Varma Kalai

Varma Kalai (Tamil: வர்மக்கலை) originated from ancient Tamil Nadu (in South India). The word Varmam means "The Vital Points" and Kalai means "The Art". The name of the art literally translate as "The Art of Vital Points". While the art is about mastering the human vital points to help cure several diseases, it is at the same time a high form of Martial Arts.

It is believed that Lord Siva taught this art form to Agathiar (Tamil:அகத்தியர், Telugu:అగస్త్య, Sanskrit:अगस्त्य, Malay: Anggasta, Thai: Akkhot), foremost of the Siddhar's, lived during the times of Sangam Literature. He transferred the knowledge of this art to other Siddhar's and he also wrote many scripts on this art in Tamil. It is believed that Agathiar learned this art and did more research in Kutraalam (Tamil: குற்றாலம்), Agathiar's shrines in Kutraalam region stands to be a proof for this belief.

Varma Kalai has always been 'an art of healing' and as well as 'a decisive martial art'. When Siddhar's reveal this art to common, they also gave a detailed instructions on How a master shall select a disciple (Characteristics of Varma Kalai disciple), Conduct of disciples, Instructions and Conduct of the Masters, When Varma Kalai shall be used upon combat, Healing the victim hurt by Varma Kalai, etc.

Varma Kalai is classified into 4 types:

• Thodu Varmam

96 Vital Points triggered by a touch. Not deadly, but will affect the victim by disabling the body, organ movements and function.

• Padu Varmam

12 Vital Points that are fatal, cause immediate, severe effect upon the victim.

• Thattu Varmam

Decisive Vital points that are used by the master. These are kept confidential until the master pass on the knowledge to the selected disciple

• Nooku Varmam (also known as) Meitheenda Kalai

Triggering vital points by focusing/ concentrating on the target. It takes several years of sincere practice for one to become an expert in Nooku Varmam.

In human body there are 108 Varmam's (Vital points) they are:

Vital Points	Part of Human body
25	From head to neck
45	From neck to navel
9	From navel to arm
14	Arms
15	Legs

According to Vaidhiya murai (Healing therapy under Siddha medicine) the vital points are explained as:

Vital Points	Functions
64	Vadha Varmam
24	Pitha Varmam
6	Kaba Varmam
6	Ul Varmam
8	Thattu Varmam

Below listed are some of the Varma Kalai manuscripts:
Agasthiyar Varma Thiravukol
Agasthiyar Varma Kandi
Agasthiyar Oosi Murai Varmam
Agasthiyar Vasi Varmam
Varma Odivu Murivu
Agasthiyar Varma Kannadi
Varma Varisai
Agasthiyar Mei Theendakalai