Koodiyattom In Kerala

The literal meaning of the title being concomitant dancing, it is another temple opera performed jointly by Chakyars and Nambiars.

They present mythological plays in Sanskrit through nine nights. It is an old form of art improved by Poet Thola, now performed only in certain major temples like Irinjalakkuda, Perinjanam, Kottiyur, etc.

Koodiyattam literally means "acting together". Koodiyattam evolved in the 9th century AD, based on Sage Bharatha's 'Natyasasthra' who lived in the second century.

Koodiyattam is basically a temple opera performed jointly by Chakyars and Nambiars community. The Chakkiars provide the male cast and the Nangiars playing the female roles.

The Nangiars beat the cymbals and recite verses in Sanskrit, while in the background Nambiars play the Mizhavu, a large copper drum. T

he Koodal Manickyam temple at Irinjalakkuda and the Vadakkumnatha temple at Thrissur are the main centres where Kootiyattam is still performed annually. Ammannoor Madhava Chakkiar is an unrivalled maestro of this rare art.