Celebrating Thrikkarippur Ramakrishna Marar’s 45-year journey in temple percussion

For the past 45 years, Thrikkarippur Ramakrishna Marar has been a constant presence at the Aradhana festival of the Subrahmanya Swami Temple.

He first stepped into the world of Adiyanthira vadyam at the age of 12, guided by his maternal uncle, Kunjambu Marar. His journey continued with rigorous training in thayambaka, pani, and thimila under Puliyambilly Madayikkavu Shankara Marar. He later refined his skills in Panchavadyam under Kadannappally Shankaran Kutty Marar, through the Payyannur Panchavadyam Sangham Kalari.

For the last 48 years, Ramakrishna Marar has been one of the lead artists of the Payyannur Panchavadyam Sangham Kalari. His career reached a milestone in 2001 when the Kottiyoor Temple appointed him as the Adiyanthira Marar, honouring him with pattum valayum (silk and bangle). His artistry has also earned him Suvarna Mudra awards from the Thrikkarippur Chakrapani Temple and the Payyannur Thuluvannur Mahavishnu Temple.

In 2019, he was bestowed with the Vadyakala Ratnam title and pattum valayum by Tantri Chekkiniyedath Tharananellur Padmanabhan Unni Namboothirippad during a function organised by the Payyannur Suhrid Sangham at the Subrahmanya Swami Temple.

Marar is also a recipient of the Vadya Shreshta Award from the Kshethra Vadyakala Academy, along with a special honour from the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi for his contributions to temple percussion.