Kottarakkara is a town and taluk in Kollam District (formerly known as Quilon), in Kerala state , India. Historically, the small town was known as the land of palaces of kings in Kerala. Its earliest known palace construction is traced to the 14th century. Kottarakkara, also known in the ancient days of the kings as the Elayadathu Swarupam, was a principality ruled by a branch of the Travancore Royal Family. Its fame is also due to Kathakali, the famous dance drama which originated initially as Ramanattam created in the 17th century by Prince Kottarakkara Tampuran and later patronized by the Raja of Kottarakkara in early 19th century absorbing other dance forms of Krishnattam with further innovations. Other historical places of interest include the Ganapathi Temple and the over 700 year old Mar Thomas Church.
In 1835, it became part of the administrative unit of Kollam as part of the Travancore state which had two revenue divisions, the Kottayam and the Kollam. In 1949, it became part of the integrated state of Travancore and Cochin. The town Village, Block and Jilla and, of course, the state and central governments.
Kottarakkara is also famous for its rich heritage in promoting traditional martial art 'Kalaripayattu' which once flourished under the patronage of royal families. After the royal era the popularity of the art has declined and again it is showing signs of revival under the tutelage of some experts and well wishers.
Sreemangalom Kalari
Sreemangalom Kalari at Kottarakkara is made according to the traditional manner (Kuzhikalari) under the guidance and blessings of Sri. Lakshmanan Gurukkal (Hindustan Kalari, Kozhikode). The services of Sri. Lakshmanan Gurukkal are available at Srimangalom Kalari.
The main intention of this Kalari is to spread the goodness of 'Kalaripayattu' and associated treatment methods and make it available to the common folks, besides training on Kalaripayattu. Regardless of age any person with an interest in the art can enrol here for training. The Gurukkal according to the age and body type customize training program to each member.
The active presence of the doyens of Kalaripayattu like Sri Lakshmanan Gurukkal makes Srimangalom Kalari a highly enriched one. This is a place where the Kalari traditions are followed to the strictest way to give out the true value of the art to the aspiring people.
The promoters of Srimangalam Kalari are from Kottarakkara. They envisage a full-fledged traditional treatment centre at Srimangalom kalari for the ailments which are best treated with Kalari Massage and allied methods.
Lakshmanan Gurukkal
He is the descendant of Guru Veerasree Sami Gurukkal. Veerasree Sami Gurukkal a disciple of Guru Govindankutty nambiar ( disciple of Guru Kottackal Kanaran Gurukkal).
All these names evoke a lot of respect and admiration to Kalaripayattu lovers in Kerala. Their names are indelibly written in the annals of Kerala Kalaripayattu history, not because of their skills in the art but because of their whole hearted dedication for the propagation of the art to the aspiring Kalari lovers in Kerala, other parts of India and abroad.
The presence of Lakshmanan Gurukkal as the senior gurukkal at 'Sreemangalam kalari' is a boon to the students. The years of experience – Descendant of a family devoted to Kalari- A guru with total dedication to the art- A guru well versed with the traditions- A guru who knows the intricacies of Marma Chikilsa and much more than what can be described by words.
The Kalari 'Sreemangalam' will be a place for the total rejuvenation for the body mind and spirit. Under the expert guidance of Laksmanan gurukkal the 'Marma Chikilsa' also will be performed here for the needy.
The lineage
The legendary Kalari master of Kerala Sri Kottackal Kanaran Gurukkal - Guru Govindan Kutty Nambiar gurukkal ( first disciple of Kanaran Gurukkal) - Guru Veerasree Sami Gurukkal (founder of famous Hindustan Kalari , Kozhikode in 1950) - Guru, Lakshmanan gurukkal ( (son of Sami Gurukkal) and it will continue...
Guru Lakshmanan was introduced to Kalaripayattu at a tender age by his father Sami Gurukkal . Being born in a devoted Kalari family made him an adept in the art and soon he along with his brother Shatrughnan gurukkal and sister Radhika gurukkal was leading 'Hindustan kalari' to new dimensions by giving the art a lot of exposure in other parts of India and abroad.
