Devotional recitals performed on sopana (steps in front of the sanctum sanctorum) came to be known as Sopana Sangeetham. It is a very ancient form of
Kerala's indigenous music. The musical notes of Sopana Sangeetham are of an ascending or descending nature. The music is accompanied by
edakka and
chengila. The song varies according to the time of performance and the deity. Musicians stand on the left side of the sopana and the singing stops once the temple opens.
