"Kharag Singh greatly intoxicated in spirit of Rudra. He showed great nimbleness in the field as if a greatly blessed dancer...the battlefield consider has become a 'Rang Bhumi' (field of colour/dance)"
(Dasam Guru Granth Sahib)
The battlefield aspect of Sanatan Shastar Vidiya known as 'Yudh Vidiya' is far more comprehensive and sophisticated in scope, technique and concept than its simpler self-defence aspect. As with the self-defence world, the battlefield art utilises unarmed, armed, appropriate tactics and strategy integrated in one seamless war system.� For those who wish to dedicate their life to it, it has much to offer. The tenth Sikh Guru Gobind Singh had stated:
"The 'As' sword, 'Kirpan' sword, 'Khanda Kharag' sword, the musket, the battle axe, and the arrow these [weapons] are my 'Pirs' (Gurus)."
(Dasam Guru Granth Sahib, Shastar Naam Malla, 3)
In this context the weapons are considered to be the Guru's Guru; at an advanced level, one looks upon Shastar Vidiya training as sacred worship dedicated to upholding Dharma. As such, it is spoken of as 'Shastar Pooja' (the worship of weapons) within the training school. The weapons in turn represent 'Shiv Shakti' - the source and guardians of Dharma; 'Shastar Pooja' thus becomes the worship of Shiva and the goddesses mother the Devi, i.e., Mahakal and Kalika. Guru Gobind Singh, whilst speaking of his previous incarnation wrote:
"There, I did great penance contemplating Mahakal and Kalika."
(Dasam Guru Granth Sahib, Bachitter Natak, part 6, verse 2)
A famed Sikh historical source speaks of the Guru stating:
"The 'Kharag' sword is greatly loved by the immortal One � 'Akal Purakh'; it adorns his standard. They, [the weapons] are the form of the primordial power 'Chandi'; they are eternally worthy of worship."
(Kavi Santokh Singh, Siri Gur Partap Suraj Granth (Suraj Parkash), ed. Bhai Vir Singh, 14 Volumes, (Bhasha Vibhag Punjab, 1991), 11:5337)
The Yudh Vidiya form of Sanatan Shastar Vidiya deals with:
- One on one engagements.
- One against multiple assailants.
- Traditional skirmishing techniques.
- Traditional ambushing techniques.
- Traditional house / fort /encampment clearing techniques.
- Traditional battle formations.
- Disarming edged weapons and firearms.
- Countering devious 'Thugee' (strangler) and 'Shurabaj' (knife) attackers.
- Traditional restraining and arresting techniques.
- Projectile weapons, such as throwing blades, 'chakars' (quiots), and none-edged weapons.
- Traditional Indian battle stratagem and tactics.
- 'Sanjam Kiriya Variyam' (a martial yoga focusing on instilling self-discipline amongst warriors)
- Traditional field medicine.
- A rich tapestry of oral tradition, which includes Akhara and Shastar Vidiya history catering for those who desire it; it is inextricably linked with Punjabi Hindu Sikh history.
