Panchavadyam

For over a century Panchavadyam has been synonymous with Annamanada, a culturally fertile village in Thrissur district. Structural and aesthetic refinements of this traditional temple orchestra in the 20th century are attributed to the creative voyages of the trio – Annamanada Peethambara Marar, Achuta Marar and Parameswara Marar, ace thimila players, in association with the invincible maddalam maestro Thiruvilwamala Venkichan Swamy.
After the death of the illustrious Marars of Annamanada, a gifted youngster from the same family took up the mantle. Annamanada Parameswaran (Junior), as the cliché goes, came, saw and conquered. Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Akademi recently conferred on him its award for the best thimila artiste.