| Kalari |
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| The traditional training of Kalarippayattu a martial art of Kerala a small state in south India, is always done inside the Kalari which is specially constructed practicing area.
Every Kalari have a Puttara (Meaning platform where flowers are kept in Malayalam language). Its a seven tired platform and located in the South-West corner of every Kalari. Here is where the guardian deity is located. Flowers, incense and water is given to the deity everyday. Before each person starts practicing they pray to the deity. Not only is the Kalari a temple of learning, it is also a temple of religious worship with a cult and ritual of its own. |
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| Traditionally the Kalari is constructed by digging the ground 4 feet in depth and removing the inside soil. This is usually called KuzhiKalari Kuzhi means portions formed by caving in the earth in Malayalam language.
The kalari will be facing the east, ie the entrance will be in the east. This is to get morning sun light. The length will be in the east-west. Another consideration taken when constructing the kalari is that it will be built in the south-west side of the main plot. Usually the length of the kalari will be 42 ft. in length (East-West) and 21 ft. in width (North-South). The floor will be leveled using mud. All kalari will have a Puttara in South-West corner. |
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