Discover the Damaru Drum, a traditional, hourglass-shaped percussion instrument.
Traditionally used across India and Nepal, the Damaru is known for its unique, rhythmic sound. For generations, it has been an essential part of religious, cultural, and musical practices throughout these regions, particularly within Buddhist and Hindu traditions.
HOW IS THE DAMARU DRUM MADE?
Damarus are made in Nepal, often in the Kathmandu Valley, by craftspeople who specialize in ritual and decorative pieces.
Sheepskin covers both faces of the drum, stretched and fixed to the edges of the resin body, giving a fine, even texture.
The body of the damaru is moulded from resin, painted turquoise on top and glossy black across the centre section, giving it a smooth, symmetrical hourglass shape.
The centre join is trimmed with a gold and red embroidered braid, and two small coloured pompoms on the end of red cords serve as the striking beads.
WHAT'S THE DAMARU USED FOR IN HINDUISM AND BUDDHISM?
In Hinduism
It's the emblematic attribute of Shiva, the Lord of the Dance (Nataraja). The beat of the drum represents the pulse of the cosmos: it's the primordial sound that gives birth to time and creation. By handling the damaru, Shiva keeps the rhythm of the universe's endless cycles.
In Tantric Buddhism
Used mainly by advanced practitioners, it serves as a powerful ritual tool. Its high-pitched sound is meant to:
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Invoke deities: it acts as a sound offering to call protectors and buddhas to manifest themselves.
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Meditation: the rhythm helps focus the mind, breaking up distracting thoughts and encouraging deep concentration.
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Symbolism: it reminds the practitioner of the fleeting nature of all things (impermanence) and emptiness, while also serving as a support for reciting mantras and keeping the rhythm during complex visualisations in ceremonies.
To sum up, whether it's holding the cosmic rhythm for Shiva or awakening consciousness in tantrism, the damaru is a sonic bridge between the profane world and the divine.
WHAT SOUNDS DOES THE HOURGLASS DRUM PRODUCE?
The damaru produces a dry, clicking sound, close to a rhythmic rattle, as the beads or pompoms strike the stretched skins on each side.
Turning the wrist in a quick, steady motion creates a continuous beat, alternating between the two faces, which can be slow and meditative or fast and percussive depending on the rhythm applied.
On this resin and sheepskin model, the sound stays light and fairly muted, with a crisp clicking tone but not much resonance, ideal for gentle practice rather than powerful percussion.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Materials: Natural sheepskin and a sturdy resin body
- Dimensions: 13.8 cm diameter - 6.8 cm height
- Included: Ethnic-style bag and traditional ribbon
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