Shiva Tandava Stotram
Shiva Tandava Stotram is a 14-verse Sanskrit hymn traditionally composed by Ravana, the legendary Asura king, celebrating Lord Shiva's cosmic dance (Tandava). The opening verses paint vivid imagery of Shiva's transcendent form: the sacred Ganges flowing through matted locks (jata), serpents coiled as garlands, ash smeared across his body, and the crescent moon adorning his forehead. The rhythmic damaru (sacred drum) produces the cosmic pulse—represented onomatopoetically as 'damad-damad-damad.' These poetic descriptions blend physical grandeur with spiritual symbolism, rendering Shiva simultaneously fierce, protective, and eternally engaged in the dance sustaining all creation.
The stotram reveals Shiva as Mahakala—the destroyer of ignorance and cosmic cycles. His Tandava represents the eternal rhythm underlying existence: the dissolution of old forms enabling renewal, the integration of opposites (fear and fearlessness, asceticism and cosmic play, stillness and dynamic movement). Each verse methodically unfolds Shiva's attributes—his matted locks, serpent ornaments, ash-covered body, the third eye, and his role as destroyer of demons (Gaja, Mahisha, Andha) and delusion itself. By meditating on this form, practitioners recognize Shiva as Paramashiva—the ultimate reality transcending all dualities. The hymn connects the devotee's inner consciousness to the heartbeat of the cosmos.
Chant Shiva Tandava Stotram during Brahma Muhurta (early morning 4–6 AM) or throughout Shiva Ratri observances for optimal spiritual benefit. Recite the complete 14 verses daily, or focus on verses resonating with your intention. Begin with 40 days of continuous practice to establish momentum. Ideally, chant with reverence and visualize Shiva's dance internally. Even listening to melodic renditions while meditating invokes profound inner transformation and alignment with cosmic consciousness.
Curated by The Mahakatha Team · Original Composition: Mahakatha · Lyric: Ravana (legendary)
Shiva Tandava Stotram
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जटा तवी गलज्जल प्रवाह पावित स्थले। गलेव लम्ब्यलम्बिताम् भुजङ्ग तुङ्ग मालिकाम्।। दमद्दमद्दमद्धम निनाद वद्धमर्वयम्। चकार चन्दताण्डवम् तनोतु नः शिवः शिवम्।।
Jataa tavee galajjala pravaaha paavitasthale Galeva lambyalambitaam bhujanga tunga maalikaam Damad-damad-damaddama ninaada vaddamarvayam Chakaara chandataandavam tanotu nah shivah shivam
जटाकटा हसम्भ्रम भ्रमन्निलिम्पनिर्झरी। विलोलवीचिवल्लरी विराजमान मूर्धनि।। धगद्धगद्धगज्ज्वल्ल ललाटपत्ट पावके। किशोर चन्द्रशेखरे रतिः प्रतिक्षणम् मम।।
Jataakataa hasambhrama bhraman nilimpanirjharee Vilolaveechivallaree viraajamaana moordhani Dhagad-dhagad-dhagajjvala llalaatapatta paavake Kishora chandrashekhare ratih pratikshanam mamah
धराधरेन्द्र नन्दिनी विलास बन्धुबन्धुर। स्फुरद्दिगन्त सन्तति प्रमोद मान मानसे।। कृपाकटाक्ष धारणी निरुद्ध दुर्धराप्रदि। क्वचिद्विगम्बरे मनोविनोदमेतु वस्तुनि।।
Dharaadharendra nandinee vilaasa bandhubandhura Sphuraddiganta santati pramoda maanamaanase Kripaakataaksha dhoranee niruddha durdharaapadi Kvachidvigambare manovinodametu vastuni
जटाभुजङ्ग पिङ्गल स्फुरत् फनामणिप्रभा। कदम्बकुङ्कुमद्रव प्रलिप्तदिग्ध धूमुखे।। मदान्धसिन्धु रस्फुरत्वगुत्तरीयमेदुरे। मनोविनोदभुतम् बिभुर्तभूतभर्तरी।।
Jataabhujanga pingala sphurat phanaamaniprabhaa Kadambakumkumadrava praliptadigva dhoomukhe Madaandhasindhu rasphuratvaguttareeyamedure Manovinodadbhutam bibhurtabhoota bhartarii
सहस्रलोचन प्रभृत्यशेषलेख शेखर। प्रसूनधूलि धारणी विधूसरां घ्रिपीठभूः।। भुजङ्गराजमालया निबद्धजाटजूटकः। श्रियैचिराय जायताम् चकोरबन्धुशेखरः।।
Sahasralochana prabhrityasheshalekha shekhara Prasoonadhooli dhoranee vidhoosaraam ghripeethabhooh Bhujangaraajamaalayaa nibaddhajaatajootakah Shriyaichiraayajaayataam chakorabandhushekharah
ललाटचत्वरज्ज्वल्ल धनञ्जयस्फुलिङ्गभा। निपीतपञ्च सायकम् नमन्निलिम्पनायकम्।। सुधामयूखलेखया विराजमान शेखरम्। महाकपालिसम्पदे शिरोजटालमस्तुनः।।
Lalaatachatvarajvala ddhananjayasphulimgabhaa Nipeetapancha saayakamnama nnilimpanaayakam Sudhaamayookhalekhayaa viraajamaanashekharam Mahaakapaalisampade shirojataalamastunah
करालभालपत्तिका धगद्धगद्धगज्ज्वल्ल। धनञ्जयाधरीकृत प्रचण्ड पञ्चसायके।। धराधरेन्द्रनन्दिनी कुचाग्रचित्रपत्र। कप्रकल्पनैकशिल्पिनी त्रिलोचनेरतिर्मम।।
Karaalabhaalapattikaa dhagad-dhagad-dhagajjvala Dhananjayaa dhareekritaprachanda panchasaayake Dharaadharendranandinee kuchaagrachitrapatra Kaprakalpanaikashilpinee trilochaneratirmama
नवीनमेघमण्डली निरुद्धदुर्धरस्फुर। त्कुहुनिशीतनीतमः प्रबद्धबद्धकन्धरः।। निलिम्पनिर्झरीधरस्तनोतु कृत्तिसिन्धुरः। कलानिधानबन्धुरः श्रियम् जगद्धुरन्धरः।।
Naveenameghamandalee niruddhadurdharasphura Tkuhunisheethaneetamah prabaddhabaddhakandharah Nilimpanirjhareedharastanotu krittisindhurah Kalaanidhaanabandhurah shriyam jaganddhurandharah
प्रफुल्लनीलपङ्कज प्रपञ्चकालिमाप्रभा। विदम्बि कन्थकन्ध रारुचि प्रबन्धकन्धरम्।। स्मरच्छिदम् पुरच्छिदम् भवच्छिदम् मखच्छिदम्। गजच्छिदामधकच्छिदम् तमन्तकच्छिदम् भजे।।
Praphullaneelapankaja prapanchakaalimaprabhaa Vidambi kanthakandha raaruchi prabandhakandharam Smaracchidam puracchidam bhavacchidam makhacchidam Gajacchidaamdhakacchidam tamantakacchidam bhaje
अखर्वसर्वमङ्गलाम् कलाकदम्बमञ्जरी। रसप्रवाह माधुरी विजृम्भणा मधुव्रतम्।। स्मरान्तकम् पुरान्तकम् भावान्तकम् मखान्तकम्। गजान्तकान्धकान्तकम् तमन्तकान्तकम् भजे।।
Akharvasarvamangalaam kalaakadambamanjaree Rasapravaaha maadhuree vijrimbhranaa madhuvratam Smaraantakam puraantakam bhaavantakam makhaantakam Gajaantakaandhakaantakam tamantakaantakam bhaje
जयत्वदभ्रविभ्रम भ्रमद्भुजङ्गमस्फुरद्ध। गद्धगद्विनिर्गमत्करालभाल हव्यवात्।। धिमिद्धिमिद्धिमिद्धिमान्मृदङ्ग तुङ्गमङ्गल। ध्वनि क्रमप्रवर्तितः प्रचण्ड ताण्डवः शिवः।।
Jayatvadabhravibhrama bhramadbhujangamasphuraddha Gaddhagadvinirgamatkaraala bhaala havyavaat Dhimid-dhimid-dhi midhvananmridanga tungamangala Dhvani kramapravartitah prachanda taandavah shivah
दृशद्विचित्रताल्पयोर् भुजङ्गमौक्तिकामृस्र। जर्गरिष्ठरत्नलोष्ठयोः सुहृद्विपक्षपक्षयोः।। त्रिनारविन्दचक्षुषोः प्रजामहीमहेन्द्रयोः। समम् प्रवर्तयन्मनः कदा सदाशिवम् भजे।।
Drishadvichitratalpayor bhujangamauktikamasra Jorgarishtharatnaloshthayoh suhridvipakshapakshayoh Trinaaravindachakshushoh prajaamaheemahendrayoh Samam pravartayanmanah kadaa sadaashivam bhaje
कदा निलिम्पनिर्झरी निकुञ्जकोटरे वसन्।। विमुक्तदुर्मतिः सदा शिरःस्थमञ्जलिम् वहन्।। विमुक्तलोललोचनो ललामभालालग्नकः। शिवेति मन्त्रमुच्चरन् कदा सुखी भवाम्यहम्।।
Kadaa nilimpanirjharee nikunjakotare vasan Vimuktadurmatih sadaa shirahsthamanjalim vahan Vimuktalolalochano lalaamabhaalalagnakah Shiveti mamtramuccharan kadaa sukhee bhavaamyaham
इमम् हि नित्यमेव मुक्तमुक्तमोत्तम स्तवम् पठन्स्मरन्।। ब्रुवन्नरो विशुद्धमेति सन्ततम्।। हरे गुरौ सुभक्तिमाशु याति नानन्यथागतिम्। विमोहनम् हि देहिनाम् सुशङ्करस्य चिन्तनम्।।
Imam hi nityameva muktamuktamottama stavam pathansmaran Bruvannaro vishuddhameti santatam Hare gurau subhaktimaashu yaati naananyathaagatim Vimohanam hi dehinaam sushankarasya chintanam
Word-by-Word Meaning
| Sanskrit | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Jataa | Matted locks or braided hair; from root 'jata' meaning tangled or matted. |
| tavee | Your; possessive form addressing Lord Shiva in second person. |
| galajjala | Neck water or flowing liquid from the neck; 'gala' means neck, 'jala' means water. |
| pravaaha | Flow or stream; from root 'pra' (forth) + 'vah' (to flow). |
| paavitasthale | Sacred or purified place; 'pavita' means pure, 'sthale' means place or earth. |
| Galeva | From the neck; locative form referring to the neck region. |
| lambyalambitaam | Hanging and suspended; describes the flowing motion of liquids hanging downward. |
| bhujanga | Serpent or snake; from 'bhuja' (arm/coil) + 'anga' (body). |
| tunga | High, lofty, or elevated; describes the serpent as prominent or towering. |
| maalikaam | Garland or necklace; from 'mala' (garland) in accusative feminine form. |
| Damad-damad-damaddama | Onomatopoeia representing the drum beat sound; repeated 'dama' mimics rhythmic percussion. |
| ninaada | Sound or resonance; from 'ni' (down) + 'nad' (to sound). |
| Chakaara | Made or performed; past tense form from 'kar' (to do/make). |
| chandataandavam | Moon-like dance or graceful dance; 'chanda' relates to moon/beauty, 'tandava' means cosmic dance. |
| tanotu | May grant or bestow; optative form from 'tan' (to extend/grant). |
| nah | Us or to us; dative/accusative pronoun in first person plural. |
| shivah | Auspicious, benevolent Lord; nominative masculine form of Shiva, meaning 'the benevolent one.' |
| shivam | Auspiciousness or benevolence; accusative neuter form referring to divine grace. |
| Jataakataa | Matted hair or locks; 'jata' (matted) + 'kata' (arrangement/binding). |
| hasambhrama | Trembling or confusion of hands; 'hasa' (hand) + 'bhrama' (confusion/trembling). |
| bhraman | Wandering, moving, or circling; from 'bhram' (to wander/rotate). |
| nilimpanirjharee | Blue cascading stream; 'nilimpa' (blue) + 'nirjhari' (waterfall/stream). |
| Vilolaveechivallaree | Undulating waves or rolling surges; 'vilola' (undulating) + 'vechi' (wave) + 'vallari' (creeping vine-like flow). |
| viraajamaana | Shining brightly or resplendent; from 'viraja' (to shine) + 'mana' (present participle). |
| moordhani | On the head or crown; locative form from 'murdha' (head). |
| Dhagad-dhagad-dhagajjvala | Onomatopoeia of blazing fire sound; 'dhaga' mimics crackling flames, 'jvala' means fire/flame. |
| llalaatapatta | Forehead band or crescent mark; 'lalata' (forehead) + 'patta' (band/mark). |
| paavake | In fire or bright fire; locative form from 'pavaka' (purifying fire). |
| Kishora | Young, youthful moon; refers to the crescent moon worn on Shiva's brow. |
| chandrashekhare | Moon-crested one; 'chandra' (moon) + 'shekhara' (crest), addressing Shiva. |
| ratih | Affection, pleasure, or love; from 'rat' (to be pleased). |
| pratikshanam | Every moment or constantly; 'prati' (every) + 'kshanam' (moment). |
| mamah | My or of mine; possessive pronoun in first person singular. |
| nandinee | Rejoicing or delighting; feminine form from 'nand' (to rejoice/delight). |
| vilaasa | Grace, elegance, or charm; from 'vilus' (to move gracefully). |
| bandhubandhura | Friend of friends or cherished companion; 'bandhu' (friend/relative) in intensive form. |
| Sphuraddiganta | Radiating in all directions; 'sphurat' (radiating/sparkling) + 'diganta' (horizon/all directions). |
| santati | Lineage, succession, or continuous stream; from 'san' (together) + 'tan' (to extend). |
| pramoda | Delight, joy, or gladness; from 'pra' (forth) + 'mud' (to delight). |
| maanamaanase | In the mind of the respectful; 'mana' (respect/mind) in locative dual form. |
| Kripaakataaksha | Glance of compassion; 'kripa' (compassion/grace) + 'kataksha' (sidelong glance). |
| dhoranee | Stream or flow; feminine form from 'dhara' (stream/flow). |
| niruddha | Blocked, restrained, or obstructed; from 'ni' (down) + 'rudh' (to obstruct). |
| durdharaapadi | Difficult to bear or insurmountable; 'durdhara' (hard to bear) + 'padi' (condition). |
| Kvachidvigambare | Sometimes without refuge or destitute; 'kvachit' (sometimes) + 'vigambare' (destitute). |
| manovinodametu | May grant mental delight; 'mano' (mind) + 'vinoda' (amusement) + 'metu' (may grant). |
| vastuni | In things or substance; locative plural from 'vastu' (object/substance). |
| Jataabhujanga | Snake in the matted locks; 'jata' (matted hair) + 'bhujanga' (serpent). |
| pingala | Yellow, tawny, or reddish; describes the serpent's color or radiance. |
| sphurat | Flashing, sparkling, or radiating; from 'sphur' (to throb/shine). |
| phanaamaniprabhaa | Jewel-radiance of the serpent's hood; 'phana' (hood) + 'mani' (gem) + 'prabhaa' (radiance). |
| Kadambakumkumadrava | Saffron flow from Kadamba flowers; 'kadamba' (a tree) + 'kumkuma' (saffron) + 'drava' (liquid). |
| praliptadigva | Smeared in all directions; 'pralipra' (smeared) + 'dikvā' (in directions). |
| dhoomukhe | In the mouth of smoke; 'dhumo' (smoke) + 'mukhe' (in the mouth/opening). |
| Madaandhasindhu | Ocean of intoxicated blindness; 'mada' (intoxication) + 'andha' (blind) + 'sindhu' (ocean). |
| Manovinodadbhutam | Wonderful delight of mind; 'mano' (mind) + 'vinoda' (amusement) + 'bhuta' (become/wonderful). |
| bibhurtabhoota | Sustaining or supporting existence; 'bibhrt' (to bear/sustain) + 'bhuta' (being/element). |
| bhartarii | To the sustainer or Lord; dative form addressing the supporter of all. |
| Sahasralochana | Thousand-eyed one; 'sahasra' (thousand) + 'lochana' (eye), referring to Indra. |
| prabhrityasheshalekha | Beginning with and all remaining lines; 'prabhriti' (beginning) + 'akhila' (all) + 'lekhaa' (line/mark). |
| shekhara | Crest, crown, or ornament; from 'shekh' (to adorn). |
| Prasoonadhooli | Flower-dust or pollen; 'prasuna' (flower) + 'dhuli' (dust/powder). |
| ghripeethabhooh | Earth supporting or Earth-bound; 'ghrī' (to support) + 'pita' (established) + 'bhuh' (earth). |
| Bhujangaraajamaalayaa | King of serpents garland; 'bhujanga' (serpent) + 'raja' (king) + 'malaya' (garland). |
| nibaddhajaatajootakah | Bound matted locks; 'nibaddha' (bound/tied) + 'jata' (matted) + 'juta' (lock). |
| Shriyaichiraayajaayataam | May Lakshmi be born eternally; 'shri' (Lakshmi/prosperity) + 'chira' (eternal) + 'jayataam' (may be born). |
| chakorabandhushekharah | Friend of the moon-bird adorned; 'chakora' (moon-bird) + 'bandhu' (friend) + 'shekhara' (crest). |
| Lalaatachatvarajvala | Blazing on the forehead platform; 'lalata' (forehead) + 'chatvara' (platform) + 'jvala' (flame). |
| ddhananjayasphulimgabhaa | Lightning radiance of Arjuna's victory; 'dhananjaya' (Arjuna) + 'sphuling' (lightning) + 'bhaa' (radiance). |
| Nipeetapancha | Drunk or subdued fivefold; 'nipita' (drunk) + 'pancha' (five). |
| saayakamnama | Named arrow or called weapon; 'sayka' (arrow) + 'nama' (name/called). |
| nnilimpanaayakam | Lord of the blue or Dark Lord; 'nilimpa' (blue/dark) + 'nayaka' (lord/leader). |
| Sudhaamayookhalekhayaa | Moon's ray line or nectar-beam mark; 'sudha' (nectar/moon) + 'mayukha' (ray) + 'lekhaya' (line). |
| viraajamaanashekharam | Resplendent crowned one; 'viraja' (shining) + 'mana' (present participle) + 'shekhara' (crown). |
| Mahaakapaalisampade | In the treasure of great skulls; 'maha' (great) + 'kapala' (skull) + 'sampada' (treasure/possession). |
| shirojataalamastunah | Master of the head matted locks; 'shiro' (head) + 'jata' (matted) + 'lama' (lock) + 'tuna' (master). |
How to Chant Shiva Tandava Stotram
- 1
Find a quiet, clean space
Sit in a comfortable, undisturbed environment. Face east or north if possible. You may light incense or a candle to set a contemplative atmosphere.
- 2
Settle into a comfortable posture
Sit cross-legged on the floor or upright in a chair. Keep the spine erect and place the hands on the knees with palms facing upward.
- 3
Take three cleansing breaths
Inhale slowly through the nose, hold briefly, and exhale completely. Repeat three times to calm the mind and prepare for mantra recitation.
- 4
Begin chanting Shiva Tandava Stotram
Chant the mantra clearly and with devotion — aloud, in a whisper, or silently. Use a mala (108 beads) to count repetitions. Aim for a consistent, unhurried rhythm throughout the session.
- 5
Rest in stillness
After completing your chanting, sit quietly for two to five minutes. Allow the vibration of the mantra to settle within. Close the practice with a moment of gratitude.
Benefits of Shiva Tandava Stotram
-
Awakens kundalini energy and deepens meditation practice by aligning individual consciousness (Atman) with Shiva's cosmic vibration and eternal dance rhythm.
Source: Kundalini Upanishad; Traditional Tantric practice
-
Dissolves fear and ego-based limitations by exposing the illusory nature of separate selfhood through Shiva's universal dance metaphor.
Source: Mandukya Upanishad; Advaita Vedanta philosophy
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Cultivates fearlessness (Abhaya) and inner resilience by meditating on Shiva as the destroyer of all obstacles, ignorance, and demonic patterns.
Source: Shiva Purana; Traditional Shaiva texts
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Purifies mind and nervous system through rhythmic Sanskrit phonetics and the embedded damaru vibration patterns within the chant's metrical structure.
Source: Yoga Sutras of Patanjali; Nada Brahma (Sound-Consciousness) doctrine
-
Removes karmic blockages and negative samskaras by invoking Shiva's power to dissolve what no longer serves spiritual evolution and liberation.
Source: Karma Yoga Upanishad; Traditional Shaivite practice
Story & Symbolism
Shiva Tandava Stotram originates from Hindu mythology's most dramatic moment: Ravana's profound devotion despite his demonic nature. According to the Ramayana and Shiva Purana, Ravana—a brilliant scholar, musician, and yogi—composed this 14-verse hymn to propitiate Lord Shiva after committing a grave transgression (kidnapping Sita). Ravana's genius lay in recognizing Shiva's transcendent supremacy beyond moral judgment. His poetic composition became so luminous that Shiva granted him a personal audience. This narrative teaches that sincere Bhakti (devotion) and spiritual insight can transcend any karmic debt; even an Asura king could approach the divine through authentic praise and surrender.
The stotram's deeper meaning reflects non-dual Advaita philosophy: Shiva's Tandava (cosmic dance) represents the eternal cycle of creation, sustenance, and dissolution—the fundamental rhythm underlying all existence. Each verse methodically unfolds Shiva's attributes—matted locks flowing with the Ganges (purification), serpents as garlands (kundalini energy), ash-covered body (renunciation), third eye (omniscience), and destructive power over ignorance and delusion. The hymn celebrates Shiva not as a distant god but as the ultimate reality (Paramashiva) pervading all consciousness. Spiritually, the Tandava symbolizes the cosmic energy eternally dancing through creation; meditating on this form aligns the individual soul (Atman) with universal consciousness.
Today, Shiva Tandava Stotram remains a cornerstone of Shaivite devotional practice worldwide. Temples, ashrams, and spiritual communities chant it during Shiva Ratri (the Night of Shiva), full moons, and daily sadhana. Modern seekers discovered its transformative power through renewed interest in Vedic wisdom, making it one of the most chanted Sanskrit hymns in contemporary spirituality. Its transmission bridges ancient mythology, poetic excellence, and direct spiritual experience.
How to Use in Daily Life
Dawn Practice
Chant Shiva Tandava Stotram during Brahma Muhurta (4–6 AM) when cosmic consciousness is most accessible. Begin with 3 deep breaths, then recite the full 14 verses or selected verses with reverent focus.
Meditation Anchor
Use the stotram as your meditation mantra. Chant slowly for 15–20 minutes, visualizing Shiva's cosmic dance before your inner eye. Let the rhythmic damaru sounds anchor your awareness in present-moment consciousness.
Devotional Offering
Recite the stotram as an offering before your Shiva altar or sacred space. Light incense, ring a bell, and chant with genuine reverence. This practice transforms your home into a temple and invokes Shiva's blessing.
Evening Reflection
Before sleep, listen to a melodic rendition of Shiva Tandava Stotram. This dissolves daily tensions, purifies your aura, and prepares your consciousness for deeper, more spiritual dreams and inner dissolution into cosmic awareness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shiva Tandava Stotram?
What are the main benefits of chanting Shiva Tandava Stotram?
When and how often should I chant Shiva Tandava Stotram?
Who composed the Shiva Tandava Stotram and why?
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What happens if we chant Shiva Tandava Stotram?
Related Prayers & Chants
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From the Bhagavad Gita
BG 10.23
I Am Shiva Among the Rudras
Of the Rudras I am Shankara — Shiva, the auspicious one who dissolves what no longer serves.
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