Watch: Unveiling the Rich History of Mallari Music

Rapid Summary

• Mallari is a conventional music performed during temple rituals using the nagaswaram and thavil.
• It is indeed played when the temple’s deity is taken out for a procession and upon arrival at the temple entrance.
• The music is always set to the Ghambeera Nattai ragam,starting with a percussion sequence on the thavil,referred to as the alarippu.
• Unlike other forms of music, there are no keertans (sahityams) in mallari; instead, rhythmic syllables (sorkattus) are used.
• Specific types of mallari have unique ceremonial purposes:

– Theertha Mallari: Played during abhishekam (ritual bathing).- Ther Mallari: Meant for temple car festivals.
– Special forms like Thiripuda thala mallari or “Periya Mallari” are highly intricate compositions mastered by notable artists such as Thirumeignanam Natarajasundaram Pillai.

• A unique version called “Pancharatna Mallari,” composed by Kuzhikari Pichaiappa and Valangaiman Shanmugasundaram Pillai, integrates five ragas akin to Saint Thiagaraja’s Pancharatna Keerthans.

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Indian Opinion Analysis
mallari holds immense cultural and spiritual importance in South Indian temple traditions as it sets an unparalleled auditory backdrop for religious ceremonies. Its strict adherence to specific musical structures like rhythmic patterns (alarippu) displays its deep-rooted connection between ritualistic function and artistry. The absence of lyrical content focuses purely on intricate instrumental mastery, making it both musically challenging and spiritually profound.

The preservation of distinct variations such as pancharatna Mallaris showcases how traditional art evolves while respecting its heritage, reinforcing India’s rich musical legacy globally. Highlighting contributions from legendary artists also ensures reverence toward tradition amidst changing times in modern performance practice-an inspiring example of heritage conservation through music.