Shiva is depicted as holding a Damroo – a small drum shaped like an hourglass. Shiva holding Damaru is popular in the Nataraja form. Sometimes he is shown in a dancing posture other than Nataraja and holding the Damaru. In some images the Damaru is tied to the Trishul or trident. The sound from Damaru symbolizes the sound that originates creation and perpetuates the universe.
In Hinduism, especially by Shiva devotees, it is believed that beating of the Damaru by Shiva produced the very first sound (nada). This first sound was made in the void of nothingness. Shiva began his dance of creation to the rhythm of the Damaru. From his dance, the world came into being. There is also a symbolism regarding the shape of the Damaru - the top portion of the Damaru symbolizes the male creativity of procreation (the Lingam), and the downward representation symbolizes the female creativity of procreation (the Yoni). Symbolically, the creation of the world begins when the lingam and yoni meets at the mid-point of the Damaru, and the 
destruction takes place when both separate from each other.
destruction takes place when both separate from each other. There is also a legend that the sound Shiva made on Damaru was passed onto his son, Lord Ganesha, who was a famous pakawai player. He then added more sound and produced music.
Another interpretation of the sound of the Damaru suggests that the drum depicts the powers of the rhythm of the heart beat.
Another symbolism suggests the sound of Damaru symbolizes the words of the Vedas.
Naga Sadhus and other Saints worshiping Shiva carry a Damaru. They produce the sound during worship and also while seeking alms.
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6 comments:
Thanks for this blog.strated reading only from yesterday ..its seems am reading this for ages..awesome and simple..may Lord bless you.
The damaru is typical of the instruments that are used in shamanic practices. The small drum with its strange beat and the personality with which it is associated with are an example of mystical methods of worship that are quite different from religion and summon different energies and powers through chanting, dancing, rhythmic movements etc. The participants wear decorative clothing with a natural feel and make use of charms and objects with symbolic meaning.
What is "pakawai" mean? Is it drum name? Maybe it have other names?
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I personally benefited from this information, when I learn about the origin of Sound & Music for my television production...thankx lot...
Siba Sankar Tripathy..
Clear and simple explanation - thanks.
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