---
url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-gb/faq/instruments-artforms/what-is-the-periya-melam'
title: 'What is the periya melam?'
author:
  name: rajeevk
  url: 'https://kalasudha.com/en-gb/user/fce96177fd193d3a'
date: '2026-10-19T15:19:20+00:00'
updated: '2026-11-02T00:18:31+00:00'
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summary: 'The periya melam is the South Indian temple ensemble of nadaswaram, tavil, ottu and cymbals, led by the nadaswaram player.'
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 FAQ · Instruments & artforms

# What is the periya melam?

 Updated 2 November 2026

 

The periya melam is the South Indian temple ensemble of nadaswaram, **[tavil](/en-gb/instrument/tavil)**, ottu, a drone reed pipe, and talam, cymbals, organised around the lead nadaswaram player. The nadaswaram and tavil are auspicious instruments, heard at temple rituals and Hindu weddings in South India. The nadaswaram's volume makes it largely an outdoor instrument. Players who shaped the concert tavil include Valayapatti A. R. Subramaniam and Haridwaramangalam A. K. Palanivel.



 

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## Related pages

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###  Instruments (1) 

- [   Tavil The tavil is the South Indian barrel drum of the periya melam, played beside the nadaswaram at temples and weddings: double-headed, with finger strokes on one…     ](/en-gb/instrument/tavil)
 
  

 

 

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