Sadanam Divakaran was born on April 29, 1937 at Pazhoor in Ernakulam Dt. His father is Venkittaramanan Embranthiri and mother is Parukkutti Marasyar Amma.

He has studied upto S.S.L.C. He started learning Chenda at the age of 9. At the beginning he was trained by his own uncles Narayana Marar and Kunjikrishna Marar. At the age of 18 joined Unnayi Varrier Memorial for Kathakali Chenda. After that did 4 year course at Gandhi Seva Sadanam. His gurus in Kathakali style Chenda were Kalanilayam Appu Marar and Pallassana Chandra Mannadiyar. He has got training in North Kerala syle Thayampaka under Chandramannadiyar. Was the Principal of Vaikom Kshethra Kalapeedam.

Has received 'Vadyakala Visarad' title from Travancore Devaswom Board. Also has received many awards and titles from various organisations. Recently he was awarded Senior Fellowship from Department of Culture, Government of India in Folk and Traditional Arts.