Sopana music that proceeds slowly in ascending and descending order of its raga swaras

The structure of the sopanam music is believed to reflect the experience of the devotee in scaling the height of devotion.

Like Carnatic music , it has an introductory segment called Adapanam .Its base on Omkaram or the sole use of the sound 'Aaa.This is followed by the song .

Sopana sangeetham have some similarities with the north indian classical Hindustani music. Sopana sangeetham is traditionally taught by the family members to the next generation.

The accompaining instruments are a small ethnic drum called '' edakka or idakka'', besides the chengila or the handy metallic gong to sound the beats.

The structure of the sopanam music is believed to reflect the experience of the devotee in scaling the height of devotion.

The acompaning instruments are a small , glass shaped ethnic drum called ' Edakka' or Idakka, besides the chengila or the handy metallic gong to sound the beats.

Sopana sangeetham , as the name suggests, is sung by the side of the holy steps [ sopanam] leading to the sanctum sanctorum of a shrine. Sopanam is traditionally sung by men of the Marar & Pothuval castes of Ambala vasi [ semi - brahmins] community, engaged to do it as their hereditary profession.