KRISHNATTAM 
Besides Kathakali, Kerala owns many other art forms. One of such is Krishnattam, a dance drama that depicts the tricks and divinity of Lord Krishna. It is performed in the Sree Krishna Temple of Guruvayoor. The play originates from an interesting story of one of the Zamourins, King Manavedan and his contemporary Saint Vilwamangalam, who happened to see Lord Krishna playing with a few children. Vilwamangalam who was taken aback by this godly sight jumped to the midst of the children and embraced Lord Krishna, which really irritated Him. The scholar managed to pick a peacock quill adorned by the Lord and regarded this as a rare divine gift. He also found time to make a crown in gold to tuck this quill.
This spiritual emotion persuaded Vilwamangalam who was a scholar and poet to write a drama on Krishna and stage it in Guruvayoor Temple. This is named as Krishnattam and the legend is that the actor will swing into a goldly mood soon after he wear the crown which is adored with that peacock quill.
The main theme of the drama is the story of Sree Krishna, narrated in the tenth chapter of Mahabharatham from His incarnation to ascension. It is staged in the Koothambalam (Temple dance stage) of Guruvayoor temple for eight nights till dawn. The costumes and ornaments in the play resemble Kathakali and it differs only in the language and rhythmic pattern of the song written in chaste Sanskrit.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
