The Shiv Tandav Stotram (शिव तांडव स्तोत्रम्) is one of the most powerful and electrifying hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva. Composed by the mighty Demon King Ravana (रावण), this stotram describes the cosmic dance (Tandav) of Lord Shiva — a dance so fierce that it shakes the very foundations of the universe.
The Story Behind Shiv Tandav Stotram
According to the Ramayana, Ravana was not merely a demon king — he was a supreme scholar of the Vedas, an extraordinary musician, and a devoted bhakt of Lord Shiva. Once, Ravana attempted to lift Mount Kailash (Shiva's abode) to carry it to Lanka. Lord Shiva, displeased, pressed the mountain with his toe, trapping Ravana's fingers beneath it.
In excruciating pain, Ravana composed and sang the magnificent Shiv Tandav Stotram right there — tearing out his own nerves to use as strings of his veena. So powerful was this hymn that Lord Shiva was deeply moved, healed Ravana, and gifted him the divine Chandrahasa sword.
Shiv Tandav Stotram — Select Verses with Meaning
Verse 1:
जटाटवीगलज्जलप्रवाहपावितस्थले गलेऽवलम्ब्य लम्बितां भुजंगतुंगमालिकाम्। डमड्डमड्डमड्डमन्निनादवड्डमर्वयं चकार चण्डताण्डवं तनोतु नः शिवः शिवम्॥
Jatatavee-galaj-jala-pravaha-pavita-sthale Gale-avalambya lambitaam bhujanga-tunga-maalikaam Damad-damad-damad-daman-ninaada-vaddamarvayam Chakaara chand-taandavam tanotu nah Shivah Shivam
Meaning: From whose matted hair the holy river (Ganga) flows and purifies the land, who wears a garland of mighty serpents around his neck, and to the thundering sound of his Damru (drum) — dam dam dam dam — performs the fierce Tandav dance; may that Lord Shiva bless us with auspiciousness.
Verse 2:
जटाकटाहसम्भ्रमभ्रमन्निलिम्पनिर्झरी- विलोलवीचिवल्लरीविराजमानमूर्धनि। धगद्धगद्धगज्ज्वलल्ललाटपट्टपावके किशोरचन्द्रशेखरे रतिः प्रतिक्षणं मम॥
Jata-kataha-sambhrama-bhraman-nilimpa-nirjhari Vilola-veechi-vallari-viraaja-maana-moordhani Dhagad-dhagad-dhagaj-jvalal-lalaata-patta-paavake Kishora-chandra-shekhare ratih prati-kshanam mama
Meaning: The Ganga whirls and swirls within his matted locks, adorning his head with dancing waves. His forehead blazes with a fire that burns dhagad dhagad dhagad. Upon his crest sits the crescent moon — may my devotion to that Lord increase every moment.
Verse 3:
धराधरेन्द्रनन्दिनीविलासबन्धुबन्धुर- स्फुरद्दिगन्तसन्ततिप्रमोदमानमानसे। कृपाकटाक्षधोरणीनिरुद्धदुर्धरापदि क्वचिद्दिगम्बरे मनो विनोदमेतु वस्तुनि॥
Meaning: He whose mind delights in the playful company of Parvati (daughter of the Mountain King), whose graceful glances of mercy destroy the most difficult calamities — may my mind find joy in that Digambara (sky-clad Lord Shiva).
Benefits of Reciting Shiv Tandav Stotram
- Immense courage and fearlessness — the fierce energy of Tandav removes all fear
- Destruction of negative energies — protects from black magic, evil eye, and negativity
- Pleasing Lord Shiva — considered one of the most beloved stotrams by Mahadev
- Improved concentration — the rhythmic Sanskrit meter sharpens mental focus
- Karmic purification — regular recitation burns away accumulated negative karma
- Material and spiritual success — devotees report breakthroughs in career and sadhana
Best Time and Method to Recite
- Best time: During Pradosh Kaal (evening twilight), on Mondays, or during Maha Shivaratri
- Mala count: Recite 1, 3, or 11 times daily for best results
- Preparation: Light a diya and dhoop before a Shiva Linga or Shiva image
- Pronunciation: Pay careful attention to Sanskrit pronunciation — the stotram's power lies in its precise phonetic vibrations
- Attitude: Recite with full devotion and visualize Lord Shiva performing the Tandav
"रावण भले ही राक्षस था, परन्तु शिव भक्ति में उसका कोई सानी नहीं था। शिव तांडव स्तोत्र इसका जीवंत प्रमाण है।"