About the Ashtapadi (Guruvayoor Paani)
Ashtapadi songs are part of Geeta Govindam, the literary work by the 12th century Sanskrit poet Jayadeva. In the temples of Kerala, Ashtapadi is sung in front of the Sopanam, the flight of steps leading to the sanctum sanctorum, accompanied by the mellifluous beats of the Edakka. Hence it is also known as Sopana sangeetham (Music). It is sung only when the sanctum sanctorum door is closed for poojas.
