Shri Shiva Tandava Stotram

Shri Shiva Tandava Stotram is one of the most energetic, rhythmic, and poetic masterpieces in Sanskrit literature. Composed in the vigorous Panchachamara meter, this hymn praises Lord Shiva during His cosmic dance (Tandava). The stotram was composed by Lankeshwara Ravana, the king of Lanka and a devoted scholar of Shiva.

The scriptural context of this hymn is famous. Driven by pride, Ravana attempted to lift Mount Kailash, the abode of Shiva and Parvati. Lord Shiva gently pressed His big toe down, trapping Ravana's arms beneath the mountain. Realizing his arrogance, Ravana wept (Roruyamana) and composed this electrifying 15-verse stotram playing his own severed arm as a Veena. Pleased by Ravana's sublime poetry and devotion, Shiva lifted the mountain, released him, and bestowed upon him the divine sword Chandrahasa.

Each verse of the Shiva Tandava Stotram generates intense spiritual energy, depicting the roaring Ganges in Shiva's matted hair, the crescent moon on His forehead, the third eye blazing with cosmic fire, and the rhythmic beat of His Damaru drum.

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• Verse 1: May Lord Shiva extend auspiciousness to us, whose matted hair is purified by the flowing Ganga and around whose neck hangs a giant snake.
• Verse 2: May my mind find constant joy in Lord Shiva, on whose forehead blazes the cosmic fire and on whose head shines the young crescent moon.
• Verse 3: May my mind rejoice in the Supreme Being who is the companion of Parvati, whose grace removes all unbearable calamities.
• Verse 4: May my mind find delight in Shiva, whose neck is anointed with saffron-red light from the jewels on serpent hoods.
• Verse 5: May Lord Shiva bestow long-lasting prosperity, whose footstool is greyed by the flower dust from the crowns of worshipping gods.
• Verses 6–10: Describing Shiva burning Kama (god of desire), wearing the skull garland, dancing with Chandika to the beat of Mridanga (Dhung-Dhung-Dhi-Dhi-Dhim).
• Verses 11–14: Praying for equal vision (Samadrishti), living in Kailasha caves, and the Phalashruti promise of lasting wealth and liberation.

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According to traditional belief and the Phalashruti verses of this hymn, daily recitation of Shri Shiva Tandava Stotram grants immense blessings:

• Attainment of Wealth and Power (Raja Sampat): Bestows prosperity, leadership status, and material abundance.
• Destruction of Pride and Ego: Transforms arrogance into humility and pure devotion.
• Removal of Planetary Afflictions and Poverty (Daridrya Dahana): Shields against malefic planetary impacts and poverty.
• Vak Siddhi and Poetic Excellence: Grants powerful speech, artistic rhythm, and scholarly mastery.
• Destruction of Sins and Fear of Death: Eradicates past sins and removes fear of untimely death.
• Attainment of Shiva's Abode (Shiva Loka Prapti): Grants ultimate liberation and residence in Kailasha.

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Whoever recites this Shiva Tandava Stotram composed by the ten-headed Ravana (Dasha-Vaktra-Gitam) at the end of evening worship (Pradosha) will be blessed by Lord Sambhu with permanent wealth, horses, elephants, chariots, and steady devotion (Sthiram Lakshmim Sadaiva Sumukhim Pradadati Shambhuh).

Chanting, remembering, or speaking these sublime verses cleanses the mind of all impurities and leads the devotee directly to the lotus feet of Lord Hara.

1. When should Shiva Tandava Stotram be chanted?

It can be chanted daily in the morning or during evening Pradosha time. Pradosham and Maha Shivaratri are the most powerful occasions.

2. Is it safe to chant Shiva Tandava Stotram at home?

Yes! There is a common myth that Ravana's stotrams bring negative energy, but this is completely false. Shiva Tandava Stotram is a holy prayer praised by Shiva Himself and brings strength, clarity, and protection to any home.

3. What meter is Shiva Tandava Stotram composed in?

It is composed in the Panchachamara meter, characterized by an alternating short-long syllable rhythm that mimics a drumbeat.

4. What are the best offerings during Shiva Puja?