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<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Short description|Percussion instrument from Tamil Nadu}}<br />
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'''Davandai''' is an ancient [[percussion instrument]] played during the rituals in some South Indian temples, most famously the [[Meenakshi Amman Temple|Meenakshi Temple]] at Madurai.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2015-10-01 |title=This works like a thavil |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/history-and-culture/this-works-like-the-thavil/article7711808.ece |access-date=2026-03-21 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> It is usually accompanied with Nagaswaram and it is used instead of Tavil<br />
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Davandai is a two-faced drum shaped like an hourglass. The two ends are covered with goatskin stretched by use of cords. Though it is a two-faced drum, only one side is struck with a stick held in the right hand. The drum itself is slung over the left shoulder of the performer. The drum is usually made out of the wood from the [[jackfruit]] tree, but there are drums also made in bronze.<br />
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Davandai is also known by other names – Echarikai in [[Kumbakonam]] and Veeravandi in [[Srirangam]].<br />
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There are special temple rituals during which the Davandai is usually played. It is usually played as an accompaniment to the [[Nadaswaram]] in place of the traditional [[Thavil]]. In some temples, Davandai announces the “Swami Porappadu”, the onset of a procession of the temple idol.<br />
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Davandai is an ancient instrument that finds mentions in the [[Puranas]]. It is also depicted in the sculptures at the Madurai Meenakshi Temple.<br />
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== References ==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
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[[Category:Indian musical instruments]]<br />
[[Category:Asian percussion instruments]]</div>Vikidge