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About Us

The Ashram provides a sublime setting for the practice of kalaripayattu ,yoga and meditation, in an environment that is both serene and harmonious, perfectly aligned with Mother Nature.

Discover Atman Kalari Yoga Centre: A Legacy Of Wisdom And Inner Power

Founded in 2020 by the esteemed Sri Don Paul Gurukkal, Atman Kalari Yoga Centre transcends mere organization—it stands as a revered spiritual sanctuary dedicated to the authentic teachings of yoga, Kalari, and Vedanta. Our mission is deeply rooted in preserving the lineage of luminaries such as Sri Swami Sivananda Saraswati, Sri E.P. Vasudeva Gurukkal, and Sri Vishnudevananda Swami, enriching both the practice of self-defense and the pursuit of self-realization.

Nestled within Kerala’s tranquil forest ranges and offering breathtaking views of serene paddy fields, our Ashram provides an ideal setting for personal transformation and spiritual growth. Here, amidst nature’s embrace, we offer a haven where the profound teachings of Kalari and Yoga converge, initiating your journey towards inner harmony and holistic well-being.

Affiliations & Accreditations

WEAPON LICENSE FROM Collectorate

ATMAN Yoga Centre have obtained a weapon license from the collectorate, allowing me to possess and use traditional Kalari weapons for martial arts and cultural purposes.

Yoga Siromani Certification

ATMAN Yoga Centre proudly holds the prestigious Yoga Siromani certification from the prestigious International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, which signifies my dedication and expertise in the practice and teachings of yoga.

Certification From Cvn Kalari, Kaduthuruthy

Having a certification from Cvn Kalari in Kaduthuruthy is a significant achievement that showcases your expertise and training in Kalari, a traditional Indian martial art form.

Unlock The Ancient Wisdom: Where Shiva’s Teachings Meet Kalari & Yoga Mastery

Immerse yourself in the sacred arts of martial and spiritual wisdom, tracing their origins to the divine teachings of Lord Shiva to his cherished disciples. Our curriculum meticulously integrates the Northern Kalaripayattu system (Arappukai Sampradayam) with transformative teachings in Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga, and the Five Points of Yoga, as imparted by the revered Swami Vishnudevananda. Experience the harmonious integration of mind, body, and spirit through the foundational principles of proper exercise, breathing, diet, relaxation, positive thinking, and meditation.

At Atman Kalari Yoga Centre, our philosophy revolves around the holistic development of individuals through the ancient practices of Kalaripayattu and Yoga. We believe in fostering not only physical prowess but also mental clarity and spiritual enlightenment. Our approach is grounded in the belief that these timeless arts are not just physical disciplines but paths to inner transformation and self-discovery.

The Ashram’s location in Kerala’s forested landscapes adds an element of natural serenity and tranquility to the practice environment. Surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking peaceful paddy fields, the setting itself invites introspection and deepens the connection between body, mind, and nature. It’s a place where students can immerse themselves fully in their practice, away from the distractions of urban life.

The Lineage

Swami Sivananda

Swami Sivananda, a remarkable sage and doctor, dedicated his life to serving humanity. Born in Tamil Nadu in 1887, he displayed spiritual leanings from a young age. Despite his orthodox upbringing, he combined devotion with open-mindedness and a strong desire to serve. After practicing as a doctor, he felt a higher calling and renounced his medical career. Settling in Rishikesh, he meditated, found his guru, and embraced sannyas. Swami Sivananda embarked on extensive tours, spreading spiritual teachings and yoga practices. He founded the Sivananda Ashram, Divine Life Society, and the Yoga Vedanta Forest Academy, with the goal of sharing the wisdom of yoga and Vedanta. His teachings emphasized universal principles, uniting all paths of yoga into the Yoga of Synthesis: “Serve, Love, Give, Purify, Meditate, Realize.” His life was a shining example of love and service, leaving a lasting legacy worldwide. Swami Sivananda left his physical body on July 14, 1963, but his teachings continue to inspire countless people to this day, reminding us to serve, love, and seek spiritual realization in all aspects of life.

Swami Vishnudevananda.

Swami Vishnudevananda, a devoted disciple of Swami Sivananda, was born in Kerala, South India in 1927. He discovered Swami Sivananda’s teachings during his army career and, inspired by their immediacy, journeyed to meet his Master in Rishikesh. In 1947, he renounced his worldly life, took sannyas, and became the first professor of hatha yoga at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Forest Academy. Under Swami Sivananda’s guidance, he mastered advanced yoga techniques. In 1957, he embarked on a mission to spread yoga in the West, founding the first Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre in Montreal. For 37 years, he worked as a dedicated spiritual teacher and peace missionary, establishing centers worldwide. His motto, “Health is Wealth. Peace of Mind is Happiness. Yoga Shows the Way,” continues to inspire at Sivananda Ashrams and Centres globally. Swamiji’s legacy endures through his organization, dedicated to sharing yoga’s timeless wisdom. He left his physical body on November 9, 1993, leaving a lasting impact on the world.

Sri.E P Vasudeva Gurukkal.

E.P. Vasudevagurukkal, born in 1932 in Malaparambu near Calicut, India, displayed a lifelong passion for learning and mastering diverse skills. He received his initial Kalari training from his grandfather and furthered his knowledge under the guidance of Chandappan Gurukkal and Pathriyil Gopalan Gurukkal. In addition to martial arts, he delved into a wide range of disciplines, including magic, circus acrobatics, Judo, Yoga, and Hatha Yoga. His dedication to knowledge led him to establish a Kalari training center in Kaduthuruthy in 1959, where he trained over 10,000 students, both locally and internationally. Vasudevagurukkal gained global recognition through a BBC program, “Way of the Warrior,” and a documentary by Sir Edmund Hillary. He served as the vice president of the World Association of Martial Arts, received the Thapasiya Award, and was honored as ‘Maha Acharyan’ by the Kalari Sangam. He authored the book “Kalaripayatte: the own martial art of Kerala” and his legacy continues to thrive through his teachings and travels worldwide.

Sri.Don Paul Gurukkal.

Hailing from the spiritual heart of Thuruthy, India, our revered founder and teacher at Atman Kalari Yoga Centre is a true trailblazer in the world of martial arts. With a vision that transcends boundaries, he has breathed new life into the ancient art of Kalari by infusing it with the transformative power of Yoga and Tantra. In his eyes, the ultimate essence of martial arts lies in compassion and self-realization. He’s on a relentless mission to illuminate the world with this profound knowledge, offering a path that not only hones your martial skills but also nurtures your inner self. Join us on this extraordinary journey where tradition meets innovation, and martial arts become a vehicle for spiritual growth.

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