Ashram

Dharmikam Ashram is an idyllic space in which to retreat. It is home to the world-renowned Indian School of Martial Arts, Kalari Chikilsa Healing Center and the Anjaneya Swami Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Guests stay in traditional sun-filled accommodations, all with private baths and sit-outs. There are various gardens and a variety of ways to personalize a retreat. If you are interested in luxury suites with air conditioning, internet and other amenities, those accommodations can be provided. You may wish to partake in any or all the modalities offered here, or you may wish to simply spend time in the rich, vibrant natural surroundings. The lush gardens and beautiful structures reflect the richness of the ancient teachings. One of the highlights of the Ashram, beautifully and dutifully planned and built by Guru Hanuman Das, is a stunning garden that houses a large stone idol of Hanuman, whose hand is open in a gesture of blessing to his devotees.

Ashram Leadership

Amma, late Guruji's wife, and a spiritual companion had dedicated her life to her husband. She had immersed herself for years doing daily chants, poojas, and meditation to the Supreme Self. Often quiet, she is known for her silent strength and advice that she had provided to Guruji and all the other people. Kindhearted and loving, she spreads her message of love and peace as the Ashram's spiritual head overseeing all the activities at the Ashram.

Dr. Girish Balachandran Nair, son of the late Guruji, is the Director of the Kalariyil Dharmikam Ashram. Trained since age 3 in Kalari and Kalari Chikitsa, he oversees the activities at the Ashram and determines future directions. He was initiated into the spiritual path at the age of 15 by Swami Swaroopanda. He is a practicing physician of modern medicine in Michigan, USA, and envisages integrating Eastern and Western medicine for healing patients.

Suji Kuriakose is the senior instructor. He has been training with Guruji since age 13 and has established a school at Muttom, Thodupuzha. He oversees the Kalari classes and treatment.

Nancy Kollander is a senior devotee of the Ashram from the United States. She first met Swamiji in April 2001 and came to India at least once a year since then. She now spends most of her time, dedicating her life to doing good in the world, including seva and education. She is the communication head of Ashram.

Meditation

The Ashram is a place of peace and tranquility immersed in Nature. You will discover waterfalls, caves, gardens, lotus ponds, and open areas, all conducive to reflection and attaining a quiet and present mind. These areas were designed to not only showcase the Ashram’s natural beauty but to enhance meditative practices.

Meditation is any practice that connects the mind and the body. Its purpose is to help increase both physical and mental peace and calm, which also helps one to live more fully in the present moment. It is also considered a type of mind-body complementary medicine, as it can produce a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind to facilitate healing.

Temple

The central attraction located within the Ashram grounds is the magnificent temple, Anjaneya Swami Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, where daily rituals and celebrations take place. The Temple itself has been a destination for pilgrims from Kerala and all over India. All are welcome to join the daily, weekly, and monthly elaborate ceremonies that are awe-inspiring and showcase the devotion for which Hindu Temples and India in general, are known. Individual Poojas and Homes can be scheduled and performed at the Temple and would be booked through our office.

For many, many centuries, Gurus have passed down this rich spiritual heritage to their disciples. Guru Balachandran Nair, also known as Satguru Dharmanandha Swaroopa Hanuman Das Swamiji, is the one responsible for this preservation at the Ashram. According to the traditional Guru-Shishya Parampara, the disciple takes up residence with the teacher in the Ashram. This allows him to teach Kalaripayattu and Kalari Chikilsa to the disciple in an authentic way.

Because of this authentic tradition, Kalariyil Dharmikam Ashram plays an important role in preserving India's traditions, wisdom, and values.

Temple worship history

According to tradition, there is daily worship of God in the Temples of India. It is not as much a ritual as a way of life. It is meant for

Physical exercise- as one walks around the temple or shrines
Meditation- By focusing on the divine sculpture (made of wood, metal, or stone), concentration and peace of mind are developed
Exchange of knowledge and information among the devotees
Refreshing the mind through chanting mantras and listening to spiritual scholars and pundits, and,
Recharging the mind and body through the sacred fire which transmits the magnetic and medicinal effects of the water, flowers, twigs, etc. used in the poojas. Besides the personal benefits, Temples offer social and economic benefits to the community.

The Ashram Temple is devoted to Lord Hanuman, who symbolizes devotion, and physical prowess, and although he possessed supernatural abilities, he was humble and often seen with folded hands. Hanuman's most important virtues to be emulated are perseverance, pragmatism, strength, sense of humor, selflessness, devotion, true surrender, loyalty and humility.

ALL are welcome to visit, observe, learn, and take in the beauty of our Temple, no matter your culture, religion, or personal belief system.

Spiritual Practices

Practicing spirituality is the path one takes to realize the self and to become one with God, or the ultimate truth. This ultimate truth is described as "Satchidanand", consisting of the words "Sat", meaning ‘truth', "Chit", meaning ‘intellect' and "Anand", meaning ‘bliss' or ultimate happiness.

Instinctively all humans are looking for these things. Nobody likes to be lied to, everybody prefers the truth. Nobody likes to be told that they are not smart. Everybody wants to be happy. Everything we do in our lives, the choices we make, are all because we believe it will make us happy. Usually we look for this happiness outside ourselves in the material world. Only, material things tend to give us temporary happiness. This is because material items are of temporary nature. Since the "Atma" or the soul is immortal, only something that is of immortal nature can give us true and permanent happiness. We can only realize this by turning inward and by looking for this happiness within ourselves. For this, one needs to practice.

Kalariyil Dharmikam Ashram conducts several practices that stimulate spiritual growth. While all activities and practices, from the temple activities to the martial arts practice and treatments at the Ashram are of spiritual nature and help to grow spiritually, certain practices are specifically for this purpose.

Thank you ashram and thank you Swamiji.

Thank you to Swamiji For his help and his consultation. I cleared up many doubts and confusion that I have, in my mind. Swamiji and his staff help me with the physical treatment of very high quality, which helps me to recover my health very fast. The ashram is a beautiful place to stay. The people are friendly and everything was fantastic. For sure I will visit again in the future.

NICOLO FERRARI

Dear Guruji,

When I came here I realized that I should have raised my son here under your care and guidance in the ashram. My son connected with his inner self here and for that, I will always have gratefulness in my heart for Kalariyil Dharmikam. Thank you, Guruji.

Regards,

BOBBY ROY CHOUDHURY

I, Tejas, Age 30, have been part of this Ashram for a long time now. One month ago, I got a shock in the form of a blood test report, which said that my fasting blood sugar was 480. I did a postprandial blood sugar test and it was around 550! Hb-AIC which indicates the status of diabetes was at 10g, which meant I have had undiagnosed and uncontrolled diabetes for some time. I immediately called Swamiji and told him about it. He advised me to come here, to the Aashram, for treatment, to which I listened.

Swamiji first asked me to go to a good hospital nearby, where he arranged for me to undergo a complete physical check-up, including sonography of my internal organs, cardiac echo, and other tests.

After examining those reports he created a treatment plan and explained it to me. He gave me Ayurvedic medicines, medicinal food, and other treatment.

In LESS THAN ONLY A WEEK my sugar level came down. After only two weeks my sugar level was consistently around 110. Now after 1 month I am leaving with a blood sugar of around 92! He did it without any allopathic medicine!!!. Swamiji, you saved my life, And this was not the first time you saved me either. I can never thank you enough

THEJAS

MAHARASHTRA

I thank Guruji for all his help provided in our bad times, his experience and transfer nature is unique. I think the whole ashram for the unexpected service provided to us.

PRAGATEJ H KHARAT

MUMBAI

Have a great experience visiting here, experiencing the natural atmosphere, and learning many things about KALARIPPAYATTU and its history. and had great interaction with Guru and staff members.

N. DHANABHARATHIMEENA

TAMILNADU

We had a rejuvenating experience at the Ashram, especially my Mother who was cured. The ambiance of peace and quiet was much needed from the city life, hectic and chaotic found peace and much-needed rest. Thank you, Swamiji. looking formant to coming back again.

USHA SURI, PRETHAP SURI, GEETHA SURI

HYDERABAD

I have a great experience when I look at my son very good, great experience. He learns about many things. Guruji was great. I think Guruji’s staff members are very nice, thanks to everyone who works with Guruji.

LIMBODRI GOUD & NIVED GOUD

TELANGANA

I am JITENDRA, age 44 yrs, I have come from Lucknow for the treatment of my shoulder pain. I am thankful to Swamiji and everyone here who helped me with the treatment and my recovery. I feel much better now and am going back tomorrow in better health than I came here.

I also visited in 2010 for treatment of my big toe which was injured due to slipping when I was running. That time I took treatment for 15 days and my big toe recovered very much within those 15 days and became completely healthy within a month after going back from here. My heartfelt thanks to Swamiji and everyone here.

JITENDRA

LUCKNOW

How shall I even start to describe my time at the Kalariyil Dharmikam Ashram. Let me try with Gratefulness, Love, Strength, Community, Compassion, Laughter and lots of food.

The ashram family is exactly that- a family that will make you feel included as one of their own. They share without a shred of a doubt, they support with all their kindness, they go above and beyond for you all just to make you happy and feel loved.

I don’t want to choose which part I liked best- martial arts on the rooftop in the palm trees, treatments that make everyone look 20 years younger, breathtaking temples and spiritual energy wherever you go, a connection to god around you and in yourself by beautiful created poodjas or the mediation in caves or shrines- always connected to nature, always with gratitude to those who came before us, who taught us and who always will be with us.

But if had to choose it would be the people because even without all that without the amazing hospitality, the food, the comfort of the accomodation, I would always and will always return for its people.

I came in search for something within me but what I found was unconditional love all around me that made me believe again that we are taking care of all of us within us. So I am leaving for now with lot’s of colourful memories and energizing love that will always be part of me from this day on.

To these amazing people that made me and will make you believe in the change for the better again. I love you