The saying “eighteen instruments stand below the chenda” only highlights the greatness of chenda. The reference is to the eighteen instruments (including the chenda) used in Kerala’s temples (Ashtadasha instruments). These include chenda, mrudangam, mizhavu, maddalam, perumbara, edakka, kuzhal, kadumthudi, ilathalam, kuzhithalam, thoppimaddalam, idumudi viranam udukku, thamber, veekanchenda, thimila, chankidikuzhal, killari, ankyam, and an instrument perched high and played. Sanku, chengila, veekanchenda, edakka, thimila, maram (pani), shuddhamaddalam, chenda, kurumkuzhal, kombu, ilathalam, kuzhithalam, thoppimaddalam, Idumudi vriraanam, nanthuni, karadika and padaham are mentioned as the 18 instruments in some texts.
