Guruvayur, the abode of Lord Sree Guruvayurappan, is located 29 kms north west to the cultural capital of the 'God's own country', Kerala. This narrow coastline strip of land on the south western edge of Indian subcontinent is one of the 10 paradises in the world.....
Guruvayurappan
According to the legends, the idol worshipped here is more than 5000 years old. But there are no historical records to establish it. In the 14th century Tamil literature 'Kokasandesam', references about a place called Kuruvayur is made....
The Zamorin,
Manavedan
(1595-1658AD), after his darshan of the Lord Sri
Guruvayurappan (Sreekrishna), composed his classic "KRISHANAGEETHI
" in eight chapters, in the style of Jayadeva's (12th century Bengali
poet ) GEETHAGOVINDAM. The Krishnanattam (a mosaic of folk and
classic arts), a dance drama, has
evolved from this Krishnageethi over 300 years ago. This work deals with
the Krishna avatar - from Krishna's birth to his final emancipation
from worldly life and ascension to heaven. It is presented in 8
episodes namely 'Avatharam', 'Kaliyamardhanam', 'Rasakreeda', 'Kamsavaddham'.
'Swayamvaram', 'Banayuddham', 'Vividha vadham',
and "Swargarohana". These episodes are presented on eight consecutive
nights. Since the last story is considered inauspicious, the "Avathara
" always follows "Swargarohana" and it will be enacted on
the ninth day.
To improve the art further and make it more spectator oriented, Koodiyattam,
the oldest Sanskrit drama in Kerala was adopted to render the poem with
'Abhinayam' (drama gestures), and thus Krishnanattam
evolved.
It also used makeup and costumes of "Koodiyattam".
The
Krishnanattam is the only classical dance form in Kerala which makes use of
colourful masks for evil characters. The mask usage is derived
from folk rituals such as 'Thirayattam' and 'Theyyam' which is found in
North Kerala. In Krishnanattam the actor does not narrate but gives attention to
abhinayam (bodily gestures and expressions) and angya (hand gestures).
Singing is done by another participant and thus there is a blend of sounds
and sight.
Kathakali
which is now internationally known owes much to Koodiyattam and
Krishnanattam. Kathakali
adopted body movements and hand gestures from Koodiyattam. It borrowed
the make
up and costumes from Krishnanattam. The practice of having separate
singers during
play was also adopted from Krishnanattam instead. The
Edakka, a soft and small drum, capable of deep resonance is used in
Krishnanattam where as Chenda (Drum), which is a
leading instrument in Kathakali. Suddha Maddhalam and cymbals , Gong, and
Shankh
(conch) are also used in Krishnanattam.
Oral traditions say that only Namboodiri Brahmins, Iyer Brahmin, Ambalavasi (temple resident) or Nairs can be dancers in Krishnanattam. The songs are set to Carnatic music but they are rendered in the Sopana style. Moods in a song determine the mode of the melody, what the singers sing is communicated by the actors. Kerala's martial art , Kalaripayattu , has also definitely influenced Krishnanattam especially in the scenes of arguments and fights.
To improve the art further and make it more spectator oriented, 
