Temple art forms in Kerala

The main temple arts of Kerala are Koothu, Koodiyattam, Kathakali, Ramanattam, Krishnanattam, Thullal, Ashtapadiyattam etc. These art forms have been named temple arts because they have developed in connection with temples. Earlier, temple arts were performed in specially prepared theatres in temples.

Koothu - Koothu is also known as Chakyar Koothu as it was traditionally performed only by the Chakyar community of Kerala. Koothu is performed based on Sanskrit texts called 'Champus'. The themes of these are stories from Puranas and Epics. Acting and dialogue play an equal role in Koothu. 

Koodiyattam - Koodiyattam is the only ancient Sanskrit drama form that still exists. Koodiyattam is performed in a stage called Koothambalam in the temple premises. The mizhavu is the main instrument used in Koodiyattam. It takes 41 days to perform a complete Koodiyattam. In Koodiyattam, the jester speaks in Malayalam and the other characters speak in Sanskrit. Koodiyattam is performed by Chakyar (male character) and Nangyar (female character). Koodiyattam is the first Indian dance form to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List (2001).

Kathakali -  One of the best classical forms of India, Kathakali has brought Kerala world fame. There is no other art form like it in the world that combines music, literature, acting, dance, instruments, painting and sculpture. In the early days, Kathakali was known as the Vettathu Sampradayam. The main instruments used in Kathakali music are Chenda, Maddalam, Idakka, Ilathalam and Chengila. Sopana music is used for Kathakali. Kelikottu is the first ceremony in Kathakali and Dhanashi is the last ceremony in Kathakali. The roles in Kathakali are mainly divided into five - Pacha, Kaththi, Thadi, Kari and Minuku. Hasta lakshana Deepika is the book that is the basis of Kathakali mudras. In this, 24 mudras are described.

Ramanattam - Ramanattam, created by Kottarakkara Thampuran in the 17th century, evolved into Kathakali. This art form was presented in Manipravala language, a mixture of Malayalam and Sanskrit.

Krishnanattam - Krishnanattam is a temple art form that emerged in the 16th century under the encouragement of the Zamorin of Kozhikode. Krishnanattam is the predecessor of Kathakali. The facial makeup, chutti, kuppayam, kadaka kundalam, udutukettu, etc. of the characters in Krishnanattam inspired the costumes of Kathakali in later times. The order of presentation of Krishnanattam is as follows: keli, arangukeli, thotayam, purappadu, kathavataranam, and dhanashi.

Thullal - Thullal is known as the Kathakali of the poor. Thullal was first introduced by Kunchan Nambiar in the 18th century. Thullal, which is simple and effective, has three variants. Parayan is performed in the morning, Shitangan in the afternoon and Ottan in the evening. The first Thullal work is Kalyana Saugandhikam. Thullal is an art form that has gained popularity in temple arts.

Ashtapadiyattam - Ashtapadiyattam is an art form developed by the Chakyans based on the work 'Geetha Govindam' written by Jayadeva. Ashtapadi is sung in many temples in Kerala, especially in Vishnu temples.