practiced here.
BUT, when we look at the History of Muay Thai, it is of no doubt that Muay Thai is only a SPORTS VERSION of Muay Boran.
Both Muay Boran and Lerdrit are practical and lethal martial arts.
The Cholas had very close ties with the people of Thailand.
All the inscriptions found in the South East Asian countries are in the Grantha script, in Tamil Language.
Chola traders worshipped karaikal
ammayar who was also called as "pei". Chola traders from
karaikal traded mostly with siam (thailand) and some settled there. One
such temple for karaikal ammayar(pei) is found in pimay,north east siam
Numerous Shiva Temples are found in Thailand.
NOT ONLY THAT -- EVEN TODAY THIRUPAVAI AND DEVARAM ARE SUNG IN THAILAND.
MOST OF THE THAILAND KINGS STARTED CALLING THEMSELVES AS CHOLAS.
Even Kamba Ramayana entered
thailand.Thais were devout hindus earlier. Thailand's earlier capital
was ayudhya(based on ramayana ayodhya).
The ramakin(ramayana) of thailand has
more similarities with kambaramayana than valmiki ramayana (annalum
nokkinal avalum nokkinal, mayil ravanan story which are unique to
kambaramayan appears in Ramakin.
Ramakin is a corrupt form of
"rama keerthi".
In Ramakin, rama is called as
'phra Ram'(Ramachandra prabu??) and seetha is called as 'nangsidha'
(nangai seetha ?)
AN ARAICHIMANI WAS TIED ON ALL THAI KINGS PALACE, BASED ON THE STORY OF MANU NEETHI CHOLAN
IT WAS DURING THIS PERIOD OF CHOLAS THAT THE THAI'S LEARNT THE FIGHTING ART OF THE CHOLAS, ESPECIALLY KUTHU VARISAI, WHICH LATER GAVE BIRTH TO LERDRIT AND MUAY BORAN.
THE ARMED MARTIAL ART OF THAILAND CALLED KRABI KRABONG WAS FROM VAAL VEECHU OF SILAMBAM MARTIAL ART (THE ARMED COMPONENT OF KUTHU VARISAI)
I AM SURE THAT ALL OF YOU ALL WOULD BE FAMILIAR THAT THE THAI MASSAGE IS VERY POPULAR, AND PEOPLE WHO VISIT THAILAND WOULD SURELY GO FOR A THAI MASSAGE.
THAI MASSAGE HAS ITS ROOTS IN VARMA KALAI MASSAGE FROM TAMIL NADU.
THIS IS ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS WHY THAI PEOPLE ARE VERY FRIENDLY WITH THE TAMILS.
THIS WAS HOW THAI MASSAGE AND THE MARTIAL ARTS OF THAILAND WERE DEVELOPED FROM TRADITIONAL TAMIL MARTIAL AND MEDICAL SYSTEMS
KUTHU VARISAI AND SILAMBAM: THE ORIGIN OF KALI, ESCRIMA AND ARNIS:
Unlike Thailand and Cambodia, The Filipino Martial Arts, which also had their roots in Traditional Tamil Arts, they give more importance to Weapon based arts.
The Armed Martial Art called Silambam in Tamil Nadu, is the predecessor of ALL Filipino MArtial Arts like Kali, Arnis and Escrima.
Double Short Stick Silambam
Rajendra Chola, son of the Raja Raja won many
countries in South East Asia. The inscription named all the countries and
islands he won around 1025 AD. K.A.Nilakanta Sastri, the greatest authority on
South Indian History has written about his conquests. But when he wrote about
the Cholas 75 years ago Laguna inscription was not discovere. Only Rajendra’s
Tamil inscription was known. Now we know Philippine islands were under Tamil
rulers even before Rajendra invaded South East Asian countries.
The Filipinos were ruled by the Cholas. It was during this time or even prior to that, that the Martial Arts of Kuthu Varisai and Silambam DOMINATED THE PHILIPPINES and gave birth to ALL THE 3 MARTIAL ARTS OF KALI, ESCRIMA AND ARNIS.
Especially, the Armed Martial Art of Silambam is the BASE for ALL Kali, Escrima and Arnis.
KUTHU VARISAI AND SILAMBAM: THE ORIGIN OF BER-SILAT AND PENTCAK-SILAT:
Ber Silat Demonstration
Pentcak Silat Demonstration
It is still such a wonder to see how the Armed Martial Art of Silambam has benn the DIRECT MOTHER OF MOST OF THE SOUTH EAST ASIAN MARTIAL ARTS.
Silambam students of France (Master Zacria Rahama)
Ber-Silat and Pentcak-Silat are also some of the children among the many children Martial Arts of Silambam.
When the Cholas had extensive Sea Trade with the Indonesians, the Weapons of Silambam Martial Art was one among the major trades with the Indonesians.
Both, Ber-silat and Pentcak-silat were born from Kuthu Varisai and Silambam.
Kuthu Varisai Padam
Beginners Kuthu Varisai Fight
BERSILAT AND PENTCAKSILAT MAKE USE OF WEAPONS AND EMPTY HANDS AS PRACTICED IN SILAMBAM AND KUTHU VARISAI.
THUS, WE SEE THAT ALL THESE SOUTH EAST ASIAN MARTIAL ARTS HAD THEIR ORIGIN IN KUTHU VARISAI AND SILAMBAM MARTIAL ARTS OF THE TAMILS.
