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Home > Temples of Kerala >Valiambalam ValiambalamBoth sides of the main entrance of the naalambalam are known as valiambalam. As compared to the width of the rear and the sides, the width of the valiambalam is greater. It is determined in two ways. In the first method, known as gunamsa-soothra, the length of the utthara is taken. It varies from 6 kales upwards, as decided by the Yajamana or Kaaraka who builds the temple. According to it the length of the utthara is multiplied by 8 and then 1 or 5 is added depending on the yoni (ie.,1 for temple facing west and 5 in case of east) and divided by 3. This will give the perimeter of the utthara. Take its half and multiply it again by 4 and divide either by 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20 or 21. The quotient, thus obtained, is the width of the valiambalam. Subtract this width from half of the perimeter to obtain its
length. As per the second method known as paada-soothra, the size and perimeter of
the valiambalam is decided in advance by the Yajamaana (Kaarqka). Take half the perimeter and subtract twice the breadth of utthara. Again divide it by either 4,6 or 8. The quotient gives the width. The difference between perimeter and width is thelength. Add the breadth to the measurements of sides. This gives all the measurements for valiambalam. However slight adjustments may be necessary to conform with the prathi-yoni of the garbha-grha. The valiambalam is used for conducting homas, kalamezhutth-patt and for staging performing arts like Chakkiar kootthu, Paathakam, Ottam- Thu.l.lal, etc.
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