Damaru

A damaru or damru is a small two-headed drum, used in Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism. Damru is known as the instrument of Lord Shiva. The drum is typically made of wood, with leather drum heads at both ends. The height of the damru is 5 inches and weight varies from 200-250 gm. It is played single handedly. The strikers are typically beads fastened to the ends of cords around the waist of the damaru. As the player waves the drum using a twisting wrist motion, the strikers beat on the drumhead. The damaru is very common throughout the Indian subcontinent. The damaru is known as a power drum, and when played, it is believed to generate spiritual energy. It is associated with the Hindu deity Shiva. It is believed that Sanskrit language was recognized by the drumbeats of the damaru (see Shiva Sutra for the sounds), and His performance of the cosmic dance of tandava.

Damaru is a percussion instrument made of human skull, parchment, cloth, silk, metal, brass, cotton, wood, parchment and bamboo. It is a local instrument, found in Ladakh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Bihar and other parts of North India. It is used by the Lamas in ritualistic dance in Ladakh. Moreover, it is used by ‘Kudukuduppai Andi’ of Tamil Nadu and by mendicants, snake charmers, gypsies and jugglers in North India.