A Milestone in Melody: Vijaya Muralidharan’s Arangettam in Edakka & Sopana Sangeetham

In the serene courtyard of Kochu Guruvayurappan Temple, Dommasandra, Bengaluru, on the 20th of July 2025, a moment of deep cultural significance unfolded. Vijaya Muralidharan, a passionate student of Kalavadhyam Academy, stepped into the spiritual realm of Edakka and Sopana Sangeetham, marking her Arangettam—the first public debut of her dedicated training. What made this event truly historic was her distinction as the first lady from Bengaluru to perform an Arangettam in both Edakka and Sopana Sangeetham, earning her the honored title: Kalavadhyam Vijaya Muralidharan

The First Edakka & Sopana Sangeetham Lady Artist of Kalavadhyam

Vijaya Muralidharan holds the distinction of being the first female disciple of Kalavadhyam

Academy to perform her Arangettam in both Edakka and Sopana Sangeetham—a rare and refined blend of Kerala’s classical temple traditions. Her journey stands as a beacon of perseverance, discipline, and devotion to traditional art forms.

A Software Engineer with a Soul for Art

Vijaya, originally hailing from Thrissur, Kerala, is a software engineer working in a reputed firm in Bengaluru. Amidst a fast-paced professional life, she nurtured a deep-rooted love for classical music. Her early training in Carnatic music and Kathakali Sangeetham laid a strong foundation for her later pursuits in the rare and sacred Sopana tradition.

In 2023, she joined Kalavadhyam Academy, under the guidance of Gurunaadhan Shri Kalavadhyam Dheeraj Edat, with a humble desire to learn Edakka—a percussion instrument symbolic of divine expression—and the soulful Sopana Sangeetham, traditionally sung at temple steps during sacred rituals.

A Journey of Two Years

Over two years of disciplined learning, Vijaya immersed herself in the rigorous training

Kalavadhyam Vijaya Muralidharan during her arangettam. In Thaalam - Pavithran Menon

system of Kalavadhyam, which follows the Guru-Shishya Parampara. Her journey was not just musical, but spiritual. With deep theoretical understanding and methodical practical training, she grew steadily, never missing the essence of what it means to preserve a tradition in its purest form.

Her Arangettam performance, held in a divine temple atmosphere, was a perfect expression of dedication and grace. Supporting her on the Thaalam was fellow Edakka student Shri Pavithran Menon, whose rhythmic accompaniment enriched the performance.

A Legacy Continued

Vijaya’s Arangettam is not only a personal achievement but a milestone in Kalavadhyam’s journey—affirming its commitment to inclusivity, tradition, and excellence. She symbolizes a new era where women too are reclaiming spaces in temple art forms, with authenticity and reverence.

A Proud Moment for Kalavadhyam

As the temple bells chimed and the Edakka sang along with the soulful Sopana Sangeetham with the Krishna Sthuthi, the Kalavadhyam family stood proud. For us, every Arangettam is not a graduation—it is the beginning of a life committed to culture.

To Vijaya Muralidharan, we bow in respect. You have not only mastered a difficult art—you have made history. And to all future learners: may your journey be as inspired, sincere, and soulful.