'Insight into Sopana Sangeetham’ – a talk with Sri. Njeralathu Harigovindan

Every art form has its own purpose. Music, especially Carnatic music evolved in South India as a means to spread faith and devotion. Traditional music always has its place in the social and cultural life of Kerala. Sopana Sangeetham - the indigenous music of Kerala, is a devotional form of music, originated and performed in Kerala temples. Though this music has its own individuality and uniqueness, it lacks popularity among other main streams of music. However, this music is still performed in Kerala and continues its journey crossing the boundaries along with singer Harigovindan.

I got an opportunity to share some light moments with eminent Sopana Sangeetham singer Sri. Njeralathu Harigovindan, son of the legendary late Sri. Njeralathu Ramapothuval – the exponent of Sopana Sangeetham, where he talked in depth about this simple and elegant music. Let me share some excerpts from the talk:

• Can you explain the significance of Sopana Sangeetham?
  
  Sopana Sangeetham is usually performed in temples during the time of Pooja (Deeparadhana). The word ‘Sopanam’ literally means the steps in front of the sanctum sanctorum of a temple. The singer used to sing this music standing in front of the Sopanam or near the steps of the srikovil. Hence, the name Sopana Sangeetham. The presiding deity is praised through this music. Main purpose of this music is to keep devotees focused on their prayer.
  
  
• What is Ashtapadhi (Geet Govind) in Sopana Sangeethm?
  
  Ashtapadhi (Geetth Govind) is a collection of 24 songs written in Sanskrit by poet Jayadev. He had been singing these songs at Jagannadha temple in Puri, Orissa. He was a staunch devotee of Srikrishna. The theme of Geet Govind is divine love of Lord Krishna and Radha. It is the first kind of light music in India performed by a musician with little effort. Around thirteenth or fourteenth century, a singer named Krishnachaithanyathi brought this music to Kerala. It is translated into Malayalam and became a part of sacred rituals of Hinduism being practiced in Kerala. Since, then Ashtapadhi is the main song that is recited at the sopanam. Other native art forms such as Kathakali, Krishnanattam, Ramanattam, Mohiniaatam etc. originated drawing inspiration from Ashtapadhi.
  
  
• Which are the usual Ragas of this music?
  
  Puraneera, Ghantara, Paadi and Samantamalahari are some of the Raagas used only in Sopana Sangeetham. This music has influenced both Carnatic and Hindustani music. It has a distinct style. The songs are recited in a slow tempo, just like the ascending and descending of the order of Sopana (Steps). In Sopana Sangeetham , the prime importance is devotion or Bhakthi.
  
  
• Terms like Thirumanthamkunnu Baani, Payyanur Baani, Vaikom Baani are familiar to all. What does the term Baani mean?
  
  Baani means style. These are different singing styles of Sopana Sangeetham used in different place of Kerala. Earlier, communication was limited and singers could rarely traveled to far away places. Hence, singers of a particular place developed their own style, which became known by the place of its origin. Later, when transportation became easy, they began to travel long distances. This allowed them to learn and practice the other styles as well.
  
  
• Which are the instruments used for Sopana Sangeetham?
  
  The chief instrument used for this music is Idakka. Another instrument, Chengila can also accompany Idakka. Idakka is usually made of animal skin and wood pieces.
  
  
• To what extent does religion and cast influence this music?
  
  Sopana Sangeetham does not have many limitations as it is evolved in temples. Usually, the Maarar and Pothuval communities render this music. The only reason that restricts others from performing this music inside the temples is that the upper castes consider them as non-vegetarians. This system continues even today.

• How do you relate Sopana Sangeetham with other scientific forms of music like Carnatic and Hindustani?
  
  Carnatic and Hindustani music have some basic lessons or texts to be learnt. Hence, they are very scientific in nature. However, Sopana Sangeetham has no such text and anyone can learn it easily by listening to the tutor.

Sopana Sangeetham turned out to be a simple form of music with a simple aim. It is Sri Harigovindan who took Sopana Sangeetham beyond the precincts of the temple to the world outside, breaking the barriers of religion, region and language. No conclusion can be drawn about the popularity of this music in future. However, with the efforts of people like Harigovindan, it is guaranteed that the art form lives – fulfilling its very purpose every time it is being practiced.