Shri Shiv Tandav Stotram Lyrics & English Meaning

Shri Shiv Tandav Stotram: The Cosmic Dance and Ravana’s Ultimate Devotion

When we visualize the rhythmic, fierce, and divine dance of Lord Shiva, the word ‘Tandava’ instantly resonates within us. The most magnificent literary work that captures the essence of this cosmic dance is the Shri Shiv Tandav Stotram. This hymn is not only famous for its complex and rhythmic meter but also for its vivid description of Mahadev’s power, beauty, and his supreme form. In this third chapter of theshivling.com’s “108 Shiva Stotram Series,” we will explore every mystical dimension of the Shri Shiv Tandav Stotram.

The Mythological History of Shri Shiv Tandav Stotram The Shri Shiv Tandav Stotram was not composed by an ordinary sage but by the King of Lanka, Ravana. According to mythology, Ravana became extremely arrogant about his power and attempted to lift Mount Kailash (the abode of Shiva). To humble his pride, Mahadev slightly pressed the mountain with his toe, crushing Ravana’s hand underneath. In excruciating pain and realization, Ravana instantly composed and sang this magnificent Shri Shiv Tandav Stotram to appease the Lord. Pleased with his unparalleled devotion, Mahadev not only released him but also gave him the name ‘Ravana’ (the one who roars) and the celestial sword, Chandrahas.

Shri Shiv Tandav Stotram Lyrics and English Translation – theshivling.com

॥ Shri Shiv Tandav Stotram – Original Sanskrit Lyrics ॥

For the purity of your practice, here are the complete lyrics of the Shri Shiv Tandav Stotram:

Jata tavi galaj jala pravaha pavita sthale Gale avalambya lambitam bhujanga tunga malikam | Damad damad damad daman ninada vad damar vayam Chakara chanda tandavam tanotu nah shivah shivam || 1 ||

Jata kataha sambhrama bhraman nilimpa nirjhari Vilola vichi vallari virajamana murdhani | Dhagadh dhagadh dhagaj jvalal lalata patta pavake Kishora chandra shekhare ratih pratikshanam mama || 2 ||

Dhara dharendra nandini vilasa bandhu bandhura Sphurad diganta santati pramoda mana manase | Kripa kataksha dhorani niruddha durdharapadi Kvachid digambare mano vinodametu vastuni || 3 ||

Jata bhujanga pingala sphurat phana mani prabha Kadamba kunkuma drava pralipta digvadhu mukhe | Madandha sindhura sphurat tvag utariya medure Mano vinodamadbhutam bibhartu bhuta bhartari || 4 ||

Sahasra lochana prabhrityasheshalekha shekhara Prasuna dhuli dhorani vidhusaranghri pithabhuh | Bhujanga raja malaya nibaddha jata jutakah Shriyai chiraya jayatam chakora bandhu shekharah || 5 ||

Lalata chatvara jvalad dhananjaya sphulingabha Nipita pancha sayakam namannilimpa nayakam | Sudha mayukha lekhaya virajamana shekharam Maha kapali sampade shiro jatalamastu nah || 6 ||

Karala bhala pattika dhagadh dhagadh dhagaj jvalad Dhananjay-ahutikrita prachanda pancha sayake | Dhara dharendra nandini kuchagra chitra patraka Prakalpan-aika shilpini trilocharne ratirmama || 7 ||

Navina megha mandali niruddha durdhara sphurat Kuhu nishithini tamah prabandha baddha kandharah | Nilimpa nirjhari dharas tanotu kritti sindhurah Kalanidhana bandhurah shriyam jagad dhurandharah || 8 ||

Praphulla nila pankaja prapancha kalima prabha Valambi kantha kandali ruchi prabaddha kandharam | Smarachchhidam purachchhidam bhavachchhidam makhachchhidam Gajachchhid-andhakachchhidam tam antakachchhidam bhaje || 9 ||

Akharva sarva mangala kala kadamba manjari Rasa pravaha madhuri vijrimbhana madhuvratam | Smarantakam purantakam bhavantakam makhantakam Gajantak-andhakantakam tam antakantakam bhaje || 10 ||

Jayatvada bhra vibhrama bhramad bhujangamashvasad Vinirgamat kramasphurat karala bhala havyavat | Dhimid dhimid dhimid dhvanan mridanga tunga mangala Dhvanikrama pravartita prachanda tandavah shivah || 11 ||

Drishad vichitra talpayor bhujanga mauktika srajor Garishtha ratna loshthayoh suhrid vipaksha pakshayoh | Trina ravinda chakshushoh prajapahimahendrayoh Sama pravrittikah kada sadashivam bhajamyaham || 12 ||

Kada nilimpa nirjhari nikunja kotare vasan Vimukta durmatih sada shirahstham anjalim vahan | Vimukta lola lochano lalama bhala lagnakah Shiveti mantram uchcharan kada sukhi bhavamyaham || 13 ||

Imam hi nityam evam uktam uttamottamam stavam Pathansmaran bruvannaro vishuddhimeti santatam | Hare gurau subhaktim ashu yati nanyatha gatim Vimohanam hi dehinam sushankarasya chintanam || 14 ||

Detailed English Explanation of Shri Shiv Tandav Stotram

This hymn is complex, and to truly benefit, one must understand the depth of its verses:

1. The Vision of the Dance (Verses 1-2): The opening verses of the Shri Shiv Tandav Stotram describe the holy flow of the Ganges through Shiva’s matted hair and the snakes coiled around his neck. When Shiva dances, the ‘Dam-Dam’ sound from his drum echoes across the universe. The fire burning on his forehead is the same fire that destroyed Kamadeva (the God of Desire).

2. Beauty and Supremacy (Verses 3-5): Here, Shiva is depicted as the beloved of Parvati (the daughter of the mountain king). The matted hair of Mahadev glows with the light of the gems on the snakes’ hoods. The Shri Shiv Tandav Stotram reminds us that Shiva is the master of all beings (Bhuta-bharta).

3. The Destroyer of Evil (Verses 6-10): These verses commemorate the destruction of Kamadeva, the sacrifice of Daksha, and the killing of various demons. Shiva is ‘Purantaka’ (the ender of Tripura) and ‘Bhavantaka’ (the one who liberates us from the cycle of birth and death). This part of the Shri Shiv Tandav Stotram symbolizes justice and the absolute power of destruction for the sake of rebirth.

4. The State of Equanimity (Verses 11-13): In a rare moment of spiritual clarity, Ravana prays for a state of mind where he treats a snake and a garland, a gem and a piece of dirt, a friend and an enemy, or a king and a commoner with the same equal vision. This is the ultimate goal of the Shri Shiv Tandav Stotram—reaching a state of perfect balance.

Miraculous Benefits of Chanting Shri Shiv Tandav Stotram

Power of Speech: Reciting these complex Sanskrit words brings clarity and power (Vak-Siddhi) to the chanter’s voice.
Confidence & Mental Strength: It is the best hymn for building immense self-confidence and mental resilience.
Wealth & Prosperity: It is believed that chanting the Shri Shiv Tandav Stotram during Pradosham helps in removing poverty.
Victory over Enemies: It acts as a spiritual armor, shielding the devotee from opponents and negative influences.

Method of Practice (Sadhana)

Time: Reciting it during Sunset (Pradosh Kaal) is highly recommended.
Rhythm: It should be chanted with a specific rhythm and speed to experience the vibrations.
Precaution: Due to difficult Sanskrit words, practice the pronunciation carefully to avoid mistakes.

Conclusion

The Shri Shiv Tandav Stotram is a divine confluence of Mahadev’s power and Ravana’s intellect. It teaches us that true devotion has the power to stop even the Almighty. Stay tuned to theshivling.com as we continue our 108 Stotram journey.

Har Har Mahadev! Jai Shiv Shambhu!

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