Panchavadyam is an orchestra of 5 musical instruments – Timila, Itakka, Shudha Maddalam, Ilathaalam, Kompu and Shankhu or the conch. They are performed at temple festivals, in front of caparisoned elephants. The orchestra begins in a slow tempo in the Triputa Taala progressing to faster tempos and culminating in a crescendo of rhythm. It has been structured in a fashion that allows individual as well as collective expressions of the artists. Maddalam and Thimila are mutually complimentary. The most captivating aspect of Panchavadyam is the Taniyavarthanam (permutations of rhythm), where the Maddalam, Thimila, Itakka follow a lead artist.
Though the origins of Panchavadyam are unknown, references indicate that they must be at least a100-200 years old. Panchavadyam in the early days used to be part of Royal processions. By early 19th century Panchavadyam underwent changes in its form. Exponents like Venkichan Swami, Annamanata Achyuta Marar and Vengamanattu Shekhara Kurup were instrumental in shaping and disciplining it into its present form. By 1940 Itakka was accorded a major position among the other instruments in a Panchavadyam orchestra. Kompu or the trumpet was also introduced into the orchestra in the mid 19th century. The symphony created by Panchavadyam is very captivating, especially when set in the lush, pastoral environment of Kerala.