ḍamaru

drum

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June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

The term "damaru" refers to a small, hourglass-shaped drum that is a significant object in Shaivism and Tantrism within Hinduism. It is believed to be effective in communicating with the divine world. When this drum is twirled, two pellets attached by cords strike its skins. The damaru is often depicted in the hands of the Hindu deity Shiva, particularly in his form as Nataraja, the Lord of the Dance. In this context, the drum symbolizes creation, one of Shiva's five cosmic activities. This type of drum is also known as a clapper drum.123

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drum
The modern Indian damaru is an hourglass-shaped clapper drum—when it is twisted its heads are struck by the ends of one or two cords attached to the shell. Barrel and shallow-nailed drums are particularly associated with India and East Asia; notable are the taiko drums of Japan, made…
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The modern Indian damaru is an hourglass-shaped clapper drum—when it is twisted its heads are struck by the ends of one or two cords attached to the shell. Barrel and shallow-nailed drums are particularly associated with India and East Asia; notable are the taiko drums of Japan, made…
Read More

ceremonial object
Sound devices
The two-skinned damaru (drum) of Shaivism (devotion to the Hindu deity Shiva) and Tantrism, believed to be effective in communicating with the divine world, is shaped like an hourglass and fitted with two pellets that hang from cords and that strike the skins when the drum is…
Read More
The two-skinned damaru (drum) of Shaivism (devotion to the Hindu deity Shiva) and Tantrism, believed to be effective in communicating with the divine world, is shaped like an hourglass and fitted with two pellets that hang from cords and that strike the skins when the drum is…
Read More