Sopana sangeetham though not a classical form has features from folk, tribal and classical music. There are specific ragas for Sopana Sangeetham. It is different from Carnatic in its rendition. The songs are sung in plain manner unlike Carnatic songs where the expertise of the artist is exhibited. Sopana Sangeetham is an expression of devotion, and gratitude and not exhibition. Having said so Sopana Sangeetham does have set form. The introductory part is similar to a Carnatic rendition. It starts with the alapanam of a raga. While the niraval in Carnatic music uses sounds like ‘Ta’ ‘ra’ ‘ne’ etc for the alapanam Sopana Sangeetham use only the akaram or the ‘aa’ sound. After this the main song is sung melodiously creating a mesmerizing ambience inside the temple. The ragas used for Sopana Sangetham are time specific as in there is a time for a raga which is similar to the Hindustani style of music.. The songs are either in Malayalam, Sanskrit or Manipravalam (a combination of Malayalam and Sanskrit) and the singer himself might write the songs.
Since the Edakka is beat by the sing himself Sopana Sangeetham is also called Kottipadi Seva (kotti – beat, padi – sing). The way the songs are sung is said to show the extent of devotion and experience of the artist. The training of the artist starts from singing invocatory songs in front the ‘Kalam’ in ‘Kalmezhuthu’ for different Gods or Goddesses.
The styles of Sopana sangetham that is rendered in North of Kerala is different from how it is done in the South of Kerala, In South Temples like Pazhoor and Ramamangalam are famous for their Sopana Sangeetham. Similarly temples of North Guruvayoor and Thirumandhamkunnu too have their names associated with Sopana Sangeetham. All these temples have traditional hereditary families who have it as their duty to perform it.
Sopana Sangeeetham has been sung in the temples since ages and has become part of the tradition in the temples. Edakka which accompanies the Sopana Sangeetham is mainly used for these songs only. The Edakka is supposed to be the same instrument which is found tied to Lord Shiva’s Trishul.
