Divine beats

FOR WELL over two decades, it is the sound that has been echoing in and around Mahalingapuram. As the curtain of darkness falls over the neighbourhood, drums accompanied by a heavy brass chime played in unison, invite people for prayers at the Ayyappa temple here. As worshippers gather, the main deity is decorated behind closed doors, amid the varying intensity of drumbeats.

Indeed, Chenda, a set of drums played during prayers at the temple, is one of the traditional temple instruments of Kerala. "Here, we follow the rituals that are performed in temples across Kerala. None of them can conduct their rituals without these drums. That is how the Gods are invoked in our culture," says T.K.B. Nair, joint secretary of the Ayyappa Temple.

The Chenda features among several categories of percussion instruments used in the temples of Kerala. There is a special instrument for each ritual performed like Kombu, Mathalam, Idathalam, Thimili, Paani and the like and these are played during different times of worship or Pooja Kalams. "Like temples in other places, Kerala temples also offer prayers, six times a day. Instruments are a must for the performance of the poojas. The first ritual of the day starts with Thimila paani , followed by Sangu, Idakku and Chenda," explains T.K.B. Nair.

While other instruments are strictly used for prayers, Chenda can be played anywhere and at any time.

The drum is made of wood from the jackfruit tree, as it helps produce the deep sound, so unique to this instrument. Cylindrical in structure, it is two-and-a-half metres long with a hollow space thirteen-and-a-half inches in diameter. The circular portion at either end is covered with cow hide. The drum is played with a specially made stick from the Champpangu tree.

Besides the regular instruments, used for the daily rituals, Mara paani, a special drum, is played only during important festivals of the temple. "Thimila Paani is played during the daily ritual for a couple of minutes, whereas Mara paani is played for half-an-hour before the commencement of any festive ritual. In this temple, we play Mara paani 12 days in a year, when we have festivities, during the month of October. The instrument is accompanied by Sangu," says Nair.

Temple instruments in Kerala are played by specially trained artistes, who belong to the Marar community. People from this community have been drummers and decorators of the deity, for several centuries. A group of drummers from this community has been brought from Kerala to play at the Ayyappa temple in Mahalingapuram.

They are provided accommodation and paid a salary. "We learn the nuances of temple instruments at the age of five. We learn from the special institutes that teach these instruments. Though formal learning is important, we mainly learn the rhythms by watching our elders," says Krishnankutti, member of the band.

Whoever passes by the temple in Mahalingapuram, cannot miss the sound of the drums. Played in unison, the sound reverberates.

The drummers compare this with the universal rhythm in Hindu scripture: Om. It is no wonder then that the drums attract everyone to the temple and fill the heart with divinity.

L. SUBRAMANI

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Entertainment
Previous : Fun with boats in murky waters
Next     : Tune with tradition