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| Haripad Koothambalam, Yappe.in |
Above images: The Koothambalam in Haripad, Kerala, is part of the Haripad Sree Subrahmanya Swamy temple(said to be more than 3000 years old)established by lord Parasurama. The purpose of Koothambalam is to serve as an auditorium for Koothu, Nangiar koothu, and Koodiyattam - ritualistic artforms native to Kerala.
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| Sketch. A section of of Haripad Koothambalam. keralamuseum.org |
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| Roof structure of Haripad Koothambalam. keralamuseum.org |
Above images; Wooden frame work of Koothambalam Image credit for top and bottom: Ms.Gopika Jayasree...........
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| Koothambalam, Koodalmanikyam temple thehindu.com |
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| koothambalam of Sree Koodalmanikyam temple hindu.com |
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| koothambalam of Sree Koodalmanikyamth hindu.com |
Above image: The koothambalam of Sree Koodalmanikyam temple in Irinjalakuda, Kerala is a divine place for Koodiyattam. A serene hermitage like place where meditative mood permeates in the dancing space at the temple. Koothambalam not only preserves hallowed traditional temple artforms but also provides a spiritual experience, blending religious rituals with divinity......the Natyamandapas,(temple theatres) where nritya (dance) and natya (drama) were performed as rituals to propitiate the gods. These also provided moral education and aesthetic enjoyment to the sophisticated and the cultured as also to the common man” — Govardhan Panchal. The theaters, such as those in Vadakkunnathan Temple (Thrissur) and Koodalmanikyam Temple (Irinjalakuda),Guruvayur,etc., remain vibrant centers for Kerala’s artistic and cultural traditions. ......
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| Koothambalam Vadakkumnathan temple,Trissur KE tripadvisor.com |
The Koothambalam, or "temple of dance," is a unique architectural marvel built for the traditional dance-drama koodiyattam in Kerala. These temple theatres, which emerged as a distinct architectural form by the 15th century, are more than just performance venues; they are considered as sacred as the sanctum sanctorum itself, with the belief that the deity is present during a performance. The Koothambalam's design, rooted in vastu shastra, ensures a deep connection between the performers and the divine. Its alignment is always parallel to the temple's sanctum or Sree Kovil, with actors facing the deity.
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| Guruvayoor Koothambalam, KE onmanorama.com |
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| Koothu at Koothmbalam, Kerala,Instagram.com |
Koothambalam: The Built Form and Performance Space
The built form of a Koothambalam consists of three main parts: a raised stone plinth, a superstructure of concentric pillar rows, and a massive timber roof. Its dimensions are determined by the specific pada module, which aligns with the principles of the golden ratio for optimal acoustics. The interior is thoughtfully divided into a performer's half and a spectator's half. The performer's area includes the rangamandapa (stage) and nepathya (green room). A traditional curtain, the thirasheela, covers the stage, held by two assistants. The audience, traditionally segregated by gender and social status, sits on the floor on three sides of the stage, collectively known as the rangabhoomi.
A notable feature is the steeply sloping timber roof, which is crucial for the theatre's acoustics. The roof's triangular cross-sections, created by ottankoti kazhukol, stabilize the structure and manage wind load. The high volume of the room, combined with irregular rafters and convex carvings, scatters sound and prevents echoes, ensuring that the unamplified sound of the performance reaches every corner. The only light source historically was a dim, flickering bell metal lamp, requiring performers to act close to the stage center for visibility.A Historical and Architectural Survey
Koothambalams are categorized into three scales—jeshtam (largest), madhyamam (medium), and kanishtam (smallest)—based on their perimeter. The existing Koothambalams can be found in two main geographic clusters. The northern cluster is centered around the Vadakkumnathan Temple in Thrissur, with neighboring temples at Guruvayoor, Kottapadi, Thiruvegappura, and Panniyur. Sadly, the Koothambalams at Kottapadi and Panniyur no longer exist. To the south of Vadakkumnathan, other significant Koothambalams include those at Peruvanam, Koodalmanikyam, and Thirumuzhikkulam, all of which were reconstructed in the 18th and 19th centuries. The southern cluster is spread across Kottayam and Alappuzha districts, featuring Koothambalams at Thirunakkara, Arpookara, Thiruvarp, Kitangur, Haripad, and the remaining plinth at Chengannur.
A recent survey of thirteen Koothambalams has shed light on their historical evolution, tracing four major construction periods. The oldest structures in the northern region date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, while southern Koothambalams primarily date from the 18th century. The most elaborate ones in Thrissur were reconstructed in the 19th century, while the most recent reconstructions at Thirumoozhikkulam and Thiruvegappura occurred in the 20th century. Researchers believe that more remains of these unique theatres are yet to be discovered.
Significance and Conservation
The architectural uncertainty of these structures, as noted by Gopika Jayasree, highlights the vulnerability of the artform itself to shifting patronage. The decline of the Chakyar community, the traditional custodians of koodiyattam, poses a threat to both the art and the physical structures. The unwritten rule that only Chakyars can perform inside some Koothambalams further complicates efforts to revive the artform. To conserve these unique theatres, initiatives such as those at Vadakkumnathan, Guruvayoor, and Koodalmanikyam are crucial. These projects aim to revive the Koothambalams' original purpose rather than repurposing them. The preservation of these structures requires skilled craftsmen, matching materials, and significant funding, emphasizing the importance of securing their invaluable cultural and architectural legacy for future generations. This post is based on
https://keralamuseum.org/article/erforming-at-the-temple-the-artistic-odyssey-of-koothambalam
https://navrangindia.blogspot.com/2025/05/koothambalam-of-kerala-hindu-temples.html
https://www.navrangindia.in/2019/09/shifting-of-entire-koothambalam-181.html
https://www.koodalmanikyam.com/temple.html
https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/the-koothambalam-at-koodalmanickyam-temple-irinjalakuda-stands-tall-as-a-performance-space-conforming-to-aesthetic-and-ritualistic-sensibilities/article24386362.ece
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