Mridhangam is a South Indian percussion instrument from India of ancient origin. It is the primary rhythmic accompaniment in Carnatic music. During a percussion ensemble, the mridangam is often accompanied by the ghatam, kanjira, and morsing.

In ancient Hindu sculpture, painting, and mythology, the mridangam is often depicted as the instrument of choice for a number of deities including Ganesha (the remover of obstacles) and Nandi, who is the vehicle and follower of Shiva. Nandi is said to have played the mridangam during Shiva's primordial tandava dance, causing a divine rhythm to resound across the heavens. The mridangam is thus also known as "deva vaadyam," or "Divine Instrument".