Shiv Thandav Stotram History and Story
After Ravana defeated kubera, the god of wealth who is alos Ravavan’a step brother, he was riding the sky in pushpak veemaan (the flying chariot) which he won from kubera along with the kingdom of Lanka. His chariot stopped at mount kailash. Ravana ordered the mount to get off his way, but the mount refused. This annoyed Ravana. He got off his chariot and tried to remove it with his own hands. Ravana succeeded to lift the mount for a while but lord Shiva presses the mountain with his toe and Ravana’s hands were pressed under the mount. Ravana realized his mistake. To impress Shiva he sang Shiva Tandav Strotram and became the devotee of Shiva.
Every follower of Hinduism, at some point in their life, has heard or recited the Shiv Tandav Stotram, but only a few truly understand its greatness and miraculous power. The 15th verse of the Shiv Tandav Stotram itself states that whoever recites this hymn, composed by the ten-headed Ravana, during the completion of a Puja or during Pradosh Kaal with unwavering devotion, will be blessed with chariots yoked with the king of elephants and horses, and Devi Lakshmi will grace them with her divine presence. This is the boon that Lord Shambu bestows upon his devotees.
Though the Shiv Tandav Stotram may seem difficult to memorize, once learned with a deep understanding of its meaning, this high-vibration stotra can bring countless benefits.
Verse 1
Transliteration:
Jatatavi galajjal pravaha pavitasthale
Galevalambya lambitam bhujangatungamalikam |
Damaddamad damaddamanninadavaddamarvayam
Chakara chandatandavam tanotu nah shivah shivam ||1||
Meaning:
With his matted hair purified by the flowing water of the Ganges,
And a serpent hanging like a lofty garland around his neck,
With the damaru drum sounding “damad damad damad,”
Lord Shiva performed his fierce Tandava dance. May he bless us with auspiciousness.
Verse 2
Transliteration:
Jatatavigalajjala pravaha pavitasthale
Galevalambya lambitam bhujangatungamalikam |
Damaddamad damaddamanninadavaddamarvayam
Chakara chandatandavam tanotu nah shivah shivam ||2||
Meaning:
(Repeated or similar to verse 1)
May Lord Shiva, whose matted hair is bathed by the Ganges,
Adorned with serpents and the damaru’s rhythm,
Performing the fierce Tandava, bless us with prosperity and peace.
Verse 3
Transliteration:
Dharadharendra nandini vilasa bandhubandhur
Sphurad diganta santati pramodamana manase ||3||
Meaning:
O consort of Parvati, the daughter of the mountain king,
Who is the delight of the universe and the friend of the peacock,
Whose mind is always joyful with the endless cosmos.
Verse 4
Transliteration:
Jatakataha sambhrama bhramannilimpanirjhari
Nikunjakotari valolavichivalalari virajaman |
Kanaka chandrakuṇḍalakeshi nirajoruha krichchhra
Leshanair vilasattundah padmasanoh tanotu nah ||4||
Meaning:
May Lord Shiva, whose matted hair is like a forest,
Adorned with the golden crescent moon earrings,
Whose locks drip with the water of the Ganges,
And who shines like a lotus seat, bless us.
Verse 5
Transliteration:
Dharadharendra nandini vilasa bandhubandhur
Sphurad diganta santati pramodamana manase |
Kripa kataksha dhorani niruddha durdhara pada
Yasam padma patam tanotu nah shivah shivam ||5||
Meaning:
May Lord Shiva, the husband of Parvati, the daughter of the mountain king,
Whose mind is always joyful with the endless universe,
Who showers merciful glances to save those who are difficult to save,
Bless us with his lotus-like feet.
Verse 6
Transliteration:
Sahasralochana prabhrit yashesha lekha shekharah
Prasoonadhuli dhorani vidhusaranghripithbhoh |
Bhujangaraja malaya nibaddha jatajutakah
Kapola kundala vandanah kada bhavanti me ||6||
Meaning:
When will Lord Shiva, who has a thousand eyes and a crescent moon on his head,
Whose feet are like snowy mountains, and whose matted hair is tied with a serpent king as a garland,
Who wears lotus-shaped earrings, bless me?
Verse 7
Transliteration:
Kalimalini kataksha dhorani niruddha durdhara pada
Yasam padma patam tanotu nah shivah shivam ||7||
Meaning:
May Shiva, whose merciful glance stops the fall of those difficult to save,
Bless us with his lotus-like feet.
Verse 8
Transliteration:
Lalatachatur jvaladhanan jayaditya varnah
Nilaya sadrisham tava shikhini vadane mama |
Mandam mandam mandamandam madhurim madhuradhuram
Madhuraksharamadhuram vadatu nah shivah shivam ||8||
Meaning:
May Lord Shiva, whose forehead glows like the rising sun,
And whose hair resembles the sun’s rays,
Speak to us sweetly with his sweet words.
Verse 9
Transliteration:
Nibhrutam nabha taru chara chara chara ganaih
Ravanam dadarsha vilochanam vilasat kamandalam |
Malinim mriga dhara malyambaradharam shulapani
Madbhutam madbhutam madbhutam tanotu nah shivah shivam ||9||
Meaning:
May Lord Shiva, who was seen by Ravana in the sky surrounded by moving and non-moving beings,
Who shines brilliantly wearing a garland of skulls and tiger skin, and who holds a trident,
Grant us his wondrous blessings.
Verse 10
Transliteration:
Mandam mandam mandamadbhutamadbhutamadbhutam
Madbhutam madbhutam madbhutam tanotu nah shivah shivam ||10||
Meaning:
May Lord Shiva, who is wonderfully gentle and sweet,
Bless us with his grace.
Verse 11
Transliteration:
Jayatu dabhra vibhrama bhramad bhujangamashvas
Dvinirgamat krama sphurat karala bhalahavyavat |
Dhimidh dhimidh dhimidhvanam mridangatungamangala
Dhvani krama pravartita prachanda tandavah shivah ||11||
Meaning:
Victory to Lord Shiva, who has fire burning on his forehead,
Whose breath causes the movement of serpents,
Who performs the fierce Tandava dance to the rhythmic sounds of the auspicious drum,
“Dhimid dhimid dhimidhvanam” ringing loudly.
Verse 12
Transliteration:
Drisad vichitra talpayor bhujangamautikasrajor
Garishtha ratna loshthayoh suhrit vipaksha pakshayo |
Trinaravinda chakshushoh prajamahimahendrayoh
Samapravrittikah kada sadashivam bhajamyaham ||12||
Meaning:
Looking at the varied forms of the universe, the snakes and pearls,
The precious gems and lumps of earth, friends and foes,
With eyes like lotus petals, the lord of creatures and kings,
When will I worship the eternal Shiva who is equally present everywhere?
Verse 13
Transliteration:
Nilimpanirjharinikunjakotare vasan
Vimuktadurmati sada shirah sthamanjalam vahan |
Vimuktalolalochanah lalamabhalalaghnakah
Shiveti mantram uccaran kada sukhi bhavamyaham ||13||
Meaning:
When will I, dwelling in a cave near the blue water of the Ganges,
With my impure thoughts freed, hands raised in reverence,
And eyes playful and glancing sideways,
Chant the mantra “Shiva” and live happily?
Verse 14
Idam hi nityamevamuktam uttamottamam stavam
Pathansmaran bruvan naro vishuddhimet santatam |
Hare gurau subhaktimashu yati nanyatha gatim
Vimohanam hi dehinam sushankarasya chintanam ||14||
Meaning:
This excellent and supreme hymn, when recited, remembered, or spoken constantly by a person,
Leads him to purity and devotion to Lord Shiva and Guru,
And there is no other way to attain liberation,
For the contemplation of the auspicious Lord Shiva dispels delusion in beings.
Verse 15
Transliteration:
Yah shambhupujanparam pathati pradoshe
Tasya sthiram rathagajendraturangayuktam |
Lakshmim sadaiva sumukhim pradadati shambhuh ||15||
Meaning:
Whoever recites this hymn of Lord Shambhu (Shiva) during the Pradosha time of worship,
Will be blessed with steady chariots, elephants, and horses,
And will always receive the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and a beautiful face from Lord Shiva.
Conclusion:
The Shiv Tandav Stotram is a powerful Sanskrit hymn that extols the fierce and divine dance of Lord Shiva. It symbolizes the dynamic cosmic dance of creation and destruction, embodying his power to conquer death and dissolve obstacles. Chanting this stotram invokes inner strength, fearlessness, and divine grace.