International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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Guru Shishya Parampara in Varmakalai and Bharatanatyam

Author(s) Mrs. Dilna K
Country India
Abstract The Guru–Shishya Parampara, the traditional teacher–disciple system of India, has ensured the continuity of cultural, artistic, and spiritual traditions for thousands of years. Unlike modern institutionalized methods of learning, this model is rooted in a personal relationship between the Guru and the Shishya, where knowledge is not only imparted but embodied through lived experience, ethical responsibility, and spiritual guidance. This paper explores the role of the Guru–Shishya Parampara in two key traditions of Tamil culture: Varmakalai, the martial and therapeutic science of vital points, and Bharatanatyam, the classical South Indian dance form codified by the Nāṭyaśāstra and refined in temple traditions. Both traditions, though different in outward expression, share a common reliance on the Guru–Shishya model as the foundation of continuity, authenticity, and discipline. The study discusses historical foundations, pedagogical structures, ethical frameworks, and spiritual dimensions of Guru–Shishya Parampara, while also presenting case studies of significant Gurus such as Siddhar Agastya, the Tanjore Quartet, and Rukmini Devi Arundale. Finally, the paper reflects on the challenges of modernity, globalization, and commercialization, and argues that the Guru–Shishya Parampara remains not only relevant but essential for preserving the authenticity and transformative power of India’s intangible heritage.
Keywords Guru–Shishya Parampara; Varmakalai; Bharatanatyam; Tamil Siddha tradition; Nāṭyaśāstra; pedagogy; oral transmission; embodied learning; spiritual education; cultural preservation.
Field Arts
Published In Volume 7, Issue 5, September-October 2025
Published On 2025-10-25
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i05.58728
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