A meditative silence, resembling a hermitage, envelopes Sree Koodalmanikyam temple. The serenity is in tune with the form of the deity here, also in a meditative mood. As one enters the temple through the eastern Gopuram, a pyramid-like structure on the left catches the eye. This is the renowned Koothambalam of the temple where Koothu and Koodiyattam are performed every year on select occasions.
This was built with the support of the royal family of erstwhile Travancore in 1268 AD. Recently, it was given a facelift and renovated with the help of the Archaelogical Survey of India and rejuvenated as per Tantric rites.
Architectural marvel
Almost square in shape, the Koothambalam of this temple is unique in many ways. Three different rows of circumambulating pillars support the magnificent edifice — 32 stone pillars in the outer ring, 22 wooden pillars in the middle row and 14 huge wooden pillars in the inner circle.
“The acoustics are superb and a small whisper in the performance space could easily reach the audience sitting near and far alike,” vouches Ammannur Kuttan Chakyar who has been performing here for the past five decades.
The Koothambalam of Sree Koodalmanikyam temple at Irinjalakuda
The symmetrical, worked wooden panel is a treat to watch and this augers well for the acoustics. Also the spacious stage can easily accommodate the characters and permit their free movement with provisions for rhythmic and thalam accompanists.
The stage has four cylindrical pillars made of pazhukkai supporting a panel on which scenes from the Ramayanam, ‘Paalazhimathanam’ and Ashtadikhpaalakas are engraved.
Numerous other intricate carvings adorn the pillars and the whole roof is covered with copper plates. The space for the audience is also close to the stage, thereby enhancing the visual treat for the audience.
The Koothambalam was sanctified with tantric rites as there is a spiritual connection with the temple and they were performed in the Shaivite tradition, irrespective of the presiding deity.
This is because this place is conceptualised as Nandikeswara, the vehicle of Lord Siva.
A five-day Koodiyattam fete has been planned this year from December 27 to December 31. The last act of the Abhishekanatakam by Bhasa will be enacted with the purappad on the first day, Nirvahanam on the second and third day and Koodiyattam on the concluding days.
This act encompasses the portion of the Ramayana from Ravana’s death to Pattabhishekam and Agnipravesam of Sita. The character of ‘Fire’ (Agni), with its unique costume is a part to watch out for on the final day as Kuttan Chakyar dons this role. Also worth seeing is the role of Ascharya Lakshmanan on the fourth day.
Art as rituals
Moreover, certain ritualistic portions are involved here along with the dramatic sequences.
On the final day, the temple tantri in the role of Vasishta performs the rites in the kalasam (pots) in which rice is kept (not water) and during the coronation ceremony it is poured over the character of Lord Sreerama.
