Kailasha Vadhyam came to Tamil Nadu mainly because of Appar, one of the 63 Nayanmars (Tamil Shiva Saints).
Appar, also called Thirunavukkarasar, traveled to many Shiva temples and sang profound hymns about Shiva. Around the age of 80, he had a strong desire to visit Mount Kailash. Though his body was frail, his determination was such that he walked, crawled, and even rolled until he was exhausted.
Shiva appeared in front of him in the guise of an old saint and advised him to go back, telling him that he would not find Shiva in Kailash. But Appar was firm, "I'll either have a darshan of Shiva, or die here!" Shiva convinced Appar to take a dip in a pond nearby to rejuvenate himself. When Appar took a dip, to his surprise, he re-emerged in Thiruvaiyaruand had the vision he had longed for. He realized Shiva and Shakti's presence everywhere—in animals, birds, and trees—giving birth to Kailasha Vadyam.
Kailasha Vadyam is now played in many Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu.
Significance of Sounds:In the Yogic culture, sound holds immense significance, and is utilized to heighten consciousness. Despite not always being melodious, certain sounds can have a profound effect on one's system. A simple drum beat, for example, can induce trance. Kailasha Vadyam is an ancient, powerful offering of instrumental sounds to aid one in realizing the state of Shiva.
To revive this ancient process, the Shivanga Team performs Kailasha Vadyam in various Shiva temples across Tamil Nadu. For more details, please write to us at info@shivanga.org. Kindly mention "Kailasha Vadyam" in the subject line.
