![]() ![]() ![]() Varma kalai is attributed to several siddhar (sages), namely Agastya, Bogar, Theriyar and Pulipani. The national museums of Sri Lanka have documented at least 86 nila and their functions. Warriors would learn to attack certain nila on opposing war-elephants during battle, which could either kill or frighten the animals. Prodding particular nila with a stick elicits various responses such as bringing the animal under control or making them kneel. Known as nila, learning these points on an elephant's body was and remains necessary for mahouts. Knowledge of the body's vital points in India included not only humans but also elephants. With numerous other scattered references to Varmam in Vedic and epic sources, it is certain that Tamil Nadu's early fighters knew and practiced attacking and defending vital points. Siddha medicine is also attributed to Agastya. Nadars tribe believes varma kalai was given to them by Agastya. While disguised as an old man, Murugan passed the knowledge of 108 Varmams to the sage Agastya who then recorded it and disseminated the skill among his students. ![]() Folklore traces varma kalai to the god Shiva who is said to have taught it to his son Murugan. ![]()
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