Shiv Tandav Stotram Writer, Benefits and Lyrics in English
Lord Shiva is an enigmatic deity who symbolizes destruction, transformation, and transcendence. Devotees turn to him, not with fear but with profound reverence, recognizing his role in the cycle of life and rebirth. One of the most revered hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva is the “Shiv Tandav Stotram,” a mesmerizing and powerful composition that weaves together devotion and the grandeur of the divine.
The Origin of Shiv Tandav Stotram
The “Shiv Tandav Stotram” is believed to have been composed by Ravana, the legendary king of Lanka, and a devoted follower of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, Ravana was a highly knowledgeable scholar and a great devotee of Lord Shiva. He was also a fierce warrior who had acquired immense power through his unwavering devotion to the deity. It is said that in his devotion, Ravana composed the “Shiv Tandav Stotram” to praise Lord Shiva, and this hymn is still recited and revered by countless devotees today.
The Composition
The “Shiv Tandav Stotram” is a hymn of 16 verses, with each verse expressing the majestic attributes and qualities of Lord Shiva. The word “Tandav” in the title signifies a vigorous dance, and this hymn is often considered as a poetic description of Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance, the “Tandav Nritya.” The dance is seen as a representation of the eternal cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction in the universe.
Each hymn verse paints a vivid picture of Lord Shiva’s divine form, cosmic dance, third eye, matted hair, and adornments. The stotram also describes his role as the destroyer of evil and the embodiment of infinite power. It is filled with devotion and admiration for the Lord, extolling his various forms and attributes.
Shiv Tandav Stotram Lyrics in English
Jatatavigalajjala pravahapavitasthale
Galeavalambya lambitam bhujangatungamalikam
Damad damad damaddama ninadavadamarvayam
Chakara chandtandavam tanotu nah shivah shivam
With his neck consecrated by the flow of water that flows from his hair,
And on his neck a snake, which is hung like a garland,
And the Damaru drum that emits the sound “Damat Damat Damat Damat”,
Lord Shiva did the auspicious dance of Tandava. May he give prosperity to all of us.
Jata kata hasambhrama bhramanilimpanirjhari
Vilolavichivalarai virajamanamurdhani
Dhagadhagadhagajjva lalalata pattapavake
Kishora chandrashekhare ratih pratikshanam mama
I have a deep interest in Shiva
Whose head is glorified by the rows of moving waves of the celestial Ganga river,
Which stir in the deep well of his hair in tangled locks.
Who has the brilliant fire burning on the surface of his forehead,
And who has the crescent moon as a jewel on his head.
Dharadharendrana ndinivilasabandhubandhura
Sphuradigantasantati pramodamanamanase
Krupakatakshadhorani nirudhadurdharapadi
Kvachidigambare manovinodametuvastuni
May my mind seek happiness in Lord Shiva,
In whose mind all the living beings of the glorious universe exist,
Who is the companion of Parvati (daughter of the mountain king),
Who controls unsurpassed adversity with his compassionate gaze, Which is all-pervading
And who wears the Heavens as his raiment.
Jata bhujan gapingala sphuratphanamaniprabha
Kadambakunkuma dravapralipta digvadhumukhe
Madandha sindhu rasphuratvagutariyamedure
Mano vinodamadbhutam bibhartu bhutabhartari
May I find wonderful pleasure in Lord Shiva, who is the advocate of all life,
With his creeping snake with its reddish brown hood and the shine of its gem on it
Spreading variegated colors on the beautiful faces of the Goddesses of the Directions,
Which is covered by a shimmering shawl made from the skin of a huge, inebriated elephant.
Sahasra lochana prabhritya sheshalekhashekhara
Prasuna dhulidhorani vidhusaranghripithabhuh
Bhujangaraja malaya nibaddhajatajutaka
Shriyai chiraya jayatam chakora bandhushekharah
May Lord Shiva give us prosperity,
Who has the Moon as a crown,
Whose hair is bound by the red snake-garland,
Whose footrest is darkened by the flow of dust from flowers
Which fall from the heads of all the gods – Indra, Vishnu and others.
Lalata chatvarajvaladhanajnjayasphulingabha
nipitapajnchasayakam namannilimpanayakam
Sudha mayukha lekhaya virajamanashekharam
Maha kapali sampade shirojatalamastunah
May we obtain the riches of the Siddhis from the tangled strands Shiva’s hair,
Who devoured the God of Love with the sparks of the fire that burns on his forehead,
Which is revered by all the heavenly leaders,
Which is beautiful with a crescent moon.
Karala bhala pattikadhagaddhagaddhagajjvala
Ddhanajnjaya hutikruta prachandapajnchasayake
Dharadharendra nandini kuchagrachitrapatraka
Prakalpanaikashilpini trilochane ratirmama
My interest is in Lord Shiva, who has three eyes,
Who offered the powerful God of Love to fire.
The terrible surface of his forehead burns with the sound “Dhagad, Dhagad …”
He is the only artist expert in tracing decorative lines
on the tips of the breasts of Parvati, the daughter of the mountain king.
navina megha mandali niruddhadurdharasphurat
Kuhu nishithinitamah prabandhabaddhakandharah
nilimpanirjhari dharastanotu krutti sindhurah
Kalanidhanabandhurah shriyam jagaddhurandharah
May Lord Shiva give us prosperity,
The one who bears the weight of this universe,
Who is enchanting with the moon,
Who has the celestial river Ganga
Whose neck is dark as midnight on a new moon night, covered in layers of clouds.
Praphulla nila pankaja prapajnchakalimchatha
Vdambi kanthakandali raruchi prabaddhakandharam
Smarachchidam purachchhidam bhavachchidam makhachchidam
Gajachchidandhakachidam tamamtakachchidam bhaje
I pray to Lord Shiva, whose neck is bound with the brightness of the temples
hanging with the glory of fully bloomed blue lotus flowers,
Which look like the blackness of the universe.
Who is the slayer of Manmatha, who destroyed the Tripura,
Who destroyed the bonds of worldly life, who destroyed the sacrifice,
Who destroyed the demon Andhaka, who is the destroyer of the elephants,
And who has overwhelmed the God of death, Yama.
Akharvagarvasarvamangala kalakadambamajnjari
Rasapravaha madhuri vijrumbhana madhuvratam
Smarantakam purantakam bhavantakam makhantakam
Gajantakandhakantakam tamantakantakam bhaje
I pray to Lord Siva, who has bees flying all around because of the sweet
Scent of honey coming from the beautiful bouquet of auspicious Kadamba flowers,
Who is the slayer of Manmatha, who destroyed the Tripura,
Who destroyed the bonds of worldly life, who destroyed the sacrifice,
Who destroyed the demon Andhaka, who is the destroyer of the elephants,
And who has overwhelmed the God of death, Yama.
Jayatvadabhravibhrama bhramadbhujangamasafur
Dhigdhigdhi nirgamatkarala bhaal havyavat
Dhimiddhimiddhimidhva nanmrudangatungamangala
Dhvanikramapravartita prachanda tandavah shivah
Shiva, whose dance of Tandava is in tune with the series of loud
sounds of drum making the sound “Dhimid Dhimid”,
Who has fire on his great forehead, the fire that is spreading out because of the
breath of the snake, wandering in whirling motions in the glorious sky.
Drushadvichitratalpayor bhujanga mauktikasrajor
Garishtharatnaloshthayoh suhrudvipakshapakshayoh
Trushnaravindachakshushoh prajamahimahendrayoh
Sama pravartayanmanah kada sadashivam bhaje
When will I be able to worship Lord Sadashiva, the eternally auspicious God,
With equanimous vision towards people or emperors,
Towards a blade of grass and a lotus, towards friends and enemies,
Towards the most precious gem and a lump of dirt,
Toward a snake or a garland and towards the varied forms of the world?
Kada nilimpanirjhari nikujnjakotare vasanh
Vimuktadurmatih sada shirah sthamajnjalim vahanh
Vimuktalolalochano lalamabhalalagnakah
Shiveti mantramuchcharan sada sukhi bhavamyaham
When I can be happy, living in a cave near the celestial river Ganga,
Bringing my hands clasped on my head all the time,
With my impure thoughts washed away, uttering the mantra of Shiva,
Devoted to the God with a glorious forehead and with vibrant eyes?
Imam hi nityameva muktamuttamottamam stavam
Pathansmaran bruvannaro vishuddhimeti santatam
Hare gurau subhaktimashu yati nanyatha gatim
Vimohanam hi dehinam sushankarasya chintanam
Anyone who reads, remembers and recites this stotra as stated here
Is purified forever and obtains devotion in the great Guru Shiva.
For this devotion, there is no other way or refuge.
Just the mere thought of Shiva removes the delusion.
Shiv Tandav Stotram Benefits
The “Shiv Tandav Stotram” is a sacred hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to offer several spiritual and psychological benefits to those who recite or listen to it with devotion. While the benefits can be subjective and vary from person to person, here are some of the commonly associated advantages of chanting or meditating on the “Shiv Tandav Stotram”:
- Spiritual Upliftment: Chanting the Shiv Tandav Stotram is seen as a means to connect with the divine and experience spiritual upliftment. It is believed to purify the mind and soul, fostering a deeper sense of spirituality and inner peace.
- Stress Reduction: The rhythmic and melodious recitation of the stotram can calm the mind. It is often used as a stress reduction and relaxation tool, helping individuals achieve mental tranquility.
- Positive Energy: Many devotees believe that the stotram generates positive energy and helps in dispelling negative thoughts. It is said to create an aura of positivity around the person reciting it.
- Obstacle Removal: Reciting the Shiv Tandav Stotram with devotion is thought to help in removing obstacles and challenges in one’s life. It is often used as a prayer to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings for overcoming difficulties.
- Emotional Healing: The stotram’s verses express deep devotion and admiration for Lord Shiva. Listening to or reciting these verses can evoke feelings of love, gratitude, and emotional healing.
- Inner Strength: Devotees believe that the stotram bestows inner strength and resilience. It is considered a source of empowerment, helping individuals face life’s challenges with courage and determination.
- Protection: It is believed that reciting the Shiv Tandav Stotram can offer spiritual protection and act as a shield against negative influences. It is often recited as a means of seeking divine protection.
- Improving Concentration: The meditative quality of the stotram can enhance concentration and focus. Many people use it as a tool for mindfulness and meditation.
- Divine Grace: Devotees seek the blessings and divine grace of Lord Shiva through the stotram. It is considered a way to invoke the benevolence and favor of the deity.
- Enhanced Devotion: Regular recitation of the Shiv Tandav Stotram deepens one’s devotion to Lord Shiva. It can foster a stronger spiritual connection and a sense of surrender to the divine.