In the realm of Hindu spirituality, few hymns hold as much reverence and significance as the Shiv Tandav Stotram. Composed by the legendary figure Ravana, this hymn is a poetic masterpiece that reverberates with profound devotion and spiritual insight. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the story, lyrics, meaning, and benefits of the Shiv Tandav Stotram, unraveling its mystique and offering insights into its timeless relevance. Enhance your spiritual space with a meticulously crafted Lord Shiva Idol, radiating divine energy and grace from eCraftIndia.

The Story Behind Shiv Tandav Stotram
The origins of the Shiv Tandav Stotram are deeply intertwined with the mythological narrative of Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, and his unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, Ravana was not only a formidable warrior and ruler but also a learned scholar and devout worshiper of Shiva. Despite his flaws and misdeeds, Ravana's devotion to Lord Shiva was unparalleled.
Legend has it that Ravana's hubris and desire for power led him to attempt the audacious feat of lifting Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva, with his bare hands. In response to this act of arrogance, Lord Shiva, in his divine wisdom, pressed his toe upon the mountain, rendering Ravana powerless and humbled. It is in this moment of humility and desperation that Ravana composed the Shiv Tandav Stotram, a fervent hymn praising the glory and magnificence of Lord Shiva.
Exploring the Lyrics of Shiv Tandav Stotram
The Shiv Tandav Stotram is a poetic marvel comprising 15 verses, each intricately woven with rich symbolism and profound philosophical insights. Through vivid imagery and lyrical beauty, Ravana extols the various attributes and manifestations of Lord Shiva, portraying him as the cosmic dancer whose divine dance encompasses the entire universe.
The stotram begins with verses describing the majestic appearance of Lord Shiva, whose matted locks resemble a dense forest and whose body is adorned with serpents. As the hymn progresses, Ravana delves deeper into the symbolism of Lord Shiva's cosmic dance, portraying it as the eternal rhythm of creation, preservation, and destruction.
Each verse of the Shiv Tandav Stotram is imbued with layers of meaning and spiritual significance, offering devotees a profound insight into the nature of existence and the divine essence of Lord Shiva. From his role as the destroyer of evil to his benevolent blessings upon his devotees, the stotram encapsulates the multifaceted nature of Lord Shiva's divine presence.
जटाटवीगलज्जलप्रवाहपावितस्थले
गलेऽवलम्ब्य लम्बितां भुजङ्गतुङ्गमालिकाम् ।
डमड्डमड्डमड्डमन्निनादवड्डमर्वयं
चकार चण्डताण्डवं तनोतु नः शिवः शिवम् ॥१॥
Jatatavigalajjala pravahapavitasthale
Galeavalambya lambitam bhujangatungamalikam |
Damad damad damaddama ninadavadamarvayam
Chakara chandtandavam tanotu nah shivah shivam ||1||
This verse describes Lord Shiva's majestic appearance, with his matted hair, the flowing Ganga adorning his throat, and snakes coiled around his neck like garlands. It also portrays the rhythmic sound of drums accompanying his passionate dance.
जटाकटाहसम्भ्रमभ्रमन्निलिम्पनिर्झरी_
विलोलवीचिवल्लरीविराजमानमूर्धनि ।
धगद्धगद्धगज्जलल्ललाटपट्टपावके
किशोरचन्द्रशेखरे रतिः प्रतिक्षणं मम ॥२॥
Jata kata hasambhrama bhramanilimpanirjhari
Vilolavichivalarai virajamanamurdhani |
Dhagadhagadhagajjva lalalata pattapavake
Kishora chandrashekhare ratih pratikshanam mama ||2||
Here, Lord Shiva's divine form is depicted, with the Ganga flowing through his matted locks, the crescent moon adorning his forehead, and the fire burning on his brow. It highlights the serene and awe-inspiring aspect of his appearance.
धराधरेन्द्रनन्दिनीविलासबन्धुबन्धुर
स्फुरद्दिगन्तसन्ततिप्रमोदमानमानसे ।
कृपाकटाक्षधोरणीनिरुद्धदुर्धरापदि
क्वचिद्दिगम्बरे मनो विनोदमेतु वस्तुनि ॥३॥
Dharadharendrana ndinivilasabandhubandhura
Sphuradigantasantati pramodamanamanase |
Krupakatakshadhorani nirudhadurdharapadi
Kvachidigambare manovinodametuvastuni ||3||
This verse praises Lord Shiva's majestic presence, with references to the dust of flowers falling from the heads of gods, the snake adorning his matted locks, and the moon shining brightly on his head. It emphasizes his role as the cosmic creator and protector.
जटाभुजङ्गपिङ्गलस्फुरत्फणामणिप्रभा
कदम्बकुङ्कुमद्रवप्रलिप्तदिग्वधूमुखे ।
मदान्धसिन्धुरस्फुरत्त्वगुत्तरीयमेदुरे
मनो विनोदमद्भुतं बिभर्तु भूतभर्तरि ॥४॥
Jata bhujan gapingala sphuratphanamaniprabha
Kadambakunkuma dravapralipta digvadhumukhe |
Madandha sindhu rasphuratvagutariyamedure
Mano vinodamadbhutam bibhartu bhutabhartari ||4||
Here, Lord Shiva's divine attributes are extolled, with descriptions of his dark neck resembling the clouds, the moon and celestial river adorning his head, and his role as the sustainer of the universe.
सहस्रलोचनप्रभृत्यशेषलेखशेखर_
प्रसूनधूलिधोरणी विधूसराङ्घ्रिपीठभूः ।
भुजङ्गराजमालया निबद्धजाटजूटकः
श्रियै चिराय जायतां चकोरबन्धुशेखरः ॥५॥
Sahasra lochana prabhritya sheshalekhashekhara
Prasuna dhulidhorani vidhusaranghripithabhuh |
Bhujangaraja malaya nibaddhajatajutaka
Shriyai chiraya jayatam chakora bandhushekharah ||5||
This verse celebrates Lord Shiva's power and destruction of evil forces, with references to bees buzzing around him due to the fragrance of flowers, his defeat of various demons and enemies, and his role as the destroyer of death and ignorance.
ललाटचत्वरज्वलद्धनञ्जयस्फुलिङ्गभा_
निपीतपञ्चसायकं नमन्निलिम्पनायकम् ।
सुधामयूखलेखया विराजमानशेखरं
महाकपालिसम्पदेशिरोजटालमस्तु नः ॥६॥
Lalata chatvarajvaladhanajnjayasphulingabha
Nipitapajnchasayakam namannilimpanayakam |
Sudha mayukha lekhaya virajamanashekharam
Maha kapali sampade shirojatalamastu nah ||6||
Here, Lord Shiva's intense aura is described, with mentions of the fire on his forehead fueled by the breath of a serpent, his rhythmic dance symbolizing the cosmic cycles, and his ultimate victory over all obstacles.
करालभालपट्टिकाधगद्धगद्धगज्ज्वलद्_
धनञ्जयाहुतीकृतप्रचण्डपञ्चसायके ।
धराधरेन्द्रनन्दिनीकुचाग्रचित्रपत्रक
प्रकल्पनैकशिल्पिनि त्रिलोचने रतिर्मम ॥७॥
Karala bhala pattikadhagaddhagaddhagajjvala
Ddhanajnjaya hutikruta prachandapajnchasayake |
Dharadharendra nandini kuchagrachitrapatraka
Prakalpanaikashilpini trilochane ratirmama ||7||
This verse reflects on Lord Shiva's impartial vision, seeing all aspects of creation with equanimity. It emphasizes the importance of worshiping Lord Shiva, who transcends all dualities and distinctions.
नवीनमेघमण्डली निरुद्धदुर्धरस्फुरत्_
कुहूनिशीथिनीतमः प्रबन्धबद्धकन्धरः ।
निलिम्पनिर्झरीधरस्तनोतु कृत्तिसिन्धुरः
कलानिधानबन्धुरः श्रियं जगद्धुरंधरः ॥८॥
Navina megha mandali niruddhadurdharasphurat
Kuhu nishithinitamah prabandhabaddhakandharah |
Nilimpanirjhari dharastanotu krutti sindhurah
Kalanidhanabandhurah shriyam jagaddhurandharah ||8||
This verse praises Lord Shiva's divine form, comparing his neck to a cluster of dark clouds, his head adorned with the moon and celestial river, and his role as the sustainer of the universe.
प्रफुल्लनीलपङ्कजप्रपञ्चकालिमप्रभा_
वलम्बिकण्ठकन्दलीरुचिप्रबद्धकन्धरम् ।
स्मरच्छिदं पुरच्छिदं भवच्छिदं मखच्छिदं
गजच्छिदान्धकच्छिदं तमन्तकच्छिदं भजे ॥९॥
Praphulla nila pankaja prapajnchakalimchatha
Vdambi kanthakandali raruchi prabaddhakandharam |
Smarachchidam purachchhidam bhavachchidam makhachchidam
Gajachchidandhakachidam tamamtakachchidam bhaje ||9||
Here, Lord Shiva's magnificence is extolled, with references to bees buzzing around him due to the fragrance of flowers, his destruction of evil forces, and his role as the remover of obstacles and bestower of prosperity.
अखर्वसर्वमङ्गलाकलाकदम्बमञ्जरी_
रसप्रवाहमाधुरीविजृम्भणामधुव्रतम् ।
स्मरान्तकं पुरान्तकं भवान्तकं मखान्तकं
गजान्तकान्धकान्तकं तमन्तकान्तकं भजे ॥१०॥
Akharvagarvasarvamangala kalakadambamajnjari
Rasapravaha madhuri vijrumbhana madhuvratam |
Smarantakam purantakam bhavantakam makhantakam
Gajantakandhakantakam tamantakantakam bhaje ||10||
This verse celebrates Lord Shiva's power and destruction of ignorance and evil, with references to bees buzzing around him due to the fragrance of flowers, his victory over various demons and enemies, and his role as the destroyer of death and ignorance.
जयत्वदभ्रविभ्रमभ्रमद्भुजङ्गमश्वसद्_
विनिर्गमत्क्रमस्फुरत्करालभालहव्यवाट् ।
धिमिद्धिमिद्धिमिध्वनन्मृदङ्गतुङ्गमङ्गल_
ध्वनिक्रमप्रवर्तितप्रचण्डताण्डवः शिवः ॥११॥
Jayatvadabhravibhrama bhramadbhujangamasafur
Dhigdhigdhi nirgamatkarala bhaal havyavat |
Dhimiddhimiddhimidhva nanmrudangatungamangala
Dhvanikramapravartita prachanda tandavah shivah ||11||
Here, Lord Shiva's awe-inspiring dance is described, with mentions of the rhythmic sound of drums accompanying his movements, the fire burning on his forehead, and his ultimate victory over all obstacles.
दृषद्विचित्रतल्पयोर्भुजङ्गमौक्तिकस्रजोर्_
गरिष्ठरत्नलोष्ठयोः सुहृद्विपक्षपक्षयोः ।
तृणारविन्दचक्षुषोः प्रजामहीमहेन्द्रयोः
समप्रवृत्तिकः कदा सदाशिवं भजाम्यहम् ॥१२॥
Drushadvichitratalpayor bhujanga mauktikasrajor
Garishtharatnaloshthayoh suhrudvipakshapakshayoh |
Trushnaravindachakshushoh prajamahimahendrayoh
Sama pravartayanmanah kada sadashivam bhajamyaham ||12||
This verse reflects on the significance of reciting the Shiv Tandav Stotram, with promises of wealth and prosperity for those who engage in its worship and chanting with devotion and sincerity.
कदा निलिम्पनिर्झरीनिकुञ्जकोटरे वसन्
विमुक्तदुर्मतिः सदा शिरःस्थमञ्जलिं वहन् ।
विमुक्तलोललोचनो ललामभाललग्नकः
शिवेति मन्त्रमुच्चरन्कदा सुखी भवाम्यहम् ॥१३॥
Kada nilimpanirjhari nikujnjakotare vasanh
Vimuktadurmatih sada shirah sthamajnjalim vahanh |
Vimuktalolalochano lalamabhalalagnakah
Shiveti mantramuchcharan sada sukhi bhavamyaham ||13||
Here, the benefits of chanting the Shiv Tandav Stotram are extolled, with promises of purification, inner peace, and devotion for those who recite it regularly with reverence and faith.
इमं हि नित्यमेवमुक्तमुत्तमोत्तमं स्तवं
पठन्स्मरन्ब्रुवन्नरो विशुद्धिमेतिसंततम् ।
हरे गुरौ सुभक्तिमाशु याति नान्यथा गतिं
विमोहनं हि देहिनां सुशङ्करस्य चिन्तनम् ॥१४॥
Imam hi nityameva muktamuttamottamam stavam
Pathansmaran bruvannaro vishuddhimeti santatam |
Hare gurau subhaktimashu yati nanyatha gatim
Vimohanam hi dehinam sushankarasya chintanam ||14||
This verse emphasizes the transformative power of reciting the Shiv Tandav Stotram, with promises of spiritual upliftment, wisdom, and liberation for those who dedicate themselves to the worship of Lord Shiva.
पूजावसानसमये दशवक्त्रगीतं यः
शम्भुपूजनपरं पठति प्रदोषे ।
तस्य स्थिरां रथगजेन्द्रतुरङ्गयुक्तां
लक्ष्मीं सदैव सुमुखीं प्रददाति शम्भुः ॥१५॥
Puja vasanasamaye dashavaktragitam
Yah shambhupujanaparam pathati pradoshhe |
Tasya sthiram rathagajendraturangayuktam
Lakshmim sadaiva sumukhim pradadati shambhuh ||15||
Finally, this verse concludes with a prayer for blessings and prosperity from Lord Shiva for those who faithfully recite and worship him with devotion and sincerity.
Benefits of Chanting Shiv Tandav Stotram
The chanting of Shiv Tandav Stotram is believed to bestow a myriad of spiritual benefits upon devotees, fostering inner peace, spiritual growth, and divine grace. By invoking the presence of Lord Shiva through the recitation of this sacred hymn, devotees can purify their minds and hearts, and attain spiritual liberation.
- Inner Peace and Harmony: The rhythmic cadence of the stotram has a calming effect on the mind and spirit, promoting inner peace and tranquility.
- Spiritual Awakening: The profound philosophical insights embedded within the stotram serve as a catalyst for spiritual awakening and self-realization.
- Protection from Negative Energies: The divine vibrations generated by the chanting of the stotram create a protective shield against negative energies and malevolent forces.
- Blessings of Lord Shiva: Through the sincere recitation of the stotram, devotees can invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva and experience his divine grace in their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the significance of chanting Shiv Tandav Stotram?
Chanting the stotram invokes the blessings of Lord Shiva, promoting spiritual growth and inner harmony.
Can anyone chant Shiv Tandav Stotram?
Yes, the stotram can be chanted by anyone seeking spiritual upliftment and divine grace.
Is there a specific time to chant Shiv Tandav Stotram?
While there's no specific time, chanting it during auspicious occasions or during the Brahma Muhurta enhances its efficacy.
What are the benefits of having a Lord Shiva Idol at home?
A Lord Shiva Idol symbolizes strength, protection, and auspiciousness, bringing positive energy into the household.
Conclusion
The Shiv Tandav Stotram stands as a timeless testament to the boundless devotion and spiritual insight of its composer, Ravana. Through its lyrical verses and profound symbolism, the stotram serves as a guiding light for spiritual seekers, illuminating the path to self-realization and divine communion. By embracing the divine energy of Lord Shiva, devotees can unlock the secrets of the universe and experience the transformative power of divine grace. Explore our exquisite collection of god idols and home decor items today and embark on a journey of spiritual awakening and enlightenment.