चाक्यार्कूत्तु

{ cākyārkūttu }

Puranic Encyclopaedia

CĀKYĀRKŪTTU   A very important art practised in temples mainly in Kerala. It is called so because it is exhibited by Cākyārs (a sect attached to temples). In important temples a place called Kūttambala is set apart for displaying the art. The Kūttu now prevalent in Kerala temples is not exactly of its old form. Kula- śekharavarmā perumāl (elected ruler of old Kerala) effected some changes in the old art form, and Bhāskararavivarmā perumāl and Tolakavi made further reforms in it. The art of Kūttu was evolved with the object of relating purāṇic stories in such a manner as will help devotional feelings grow in man. The main aim of the Kūttu is to narrate purāṇic stories in such a way as to instil Bhakti in the hearers and to create an interest in them in the Purāṇas. The Cākyār (the man who gives the discourse who usually belongs to the Brahmin sect called Cākyārs) tells the story in a very interesting way, reciting appropriate passages from the Purāṇas and illustrating them with apt examples and similes. The narration is from the beginning till end humorous. The Cākyār who delivers the discourse is usually a man with a good sense of humour and a sense of what is odd, strange or eccentric in nature and human character. There are three varie- ties of Kūttu: Prabandhaṁ Kūttu, Naṁbiar Kūttu and Kūṭiāṭṭam. Of these the first is narrative (Ākhyānapara) while in the second and third type, the element of acting is more important (Abhinayapara).