Shiva Tandava Stotram
शिव तांडव स्तोत्रम्
The Shiva Tandava Stotram is a Sanskrit hymn describing Shiva's fierce cosmic dance, the Tandava, and tradition attributes it to Ravana, king of Lanka. It has 15 shlokas followed by 2 phalashruti verses, in a fast metre that imitates the beat of Shiva's damaru. Tradition holds it especially fruitful on Mondays and at Pradosha, the evening twilight.
- 17 verses
- 7 min
- Attributed to Ravana, king of Lanka
- Best on Monday
Jatatavigalajjala Pravahapavitasthaleजटाटवीगलज्जलप्रवाहपावितस्थले
Gale'valambya Lambitam Bhujangatunga Malikamगलेऽवलम्ब्य लम्बितां भुजङ्गतुङ्गमालिकाम् ।
Damad Damad Damad Daman Ninadavad Damarvayamडमड्डमड्डमड्डमन्निनादवड्डमर्वयं
Chakara Chanda Tandavam Tanotu Nah Shivah Shivamचकार चण्डताण्डवं तनोतु नः शिवः शिवम् ॥
His neck made holy by the streams of the Ganga pouring from the forest of his matted hair, a great garland of serpents hanging at his throat, his damaru sounding "damad damad damad", Shiva danced the fierce Tandava. May that Shiva spread auspiciousness for us all.
- Jatatavithe forest of matted hair
- Galajjala Pravahastreams of flowing water (the Ganga)
- Pavitasthaleon the ground (his neck) made holy
- Galeon his neck
- Avalambyahaving hung
- Lambitam Bhujangatunga Malikama long, great garland of serpents
- Damad Damad Damad Daman Ninadavatsounding 'damad damad damad'
- Damarvayamthis damaru drum
- Chakara Chanda Tandavamperformed the fierce Tandava
- Tanotu Nahmay he spread for us
- Shivah ShivamShiva, auspiciousness
Jatakatahasambhrama Bhramannilimpanirjhariजटाकटाहसम्भ्रमभ्रमन्निलिम्पनिर्झरी-
Vilolavichivallari Virajamanamurdhaniविलोलवीचिवल्लरीविराजमानमूर्धनि ।
Dhagad Dhagad Dhagajjvalal Lalata Patta Pavakeधगद्धगद्धगज्ज्वलल्ललाटपट्टपावके
Kishora Chandrashekhare Ratih Pratikshanam Mamaकिशोरचन्द्रशेखरे रतिः प्रतिक्षणं मम ॥
His head shines with the restless waves of the celestial Ganga whirling in the cauldron of his matted hair; on his forehead a fire blazes "dhagad dhagad"; he wears the young crescent moon as his crown. May my love for this Shiva grow every moment.
- Jatakatahathe cauldron of his matted hair
- Sambhrama Bhramatswirling wildly
- Nilimpanirjharithe celestial river Ganga
- Vilolavichivallarirows of restless waves
- Virajamanamurdhanion whose head they shine
- Dhagad Dhagad Dhagajjvalatblazing 'dhagad dhagad'
- Lalata Patta Pavakewith fire on the plane of his forehead
- Kishora Chandrashekharein him who wears the young crescent moon
- Ratih Pratikshanam Mamamy love, every moment
Dharadharendra Nandini Vilasa Bandhu Bandhuraधराधरेन्द्रनन्दिनीविलासबन्धुबन्धुर-
Sphurad Diganta Santati Pramodamana Manaseस्फुरद्दिगन्तसन्ततिप्रमोदमानमानसे ।
Kripa Kataksha Dhorani Niruddha Durdharapadiकृपाकटाक्षधोरणीनिरुद्धदुर्धरापदि
Kvachid Digambare Mano Vinodam Etu Vastuniक्वचिद्दिगम्बरे मनो विनोदमेतु वस्तुनि ॥
He delights in the playful grace of Parvati, daughter of the mountain king; his mind rejoices in all creation, shining to the ends of the directions; the stream of his merciful glances halts even the hardest misfortunes. May my mind find its joy in that Supreme Reality, Digambara, clothed only by the sky.
- Dharadharendra NandiniParvati, daughter of the mountain king
- Vilasa Bandhu Bandhuradelighting in her playful grace
- Sphurad Diganta Santatiall beings shining to the ends of the directions
- Pramodamana Manasewhose mind rejoices
- Kripa Kataksha Dhoranithe stream of his merciful glances
- Niruddha Durdharapadiwhich stops even the hardest calamities
- Kvachitat some time, somewhere
- Digambarein Digambara, clothed by the directions
- Mano Vinodam Etumay my mind find delight
- Vastuniin that Supreme Reality
Jata Bhujanga Pingala Sphurat Phana Mani Prabhaजटाभुजङ्गपिङ्गलस्फुरत्फणामणिप्रभा-
Kadamba Kunkuma Drava Pralipta Digvadhu Mukheकदम्बकुङ्कुमद्रवप्रलिप्तदिग्वधूमुखे ।
Madandha Sindhura Sphurat Tvag Uttariya Medureमदान्धसिन्धुरस्फुरत्त्वगुत्तरीयमेदुरे
Mano Vinodam Adbhutam Bibhartu Bhutabhartariमनो विनोदमद्भुतं बिभर्तु भूतभर्तरि ॥
The tawny light of the gems on the hoods of the serpents in his hair paints the faces of the directions as if with saffron; he wears the glossy hide of a maddened elephant as his upper cloth. May my mind find a wondrous joy in him, the sustainer of all beings.
- Jata Bhujangathe serpents in his matted hair
- Pingala Sphurat Phana Mani Prabhathe tawny glow of gems on their shining hoods
- Kadamba Kunkuma Dravalike a wash of saffron paste
- Pralipta Digvadhu Mukhepainting the faces of the maidens of the directions
- Madandha Sindhuraa maddened elephant
- Sphurat Tvag Uttariya Medurewearing its glossy hide as an upper cloth
- Mano Vinodam Adbhutam Bibhartumay my mind hold a wondrous joy
- Bhutabhartariin the sustainer of all beings
Sahasra Lochana Prabhrityashesha Lekha Shekharaसहस्रलोचनप्रभृत्यशेषलेखशेखर-
Prasuna Dhuli Dhorani Vidhusaranghri Pithabhuhप्रसूनधूलिधोरणीविधूसराङ्घ्रिपीठभूः ।
Bhujangaraja Malaya Nibaddha Jatajutakahभुजङ्गराजमालया निबद्धजाटजूटकः
Shriyai Chiraya Jayatam Chakora Bandhu Shekharahश्रियै चिराय जायतां चकोरबन्धुशेखरः ॥
His footstool is grey with pollen falling from the flowers in the crowns of Indra and all the gods as they bow; his knot of matted hair is tied with a garland of the king of serpents. May he whose crest is the moon, beloved of the chakora bird, grant us lasting prosperity.
- Sahasra Lochana PrabhritiIndra, the thousand-eyed, and the rest
- Ashesha Lekha Shekharathe crowns of all the gods
- Prasuna Dhuli Dhoranithe steady fall of flower pollen
- Vidhusaranghri Pithabhuhwhose footstool is grey with it
- Bhujangaraja Malayawith a garland of the king of serpents
- Nibaddha Jatajutakahwhose knot of matted hair is tied
- Shriyai Chiraya Jayatammay he be for lasting prosperity
- Chakora Bandhu Shekharahhe whose crest is the moon, friend of the chakora bird
Lalata Chatvara Jvalad Dhananjaya Sphulingabhaललाटचत्वरज्वलद्धनञ्जयस्फुलिङ्गभा-
Nipita Panchasayakam Naman Nilimpa Nayakamनिपीतपञ्चसायकं नमन्निलिम्पनायकम् ।
Sudha Mayukha Lekhaya Virajamana Shekharamसुधामयूखलेखया विराजमानशेखरं
Maha Kapali Sampade Shiro Jatalam Astu Nahमहाकपालि सम्पदे शिरो जटालमस्तु नः ॥
From the broad plane of his forehead the sparks of a blazing fire swallowed Kamadeva, the god of five arrows; the lord of the gods bows before him; his crest shines with the slender streak of the nectar-rayed moon. May that matted head of the great Kapali bring us true wealth.
- Lalata Chatvarathe broad square of his forehead
- Jvalad Dhananjaya Sphulingabhathe sparks of the blazing fire
- Nipita Panchasayakamwhich swallowed Kamadeva, god of five arrows
- Naman Nilimpa Nayakamto whom the lord of the gods bows
- Sudha Mayukha Lekhayawith the streak of the nectar-rayed moon
- Virajamana Shekharamwhose crest shines
- Maha Kapaliof the great Kapali (Shiva)
- Sampadefor prosperity
- Shiro Jatalam Astu Nahmay that matted head be for us
Karala Bhala Pattika Dhagad Dhagad Dhagajjvaladकरालभालपट्टिकाधगद्धगद्धगज्ज्वल-
Dhananjayahuti Krita Prachanda Panchasayakeद्धनञ्जयाहुतीकृतप्रचण्डपञ्चसायके ।
Dharadharendra Nandini Kuchagra Chitra Patrakaधराधरेन्द्रनन्दिनीकुचाग्रचित्रपत्रक-
Prakalpanaika Shilpini Trilochane Ratir Mamaप्रकल्पनैकशिल्पिनि त्रिलोचने रतिर्मम ॥
Into the fire blazing "dhagad dhagad" on his fierce forehead he offered mighty Kamadeva as an oblation; and he alone is the artist who paints loving ornamental designs on the bosom of Parvati, the mountain king's daughter. My heart's love is for the three-eyed Lord.
- Karala Bhala Pattikathe fierce plane of his forehead
- Dhagad Dhagad Dhagajjvalad Dhananjayathe fire blazing 'dhagad dhagad'
- Ahuti Krita Prachanda Panchasayakeinto which he offered the mighty Kamadeva
- Dharadharendra NandiniParvati, the mountain king's daughter
- Kuchagra Chitra Patraka Prakalpanadrawing ornamental leaf-patterns on her bosom
- Ekashilpinithe one true artist
- Trilochanein the three-eyed one
- Ratir Mamais my love
Navina Megha Mandali Niruddha Durdhara Sphuratनवीनमेघमण्डलीनिरुद्धदुर्धरस्फुरत्-
Kuhu Nishithini Tamah Prabandha Baddha Kandharahकुहूनिशीथिनीतमःप्रबन्धबद्धकन्धरः ।
Nilimpa Nirjharidharas Tanotu Kritti Sindhurahनिलिम्पनिर्झरीधरस्तनोतु कृत्तिसिन्धुरः
Kalanidhana Bandhurah Shriyam Jagad Dhurandharahकलानिधानबन्धुरः श्रियं जगद्धुरन्धरः ॥
His throat is dark as a new-moon midnight wrapped in dense, fresh rain-clouds; he bears the celestial Ganga, wears the elephant's hide, is lovely with the moon, and carries the burden of the whole world. May that Shiva spread prosperity for us.
- Navina Megha Mandalia mass of fresh rain-clouds
- Niruddha Durdhara Sphuratclosing in, dense and deepening
- Kuhu Nishithini Tamahthe darkness of a new-moon midnight
- Prabandha Baddha Kandharahwhose throat is bound with it
- Nilimpa Nirjharidharahbearer of the celestial Ganga
- Tanotumay he spread
- Kritti Sindhurahwho wears the elephant's hide
- Kalanidhana Bandhurahlovely with the moon
- Shriyamprosperity
- Jagad Dhurandharahwho bears the burden of the world
Praphulla Nila Pankaja Prapancha Kalima Prabhaप्रफुल्लनीलपङ्कजप्रपञ्चकालिमप्रभा-
Valambi Kantha Kandali Ruchi Prabaddha Kandharamवलम्बिकण्ठकन्दलीरुचिप्रबद्धकन्धरम् ।
Smarachchhidam Purachchhidam Bhavachchhidam Makhachchhidamस्मरच्छिदं पुरच्छिदं भवच्छिदं मखच्छिदं
Gajachchhidandhakachchhidam Tam Antakachchhidam Bhajeगजच्छिदान्धकच्छिदं तमन्तकच्छिदं भजे ॥
His throat glows with the deep blue sheen of fully bloomed blue lotuses. I worship him who destroyed Kama and the three demon cities, who cuts the bonds of worldly life, who ended Daksha's sacrifice, who slew the elephant demon and Andhaka, and who conquered even Yama, death himself.
- Praphulla Nila Pankajafully bloomed blue lotuses
- Prapancha Kalima Prabhavalambibearing their spreading dark glow
- Kantha Kandali Ruchi Prabaddha Kandharamwhose throat is bound in that lovely dark sheen
- Smarachchhidamdestroyer of Kama
- Purachchhidamdestroyer of the three cities (Tripura)
- Bhavachchhidamwho cuts the bonds of worldly life
- Makhachchhidamwho ended Daksha's sacrifice
- Gajachchhidslayer of the elephant demon
- Andhakachchhidamslayer of the demon Andhaka
- Tam Antakachchhidam BhajeI worship him who subdued Yama, death itself
Akharva Sarva Mangala Kala Kadamba Manjariअखर्वसर्वमङ्गलाकलाकदम्बमञ्जरी-
Rasa Pravaha Madhuri Vijrimbhana Madhuvratamरसप्रवाहमाधुरीविजृम्भणामधुव्रतम् ।
Smarantakam Purantakam Bhavantakam Makhantakamस्मरान्तकं पुरान्तकं भवान्तकं मखान्तकं
Gajantakandhakantakam Tam Antakantakam Bhajeगजान्तकान्धकान्तकं तमन्तकान्तकं भजे ॥
He is the bee who revels in the sweet, flowing nectar of the boundless cluster of graces of Parvati, the all-auspicious. I worship him who ended Kama, Tripura, worldly bondage and Daksha's sacrifice, who ended Gajasura and Andhaka, and who is the ender of Death itself.
- Akharvaboundless, never small
- Sarva MangalaParvati, the all-auspicious
- Kala Kadamba Manjarithe blossoming cluster of her arts and graces
- Rasa Pravaha Madhurithe sweetness of its flowing nectar
- Vijrimbhana Madhuvratamthe bee who revels in it
- Smarantakam Purantakamender of Kama, ender of Tripura
- Bhavantakam Makhantakamender of worldly bondage, ender of Daksha's sacrifice
- Gajantakandhakantakamender of Gajasura and Andhaka
- Tam Antakantakam BhajeI worship him, the ender of Death
Jayatvadabhra Vibhrama Bhramad Bhujangamashvasadजयत्वदभ्रविभ्रमभ्रमद्भुजङ्गमश्वस-
Vinirgamat Krama Sphurat Karala Bhala Havyavatद्विनिर्गमत्क्रमस्फुरत्करालभालहव्यवाट् ।
Dhimid Dhimid Dhimid Dhvanan Mridanga Tunga Mangalaधिमिद्धिमिद्धिमिद्ध्वनन्मृदङ्गतुङ्गमङ्गल-
Dhvani Krama Pravartita Prachanda Tandavah Shivahध्वनिक्रमप्रवर्तितप्रचण्डताण्डवः शिवः ॥
Victory to Shiva! As the serpents whirl in wide, swift circles about him, their hissing breath fans the fire on his fierce forehead higher and higher; and to the lofty, auspicious rhythm of the mridanga sounding "dhimid dhimid dhimid", he dances the fierce Tandava.
- Jayatuvictory to
- Adabhra Vibhrama Bhramatwhirling in wide, swift circles
- Bhujangama Shvasad Vinirgamatthe hissing breath of the serpents
- Krama Sphurat Karala Bhala Havyavatthe fire on his fierce forehead flaring up by turns
- Dhimid Dhimid Dhimid Dhvanatsounding 'dhimid dhimid dhimid'
- Mridanga Tunga Mangala Dhvani Kramathe lofty, auspicious rhythm of the mridanga
- Pravartita Prachanda Tandavahwho performs the fierce Tandava to it
- ShivahShiva
Drishad Vichitra Talpayor Bhujanga Mauktika Srajorदृषद्विचित्रतल्पयोर्भुजङ्गमौक्तिकस्रजोर्-
Garishtha Ratna Loshthayoh Suhrid Vipaksha Pakshayohगरिष्ठरत्नलोष्ठयोः सुहृद्विपक्षपक्षयोः ।
Trinaravinda Chakshushoh Praja Mahi Mahendrayohतृणारविन्दचक्षुषोः प्रजामहीमहेन्द्रयोः
Sama Pravrittikah Kada Sadashivam Bhajamyahamसमप्रवृत्तिकः कदा सदाशिवं भजाम्यहम् ॥
A rock or a fine bed, a snake or a string of pearls, a precious gem or a lump of clay, friend or foe, a blade of grass or a lotus-eyed beauty, a common subject or an emperor: when will I look on all of these with an even mind and simply worship Sadashiva?
- Drishad Vichitra Talpayohtowards a rock and a richly made bed
- Bhujanga Mauktika Srajoha snake and a pearl necklace
- Garishtha Ratna Loshthayoha precious gem and a lump of clay
- Suhrid Vipaksha Pakshayohfriend and foe
- Trinaravinda Chakshushoha blade of grass and a lotus-eyed beauty
- Praja Mahi Mahendrayoha common subject and an emperor
- Sama Pravrittikahwith an even mind
- Kada Sadashivam Bhajamyahamwhen shall I worship Sadashiva?
Many recordings sing the last line as "समं प्रवर्तयन्मनः कदा सदाशिवं भजे" (samam pravartayan manah kada sadashivam bhaje). We print "समप्रवृत्तिकः कदा सदाशिवं भजाम्यहम्". The meaning is the same: when will I, with an even mind, worship Sadashiva?
Kada Nilimpa Nirjhari Nikunja Kotare Vasanकदा निलिम्पनिर्झरीनिकुञ्जकोटरे वसन्
Vimukta Durmatih Sada Shirahstham Anjalim Vahanविमुक्तदुर्मतिः सदा शिरःस्थमञ्जलिं वहन् ।
Vilola Lola Lochano Lalama Bhala Lagnakahविलोललोललोचनो ललामभाललग्नकः
Shiveti Mantram Uchcharan Kada Sukhi Bhavamyahamशिवेति मन्त्रमुच्चरन् कदा सुखी भवाम्यहम् ॥
When will I live in a hollow among the groves beside the celestial Ganga, free of wrong thoughts, my palms always joined above my head, my eyes moist and restless with longing, my mind fixed on the Lord whose forehead bears the crescent, chanting the mantra "Shiva"? When will I be truly happy?
- Kadawhen
- Nilimpa Nirjhari Nikunja Kotarein a hollow of the groves by the celestial Ganga
- Vasanliving
- Vimukta Durmatihfreed from wrong thoughts
- Sada Shirahstham Anjalim Vahanalways holding joined palms above my head
- Vilola Lola Lochanahwith eyes moist and moving (in devotion)
- Lalama Bhala Lagnakahfixed on him of the adorned forehead
- Shiveti Mantram Uchcharanchanting the mantra 'Shiva'
- Kada Sukhi Bhavamyahamwhen shall I be truly happy?
Nilimpa Natha Nagari Kadamba Maula Mallikaनिलिम्पनाथनागरीकदम्बमौलमल्लिका-
Nigumpha Nirbhara Ksharan Madhushnika Manoharahनिगुम्फनिर्भरक्षरन्मधूष्णिकामनोहरः ।
Tanotu No Mano Mudam Vinodinim Aharnishamतनोतु नो मनोमुदं विनोदिनीमहर्निशं
Parashriyah Param Padam Tad Angaja Tvisham Chayahपरश्रियः परं पदं तदङ्गजत्विषां चयः ॥
Made lovelier by the sweet fragrance dripping from the jasmine garlands woven into the hair of the celestial women of Indra's city, the radiance that streams from Shiva's limbs is the supreme home of all glory. May it fill our minds with delight, day and night.
- Nilimpa Natha Nagari Kadambathe many celestial women of Indra's city
- Maula Mallika Nigumphajasmine garlands woven in their hair
- Nirbhara Ksharan Madhushnikarichly dripping honey-sweet fragrance
- Manoharahenchanting
- Tanotu No Mano Mudammay it spread joy in our minds
- Vinodinim Aharnishamdelightful, day and night
- Parashriyah Param Padamthe supreme abode of the highest glory
- Tad Angaja Tvisham Chayahthe mass of radiance from his limbs
Shlokas 14 and 15 appear in the common Sanskrit edition but are left out of many popular recordings.
Prachanda Vadavanala Prabha Shubha Pracharaniप्रचण्डवाडवानलप्रभाशुभप्रचारणी
Mahashta Siddhi Kamini Janavahuta Jalpanaमहाष्टसिद्धिकामिनीजनाऽवहूतजल्पना ।
Vimukta Vama Lochana Vivaha Kalika Dhvanihविमुक्तवामलोचनाविवाहकालिकध्वनिः
Shiveti Mantra Bhushana Jagaj Jayaya Jayatamशिवेति मन्त्रभूषणा जगज्जयाय जायताम् ॥
May the sound heard at the wedding of Shiva and the lovely-eyed Parvati, echoed by the calls of the maidens who are the eight great siddhis, bright as the fierce fire beneath the ocean and spreading auspiciousness, and adorned by the mantra "Shiva", bring victory to the whole world.
- Prachanda Vadavanala Prabhabright as the fierce fire beneath the ocean
- Shubha Pracharanispreading auspiciousness
- Mahashta Siddhi Kamini Janathe maidens who are the eight great siddhis
- Avahuta Jalpanaechoed by their calls
- Vimukta Vama Lochanathe lovely-eyed bride (Parvati)
- Vivaha Kalika Dhvanihthe sound heard at the hour of the wedding
- Shiveti Mantra Bhushanaadorned by the mantra 'Shiva'
- Jagaj Jayaya Jayatammay it bring victory to the world
This is the hardest verse to render; commentators divide its long compounds in different ways, and the meaning given here is one traditional reading.
Imam Hi Nityam Evam Uktam Uttamottamam Stavamइमं हि नित्यमेवमुक्तमुत्तमोत्तमं स्तवं
Pathan Smaran Bruvan Naro Vishuddhim Eti Santatamपठन्स्मरन्ब्रुवन्नरो विशुद्धिमेति सन्ततम् ।
Hare Gurau Subhaktim Ashu Yati Nanyatha Gatimहरे गुरौ सुभक्तिमाशु याति नान्यथा गतिं
Vimohanam Hi Dehinam Sushankarasya Chintanamविमोहनं हि देहिनां सुशङ्करस्य चिन्तनम् ॥
Whoever daily reads, remembers or recites this most excellent hymn, just as it has been told, is ever purified and soon gains deep devotion to Hara, the true Guru; there is no other way. For meditation on the gracious Shankara, tradition holds, dispels the delusion of all embodied beings.
- Imam Hithis indeed
- Nityamdaily
- Evam Uktamas it has been told
- Uttamottamam Stavamthis most excellent hymn
- Pathan Smaran Bruvanreading, remembering or reciting
- Naraha person
- Vishuddhim Eti Santatamis ever purified
- Hare Gurau Subhaktimdeep devotion to Hara, the Guru
- Ashu Yatiquickly attains
- Nanyatha Gatimthere is no other path
- Vimohanam Hi Dehinamremoves the delusion of embodied beings
- Sushankarasya Chintanammeditation on the gracious Shankara
Shlokas 16 and 17 are the phalashruti, verses describing the fruit of reciting the hymn.
Pujavasana Samaye Dashavaktra Gitamपूजावसानसमये दशवक्त्रगीतं
Yah Shambhu Pujana Param Pathati Pradosheयः शम्भुपूजनपरं पठति प्रदोषे ।
Tasya Sthiram Ratha Gajendra Turanga Yuktamतस्य स्थिरां रथगजेन्द्रतुरङ्गयुक्तां
Lakshmim Sadaiva Sumukhim Pradadati Shambhuhलक्ष्मीं सदैव सुमुखीं प्रददाति शम्भुः ॥
Whoever, at the close of worship on the evening of Pradosha, recites this hymn sung by the ten-headed Ravana in praise of Shambhu, is granted by Shambhu, tradition holds, a steady and ever-gracious prosperity, rich with chariots, fine elephants and horses.
- Pujavasana Samayeat the close of worship
- Dashavaktra Gitamsung by the ten-headed Ravana
- Yahwhoever
- Shambhu Pujana Paramdevoted to the worship of Shambhu
- Pathati Pradosherecites at Pradosha
- Tasyato him
- Sthiramsteady, lasting
- Ratha Gajendra Turanga Yuktamwith chariots, fine elephants and horses
- Lakshmimprosperity (Lakshmi)
- Sadaiva Sumukhimever gracious
- Pradadati ShambhuhShambhu bestows
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Questions
Who wrote the Shiva Tandava Stotram?
Tradition attributes it to Ravana, king of Lanka and a great devotee of Shiva. The best-known story says he sang it while pinned under Mount Kailasa, which he had tried to lift. The second phalashruti verse itself calls it the hymn "sung by the ten-headed one".
How many shlokas are in the Shiva Tandava Stotram?
17 in the common Sanskrit edition: 15 shlokas and 2 phalashruti verses. Many popular recordings leave out shlokas 14 and 15 and sing 13 plus the 2 phalashruti, which is why some sources say 15. Both are traditional.
Can I recite Shiv Tandav daily?
Yes. The first phalashruti verse praises reading it every day, and a stotra needs no special initiation. Go slowly at first and get the words clear. The speed comes with practice.
What is the best time to recite the Shiva Tandava Stotram?
Pradosha, the evening twilight, at the close of Shiva puja. That is the time the phalashruti names. Mondays, the monthly Pradosha days, Shravan and Maha Shivaratri are especially favoured, and many people also recite it in the morning after a bath.
Why does the Shiva Tandava Stotram sound like a drum?
Because of its metre. Panchachamara has sixteen syllables a line, short and long in turn, and the poet adds sound-words like "damad damad" and "dhimid dhimid". Together they give a fast beat like Shiva's damaru and the mridanga of his Tandava.
Source and review
Source: Shiva Tandava Stotram (15 shlokas + 2 phalashruti) as attributed to Ravana; text collated from sanskritdocuments.org (shivtAND), sa.wikisource.org (शिवताण्डवस्तोत्रम्) and stotranidhi.com (Devanagari edition)
Majority readings followed: 4 मदान्धसिन्धुरस्फुरत्त्वग् (wikisource: सिन्धुरासुरत्वग्); 5 श्रियै (wikisource: श्रिये); 6 महाकपालि सम्पदे शिरो जटालमस्तु नः (wikisource: महः कपालि सम्पदे सरिज्जटालमस्तु नः); 13 विलोललोललोचनो ललामभाललग्नकः (wikisource: विमुक्तलोललोचनाललामभाललग्नकं); 17 लक्ष्मीं सदैव सुमुखीं (wikisource: लक्ष्मीं प्रसादसमये). Shlokas 14 and 15 are absent from stotranidhi and from many popular recordings. Spelling मूर्धनि (some print मूर्द्धनि) and नान्यथा (some print नाऽन्यथा) are orthographic only. Meanings are Nitya's own.
We checked the text line by line against the sources named here. The meanings are an AI-assisted draft. A scholar has not reviewed them yet.
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