A damaru (Sanskrit: डमरु, IAST: ḍamaru; Tibetan: ཌ་མ་རུ་ or རྔ་ཆུང) is a small two-headed drum used in Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism. In Hinduism, the damaru is the instrument of the Hindu deity Shiva and is associated with Tantric traditions. It is believed that Shiva created the damaru to produce spiritual sounds that helped create and control the universe. In Tibetan Buddhism, the damaru is used during meditation practices.

Description

The damaru is usually made of wood and metal, with leather drumheads on both ends. The part that makes sound, called the resonator, is made of brass. The drum's height is between a few inches and just over one foot. It is played with one hand. The strikers, which hit the drumheads, are often beads attached to leather cords that go around the middle part of the damaru. Knots in the leather can also be used as strikers. Crocheted material is also commonly used. When the player moves the drum with a twisting wrist motion, the strikers hit the drumhead.

In Hinduism

The damaru is widely used across the Indian subcontinent. It is connected to the Hindu god Shiva. It is believed that the drumbeats of the damaru helped introduce the Sanskrit language (see Shiva Sutra for the sounds) and inspired Shiva’s performance of the cosmic dance called tandava. The damaru is used by traveling musicians of many types because it is small and easy to carry.

During the post-Mauryan period, a tribal group in Kosambi (modern Prayagraj district) made copper coins with and without punchmarks. These coins look similar to the damaru drum. All such coins are believed to be from Kosambi. Many Indian museums, such as the National Museum, have these coins in their collections.

In Tibetan Buddhism

In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the damaru is a sacred object and musical instrument that was brought from ancient Indian spiritual practices. These practices traveled to the Himalayas between the 8th and 12th centuries. They remained in Tibet as the Vajrayana tradition grew there, even though they disappeared in India.

The skull damaru is made from the bones of a male and female skull, cut above the ears and joined at the top. Inside, mantras (spiritual words) are written in gold. The drum skins are treated by burying them with copper and minerals, along with special herbs, for about two weeks. After this, the skins are stretched and attached to the drum, creating a blue or green pattern. A collar made of fabric, copper, or silver holds the drum and has a handle for holding. The beaters are covered with fabric that looks like two eyes. Skulls used for the damaru are chosen carefully based on their qualities and origins. After Tibetans moved to other countries in 1960, the damaru began to be made in India and Nepal, but the quality declined over time. Today, India no longer makes the damaru, and Nepal has banned its creation and export because of illegal use of human bones. Some damaru now have painted skins and lack proper mantras or other features.

The damaru has deep spiritual meaning and is used in many Vajrayana rituals. It is usually held in the left hand and used with a bell in the right hand. The drum is played during spiritual practices, either as a short accent or to keep rhythm. For individuals practicing alone, it is a key tool. In larger groups, only spiritual leaders and chant masters use the damaru, along with other instruments like horns, cymbals, and temple drums.

A special type of damaru called the Chöd drum is larger and rounder than the standard damaru. It is used in the Chöd spiritual practice. The Chöd drum is traditionally made from acacia wood, though other non-toxic woods without thorns can also be used. It is shaped like a bell, with a diameter between 8 and 12 inches. The wood is often left with a thin layer of varnish to show its natural grain. The drum may be painted with symbols like skulls or the eight charnel grounds (areas where bodies are left to decompose). The waist of the drum is usually made of leather or embroidered fabric. Mantras are painted inside the drum before the skin is attached.

The sound of the damaru can change based on factors like humidity and temperature. When played slowly, its deep, continuous sound supports the chants and melodies of the Chöd ritual, which help practitioners focus on inner meditation and visualization.

The ideal damaru, as described in the "Mindroling Handbook of Vajrayana Implements," includes specific materials and features. However, damaru made in India and Nepal often use cheap, unknown woods, painted skins, and lack proper mantras. These versions are now common among monks and students.

All damaru are traditionally paired with a long sash called a chöpen. The chöpen is attached to the drum’s handle and moves as the drum is played. It is usually made of embroidered fabric or silk in colors linked to spiritual elements. On smaller damaru, the chöpen is simple, but on the Chöd drum, it often includes decorations like a silver mirror, small bells, strips of tiger or leopard skin, precious stones, and small brass items.