kalaripayattu

Kalariyil Dharmikam Ashram is a Center for Learning and Healing, dedicated to preserving the Ancient Indian Systems of Kalaripayattu and the complementary healing system of Kalari Chikitsa, as well as upholding the Spiritual traditions unique to India.

The self-contained, serene compound is an idyllic and lush Ashram setting in Southern Kerala. It was meticulously designed, planned and built with the goal in mind of each guest being immersed in nature, beauty and peace to facilitate Healing on every level.

It is home to the World-renowned Indian School of Martial Arts (ISMA) where the ancient art of Kalaripayattu – Southern style is practiced and taught; an Ayurvedic healing center offering Kalari Chikitsa and Ayurveda, and the Anjaneya Swami Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. 

Since its inception in 1983, ISMA and the Healing Center have been visited by thousands of students and guests from all over the world. Many students trained by Guruji in Kalaripayattu and Kalari Chikitsa have gone on to open their own thriving Centers throughout India, Europe, Australia, America and across the world. 

ISMA was started in 1983 by Guru Balachandran Nair to impart Indian Martial Arts training to younger generations. The original ISMA was established in Trivandrum, and in 2003 the Ashram was inaugurated as the headquarters of Kalariyil Dharmikam Ashram in Parasuvaikal, Trivandrum.  Both centers are currently active and accepting interested students of all levels. Kalariyil Dharmikam also has an Ayurvedic and Kalari Chikitsa Center. The Center regularly accepts patients for rejuvenation therapy and specific therapies for different ailments based on ancient Marma Chikitsa/pressure point therapy. The Ashram also houses several beautiful gardens and a Hanuman temple with daily bhajans and poojas for those seeking a spiritual retreat. Thus, Kalariyil Dharmikam exemplifies a unique healing experience of body, mind and spirit through physical exercises, herbal medicinal treatments and meditation practices. 

Our founder, Guru Balachandran Nair, also known as Satguru Dharamananda Swaroopa Hanuman Das, was one of the few great Masters responsible for carrying forward the traditions of Kalaripayattu and Marma Chikitsa. 
Hailing from a traditional warrior family, Guruji learned from his predecessors the importance of the Kalaripayattu tradition. From his youth to his passing in 2022, his entire life was devoted to preserving this martial art form for future generations and to imparting Spiritual and Practical wisdom to all.

Dr. Girish Balachandran Nair, son of the late Guruji, is the current Director of the Kalariyil Dharmikam Ashram and oversees the daily activities. He trained since age 3 in Kalari and Kalari Chikitsa, and was initiated into the spiritual path at age 15 by Swami Swaroopananda. Girish is also a practicing physician of modern medicine and currently practices in Michigan, USA. He envisions integrating Eastern and Western medicine for healing patients and providing the framework for better understanding of Kalari practices from a modern-day perspective. 

What we offer

Kalari Training
Kalaripayattu Training Courses are offered to students of all ages and levels of fitness. Students must simply have the desire, dedication and discipline required. Levels progress from Basic, through Intermediate, Advanced and Instructor Levels. Each stage advances the student’s physical and mental agility, as well as flexibility and strength. The practice includes weapons training, self-defense and knowledge of marma points.  Benefits of Kalari training include improved physical health, flexibility and strength as well as increased mental discipline and focus. 

Beyond the daily and weekly one on one training and group classes, there are yearly camps and workshops tailored to each level including on-going training for Senior Level Instructors. 

Kalari Chikitsa 
At the Treatment Center, we practice the sister science to Kalaripayattu, Kalari Chikitsa, which is an ancient  holistic healing approach with roots in the traditional Ayurveda and Siddhaveda systems.  

We have Ayurvedic doctors and Kalari technicians on staff to administer herbal remedies and medicines.

The therapies we offer are customized to each guests needs and length of stay.  Packages range from Rejuvenation and Detoxification, Postpartum care, Weight loss, to treatment plans addressing specific ailments, injuries, and lifestyle imbalances.  Medicinal oils used for massage combine ingredients grown and formulated here at the Ashram. We offer diet and lifestyle plans that are discussed in detail with our staff Doctors.

All packages include selected accommodations and 3 traditional South Kerala Vegetarian meals per day,  including vegetables grown in our organic farm, and dairy from our grass-fed cows.  Besides our prolific organic farm, and exuberant flower gardens, the Ashram grows acres of fruit trees including bananas, mango, papaya, jackfruit, coconut, and many tropical varieties indigenous to the area.

Other retreats offered at the Ashram include Yoga, Meditation and Spiritual Tourism.

Anjaneya Swami Temple 
Daily chanting and pujas, as well as monthly homams and ceremonies, are performed at our Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, which is the focal point of the Ashram, located next to the Kalari. The Temple is open to All.  It is a destination for locals, tourists and a beautiful added benefit for guests of the Ashram. 

Contact

Parasuvaikkal, P.O Parassala,
Thiruvananthapuram - 695508
Kerala, India

Mob: +91 7306490257, 9447125140
Email: info@dharmikam.com
Website: www.dharmikam.com