Krishnanattam

What is Krishnanattam?

Krishnanattam is a dance-drama performed mainly by men at the Guruvayur Sri Krishna temple in Kerala. The performance tells the story of Krishna through eight connected plays, each focusing on a different episode from his life. Dancers wear striking costumes with ornate headgear, colorful makeup, and peacock feathers, moving in stylized patterns to music and Sanskrit verse. The plays are staged at night as a religious offering, with the temple setting lending a sacred atmosphere.

Where does Krishnanattam come from?

Krishnanattam was created in the 17th century by Manaveda, Zamorin Raja of Kozhikode, who wrote the Sanskrit text Krishnagiti. The dance-drama is rooted in a legend where Manaveda had a vision of Krishna, who gifted him a peacock feather. This feather became a symbol of the art form, worn by the dancer portraying Krishna. Krishnanattam was first performed near the sanctum of Guruvayur temple and has been maintained there ever since. It is also recognized as the direct ancestor of Kathakali.

How is Krishnanattam danced?

The dance uses expressive gestures, stylized hand movements, and facial expressions to convey the story. Dancers move in coordinated group patterns, with each character’s role marked by distinct postures and steps. The choreography follows classical principles, integrating acting, singing, and dance. The use of mudras (hand gestures) and dramatic facial makeup helps define each character, while the group formation allows for dynamic storytelling.

The music of Krishnanattam

Krishnanattam is performed to Sanskrit verses from the Krishnagiti, with additional songs from works like Gita Govinda. The music is integral to the drama, guiding the rhythm and mood of each scene. While the article does not specify the instruments, the singing and recitation of slokas and padyageethams (lyric songs) are central, creating an atmosphere suited to the temple setting.

Costume and what is carried

Costumes are elaborate and differ for male and female roles. Male dancers wear a starched petticoat, a white skirt with colored stripes, a breastplate, and a headdress, along with arm and chest ornaments and a shawl with mirrors. Female roles use a long white skirt with a red border, a blouse, a girdle, and a wooden breastplate. Both use ankle bells (chilanka). Makeup uses bright colors, with green for Krishna and special white borders (chutti) for some characters. The peacock feather headgear is especially sacred.

When and where Krishnanattam is danced

Krishnanattam is performed as a religious offering at the Guruvayur temple, especially at night. Each play is associated with specific wishes, such as blessings for childbirth or peace for a departed soul. The tradition is maintained by a dedicated troupe under the Guruvayur Devaswom, and performances can be booked as temple offerings. Training for dancers begins at a young age, ensuring the art is passed down through generations.

Styles of Krishnanattam

The core tradition remains centered at Guruvayur, with the eight-play cycle performed in sequence. The plays are sometimes repeated for auspicious reasons, such as repeating the first play at the end. While Krishnanattam has been performed in other parts of India and abroad, the main style and ritual context are preserved at the temple. The form is distinct from but related to Kathakali, which developed later.

What Krishnanattam means

Krishnanattam holds a special place in Kerala’s temple culture, seen as both a sacred offering and a dramatic art. Each play is believed to bring specific blessings, and the performance is deeply tied to the worship of Krishna at Guruvayur. The tradition has survived through centuries, supported by the temple administration, and is recognized as a forerunner of Kathakali. Its continued practice reflects the community’s devotion and commitment to preserving ritual arts.

Questions people ask about Krishnanattam

Good reading and sources

• ‘Krishnanattam’The Hindu, Article

• Krishnanattam on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos and video on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data
• Videos of Krishnanattam on YouTubeSearch results, not chosen by Ghungroo