Date:17/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/17/stories/2008111754040400.htm

Kerala - Thrissur

Parameswara Chakyar dead

Staff Reporter

Ammannur Parameswara Chakyar

Thrissur: Koodiyattom maestro Ammannur Parameswara Chakyar, 93, died in his house in Irinjalakuda, near here, on Saturday. Unlike his brother Ammannur Madhava Chakyar who took Koodiyattom beyond traditional confines, Parameswara Chakyar did not perform outside the temple arena. A traditionalist, he believed that the essence of Koodiyattom could not be invoked off the premises of temples.

The Irinjalakuda Koodalmanikya Temple, Sree Vadakkunnatha Temple, Thirumandhankunnu Temple, Vayalar Siva Temple and Ilamkunnapuzha Temple witnessed some of the best performances by the master. His performances in Subhadra Dhananjayam, Tapathi Samvaranam, Bali Vadhom and Thoranayudham won appreciation. His role in Ankuleeyankam was considered his best. Parameswara Chakyar, son of Kalleli Thamarappilly Thrivikraman Namboodiri and Savithri Illodamma, was trained by his uncle Ammannur Chachu Chakyar. He was a recipient of the fellowship of the Kendra Sangeet Natak Akademi in 1983 and the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi award. K.G. Poulose, Vice-Chancellor, Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed University for Art and Culture, placed a wreath on behalf of Education Minister M. A. Baby.