Gurukkal (kalaripayattu)

Gurukkaḷ, derivied from Gurukula based on Guru-shishya traditional parampara, is a term used in the Malayalam language which means guru or teacher. Masters or teachers of yoga and Kalaripayattu are usually called gurukkaḷ or Asan. In Kalaripayattu, the master is also called a "Kalarigurukkaḷ". The word is derived from the Sanskrit word guru and the -kkaḷ ending indicates plurality. This is due to the practice in Malayalam of adding plural suffixes to words to indicate respect, even when only one person is being addressed or referred to, such as ācāryar or bhīṣmar.

Gurukkaḷ praying before a puttara, Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple