At the Athmarekshitham retreat, you will engage in martial arts training that incorporates the ancient art of Varma Vidya (a traditional Indian practice focusing on vital points in the body) and Kalaripayattu. You'll practice yoga, focusing on Prana (life energy in Indian philosophy) and Mudra (symbolic hand gestures). Additionally, you'll learn self-defense techniques and how to apply them in various scenarios, including unarmed combat through Kaya Reksha (a form of self-control training). The training is rooted in Siddha medicine, enhancing your understanding of body mechanics and control. All teachings are delivered by experts from a lineage of traditional Siddha physicians and martial artists, providing an authentic and deeply cultural learning experience.
Participating in the Athmarekshitham retreat will help you build self-control by improving your fitness through disciplined physical exercises and martial arts training. These activities not only enhance your physical strength and agility but also require mental focus and perseverance, teaching you to manage your body and emotions effectively. The integration of meditation practices further supports your ability to maintain calm and control under stress, contributing to overall self-colntrol.
Begin by setting aside a dedicated time each day for practicing the martial arts and yoga techniques you learned during the retreat. This will help in sustaining the benefits of retreat over time.
Deva Vidya Gurukulam, where you'll attend the Athmarekshitham retreat, is a sanctuary for traditional wellness practices. Nestled in Trivandrum, this center draws upon the ancient knowledge of Siddha medicine and martial arts to offer a unique healing and learning experience. Here, you engage directly with age-old techniques like Varma Vidya and Kalari Payattu, under the guidance of lineage-holders in martial arts and Siddha practitioners. The Gurukulam's focus on traditional therapies and physical training provides a holistic approach to your physical and mental wellbeing, connecting you deeply with Indian cultural heritage.
Premnath comes from an ancient lineage of traditional Siddha physicians and martial artists dating back around 600 years in Kerala, India. His speciality lies in blending various traditional healing practices such as Siddha Vaidyam, Kayakalpa treatments, Tantra, and Kalaripayattu to maintain and nurture youthful vigour and vibrant health in his patients. His unique expertise lies in his use of the "Pancha Prana Shuddhi" method, which is said to remove premature senility, and deformation due to one's lifestyle.
Trivandrum, or Thiruvananthapuram, is a city that blends serene landscapes with cultural heritage, making it an ideal setting for wellbeing retreats. Surrounded by the Arabian Sea and lush hills, its environment promotes tranquility and relaxation. The city is known for its Ayurvedic centers and yoga retreats that leverage the natural bounty and peaceful atmosphere, offering holistic health experiences deeply rooted in traditional Indian wellness practices.
The most suitable time to experience the Athmarekshitham retreat at Deva Vidya Gurukulam is during the cooler, drier months from October to March, when the climate in Trivandrum is most pleasant for physical activities and outdoor training.
Ancient text name: Dhanurveda (dated between 2nd century BCE and 4th century CE)
Ancient text name: Sushruta Samhita (circa 6th century BCE)
Ancient text name: Malla Purana (circa 13th century CE)
Title: Exploring the Relevance of Cultural Resource Management: A Case Study of Kalaripayattu
