Koothambalam

Koothambalam is a theater hall for staging Koothu and Koodiyattam, the ancient dramatic art forms of Kerala, India. Koothambalams are constructed according to Nātyasāstra of Bharata Muni. It is considered as sacred as the temple sanctum itself. It is constructed within the premises of a Temple and usually the structure is about 16m long and 12m broad with a 4m square platform supported by pillars in the center. During show, the stage is decorated with fruit-bearing plaintains, bunches of coconuts and festooned with the fronds of the coconut palm. The 'para' filled with rice is placed on the stage. The 'Nilavilakku' is used for lighting the stage. The stage will have the Mizhavu, a percussion instrument accompanying Koothu, placed within a railed enclosure, with a high seat for the drummer.

Only men from the Chakyar community are allowed to perform Koothu and Koodiyattam inside the Koothambalam. The women of Ambalavasi Nambiar caste- Nangyarammas, play Nangyarkoothu and the lady characters of Koodiyattam. The traditional Ambalavasi Nambiars play the Mizhavu.

Famous Temples with Koothambalams include the Guruvayur Temple, Vadakkumnathan Temple, Koodalmanickyam Temple etc. The Kerala Kalamandalam houses a beautiful Koothambalam.

References

* Natyakalpadrumam, by Padma Shri Guru Mani Madhava Chakyar, Sangeet Natak Akademi- New Delhi , 1975.

ee also

* Nātyakalpadruma
* Nambiar
* Mizhavu
* Chakyar Koothu
* Koodiyattam
* Nātyasāstra
* Mani Madhava Chakyar
* Mani Damodara Chakyar

External links

* [http://www.templenet.com/Kerala/kerala_archi.html Kerala Temple Architecture]
* [http://www.india9.com/i9show/Koothambalam-26125.htm]