Korambu Mridanga Kalari

Korambu Mridanga Kalari, was established in 1980 by Mridanga Vidhwan Sri Korambu Subrahmanyan Namboothiri in Irinjalakuda, Thrissur. He is renowned for introducing Mridanga Mela to the world of music. His fascination with Sri Sudhakaran's impressive one-finger mridanga performance, the elder brother of Paliath Sri P Jayachandran, inspired him to study the mridangam. Under the guidance of Sri Thripunithura Kochunni Thirumulpaad, he began his mridangam journey and continued his studies with Sri Pazhani Subrahmanya Pillai after Sri Thirumulpaad.

Following the passing of Sri Pazhani Subrahmanya Pillai, he returned home and started conducting mridangam classes at Kalari. In 1978, during Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamikal's visit to the Peruvanam Temple, Sri Subrahmanyan Namboothiri led a mridanga performance by his disciples. The Swami was delighted and blessed everyone, encouraging them to continue the practice, leading to the formation of Mridanga Mela. The Mela was presented at renowned temples across Bhopal, Delhi, Madurai, Pondicherry, Thanjavoor, Mookaambika, and numerous temples in Kerala.

One of the most remarkable achievements of Korambu Mridanga Kalari is the Akhanda Mridangamela, a hundred-hour continuous Mridangam performance featuring nearly 70 students. The Mridangamela captivates people of all ages, as it includes disciples from diverse age groups. The Kalari preserves the traditional Pudhukotta style, ensuring that even young children can master the art.

Currently, Sri Subrahmanian Namboothiri's youngest son, Sri Vikraman Namboothiri, serves as the Head of Korambu Mridanga Kalari, carrying on his father's legacy by dedicating himself to teaching Mridangam. The Mridanga classes now take place in Kalari, which was previously run by Sri Subrahmanian Namboothiri near their house in Korampussery. The institution trains disciples as young as three years old, and they even offer online classes for students both locally and internationally, providing a golden opportunity to be part of this esteemed institution.

Korambu Mridanga Kalari continues to flourish by imparting proficiency in Mridanga to countless students, enriching the world of music with their dedication and passion.