Ravan Rachit Shri Shiv Tandav Stotram
The Shiva Tandav Stotram, composed by Ravana, the mighty king of Lanka, is not just a hymn, it’s a thunderous declaration of devotion. Written in a trance of divine ecstasy, this stotra captures the raw, untamed energy of Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance. Each verse pulses with rhythm, fire, and reverence, painting Shiva not just as a destroyer, but as the heartbeat of creation itself.
Ravana, often vilified in epic narratives, emerges here as a poet-devotee whose surrender to Shiva transcends morality and myth. This stotram is a gateway to spiritual intensity, poetic brilliance, and metaphysical awakening.
Benefits
- Removes fear
- Boosts inner strength
- Enhances focus
- Awakens spiritual energy
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS
How to Use This Stotra/Namavali for Your Benefit
To truly receive the blessings of this Stotra there are two methods. The first method is that you begin by taking a sankalpa—a heartfelt vow or intention. Decide how many days you will commit to this practice: 7, 9, 11, 21, 40, or any number that feels spiritually aligned with your goal.
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Your intention may be for:
- Financial stability
- A fulfilling job
- Peace and health
- The well-being of a loved one
- Spiritual growth
- Marriage
- Divine grace and protection
- Or any other goal/desire that you may have in mind
The desire should be genuine and positive, never rooted in harm or negativity.
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Daily Recitation Commitment
Choose how many times you will recite the Stotra each day: 3, 5, 7, 11, 21 or more—based on your capacity and devotion. If you miss a day, your sadhana becomes compromised, and you must begin again from Day 1. This discipline strengthens your spiritual resolve.
Second Method: Bhakti Without Boundaries
The second method is that you may choose to chant this Stotra purely out of bhakti—without any time-bound commitments. In such cases, the heart becomes the altar, and sincerity becomes the offering.
Factors That Influence the Results
The fruits of your sadhana depend on:
- The number of daily recitations
- The total duration of your practice (number of days)
- The depth of your concentration and devotion
You can amplify the energy of your sadhana by observing certain spiritual disciplines (these are recommended but no mandatory):
- Avoiding non-vegetarian food
- Refraining from onion and garlic
- Sitting for recitation at the same time daily
- Abstaining from sensual indulgences or distractions
The more difficult and focused your practice, the more profound the blessings/results after its completion.
SHRI SHIVA TANDAV STOTRAM BEGINS
Jatatavigalajjala pravaha pavitasthale
Gale avalambya lambitaam bhujangatungamalikam
Where the streaming waves of holy water fall from Shiva’s tangled hair
And a garland of great serpents hangs around His neck
He, whose damaru resounds with a constant thunderous rhythm
May Shiva, Lord of the Tandava, bless us with auspiciousness
Damad Damad Damad Daman ninada vadamarvayam
Chakara chanda tandavam tanotu nah shivah shivam
He strikes the drum whose mighty sound fills the world
Dancing fiercely, lost in His cosmic Tandava
May Shiva, forever auspicious and fierce
Grant us goodness, joy, and liberation
Gale avalambya lambitaam bhujangatungamalikam
Where the streaming waves of holy water fall from Shiva’s tangled hair
And a garland of great serpents hangs around His neck
He, whose damaru resounds with a constant thunderous rhythm
May Shiva, Lord of the Tandava, bless us with auspiciousness
Damad Damad Damad Daman ninada vadamarvayam
Chakara chanda tandavam tanotu nah shivah shivam
He strikes the drum whose mighty sound fills the world
Dancing fiercely, lost in His cosmic Tandava
May Shiva, forever auspicious and fierce
Grant us goodness, joy, and liberation
Jata Kata Sambhrama Bhraman Nilimpa Nirjhari-
Vilola Vichivallari Virajamana Moordhani
From the swirling tresses flows the sacred river,
which sanctifies the head of Shiva.
His hair is adorned with waving vines,
which beautify and crown his head.
Dhagad Dhagad Gajjwalla Lalat Patta Pavake
Kishora Chandra Shekhare Rati Pratikshanam Mama॥ 2॥
On his forehead blaze flame-like fires,
and the youthful moon shines atop his head.
My heart constantly delights in his praise,
and my devotion to him remains unending.
Vilola Vichivallari Virajamana Moordhani
From the swirling tresses flows the sacred river,
which sanctifies the head of Shiva.
His hair is adorned with waving vines,
which beautify and crown his head.
Dhagad Dhagad Gajjwalla Lalat Patta Pavake
Kishora Chandra Shekhare Rati Pratikshanam Mama॥ 2॥
On his forehead blaze flame-like fires,
and the youthful moon shines atop his head.
My heart constantly delights in his praise,
and my devotion to him remains unending.
Dharadharendra Nandini Vilasa Bandhu Bandhur
Sphurad Diganta Santati Pramodamana Manase
The beloved consort of Lord of Earth,
Whose grace adorns the earth,
Radiant joy spreads to the ends of the universe,
A reflection of delight within the mind.
Kripa Kataksha Dhorani Niruddha Durdhara Padi
(Kvachiccidambare) Mano Vinoda Metu Vastuni
With eyes full of compassion, steady as Devaki,
Sometimes refreshing the mind in the skies,
Bringing new joy to the heart,
Where all moving things find delight.
Sphurad Diganta Santati Pramodamana Manase
The beloved consort of Lord of Earth,
Whose grace adorns the earth,
Radiant joy spreads to the ends of the universe,
A reflection of delight within the mind.
Kripa Kataksha Dhorani Niruddha Durdhara Padi
(Kvachiccidambare) Mano Vinoda Metu Vastuni
With eyes full of compassion, steady as Devaki,
Sometimes refreshing the mind in the skies,
Bringing new joy to the heart,
Where all moving things find delight.
Jata Bhujanga Pingala Spurat Phana Mani Prabha
Kadamba Kunkuma Drava Pralipta Digva Dhoomukhe
His matted hair shines like the hood of a colorful snake,
Adorned with blossoms of Kadamba and vermilion drops.
Wearing a garland of mad elephant hide,
My mind is delighted by this amazing sight.
Madantha Sindhura Sphurat Tvaguttariya Medure
Mano Vinoda Madhbutam Bibhartu Bhuta Bhartari॥
He who wears the hide of a mad elephant,
Fills my mind with wondrous delight,
The sustainer and protector of all beings,
May He bless us all always.
Kadamba Kunkuma Drava Pralipta Digva Dhoomukhe
His matted hair shines like the hood of a colorful snake,
Adorned with blossoms of Kadamba and vermilion drops.
Wearing a garland of mad elephant hide,
My mind is delighted by this amazing sight.
Madantha Sindhura Sphurat Tvaguttariya Medure
Mano Vinoda Madhbutam Bibhartu Bhuta Bhartari॥
He who wears the hide of a mad elephant,
Fills my mind with wondrous delight,
The sustainer and protector of all beings,
May He bless us all always.
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Sahasra Lochana Prabhṛtya Asheṣa Lekha Shekhara
Prasūna Dhūli Dhāraṇī Vidhūsarāṅghri Pīṭhabhūḥ.
He who has a thousand eyes like Indra and other gods’ crowns,
The footstool is adorned with countless flowers and dust of petals,
Whose matted locks are bound by the garland of the king of serpents,
May the lord with the moon as his crown live long and prosper.
Bhujaṅga Rāja Mālayā Nibaddha Jāṭa Jūṭakaḥ
Śriyai Cirāya Jāyataṁ Cakora Bandhu Shekharaḥ॥
May the garland of snakes tied to his locks,
And the moon, who is the friend of the koel bird,
Glorify him forever with prosperity and grace,
Our beloved lord Shiva.
Prasūna Dhūli Dhāraṇī Vidhūsarāṅghri Pīṭhabhūḥ.
He who has a thousand eyes like Indra and other gods’ crowns,
The footstool is adorned with countless flowers and dust of petals,
Whose matted locks are bound by the garland of the king of serpents,
May the lord with the moon as his crown live long and prosper.
Bhujaṅga Rāja Mālayā Nibaddha Jāṭa Jūṭakaḥ
Śriyai Cirāya Jāyataṁ Cakora Bandhu Shekharaḥ॥
May the garland of snakes tied to his locks,
And the moon, who is the friend of the koel bird,
Glorify him forever with prosperity and grace,
Our beloved lord Shiva.
Lalat Chatvara Jvalad Dhananjaya Sphulinga Bha-
Nipita Pancha Sayakam Namannilimpa Nayakam
On his forehead blazes the flame that destroyed Kamadeva,
His crown of hair adorned with vermilion dust.
The crown shines with the radiance of the divine nectar,
With the great pot-bearer Shiva’s blessing,
Sudha Mayukha Lekhaya Virajamana Shekharam
Mahakpali Sampade Shiro Jatalamastu Nah
His crown gleams with the beams of the divine nectar,
With the sacred pot of Shiva in hand,
May his matted locks shine bright,
May that Shiva bless us with welfare.
Nipita Pancha Sayakam Namannilimpa Nayakam
On his forehead blazes the flame that destroyed Kamadeva,
His crown of hair adorned with vermilion dust.
The crown shines with the radiance of the divine nectar,
With the great pot-bearer Shiva’s blessing,
Sudha Mayukha Lekhaya Virajamana Shekharam
Mahakpali Sampade Shiro Jatalamastu Nah
His crown gleams with the beams of the divine nectar,
With the sacred pot of Shiva in hand,
May his matted locks shine bright,
May that Shiva bless us with welfare.
Karal Bhala Pattika Dhagad Dhagad Gajjwala-
Dhananjaya Ahutikrita Prachanda Panchsayake
His fierce face and head plate are blazing,
A fire strengthened by the sacrifice of flames,
Destroying the fierce Kamadeva with his five arrows,
The powerful Lord.
Dharadhara Indra Nandini Kuchagra Chitrapatraka-
Prakalpanaika Shilpini Trilochane Rati Mama॥
The daughter of mountain king adorned on his shoulder,
A master of arts and crafts depiction,
I offer my deep love to the three-eyed Lord.
My love forevermore.
Dhananjaya Ahutikrita Prachanda Panchsayake
His fierce face and head plate are blazing,
A fire strengthened by the sacrifice of flames,
Destroying the fierce Kamadeva with his five arrows,
The powerful Lord.
Dharadhara Indra Nandini Kuchagra Chitrapatraka-
Prakalpanaika Shilpini Trilochane Rati Mama॥
The daughter of mountain king adorned on his shoulder,
A master of arts and crafts depiction,
I offer my deep love to the three-eyed Lord.
My love forevermore.
Naveen Megha Mandali Niruddha Durdhara Sphurat-
Kuhoo Nishithinitam Prabandha Baddha Kandhara
His neck is adorned with a new cloud cluster,
which restrains the dense darkness.
Like the deep dark midnight,
His shoulders are strong and firmly bound.
Nilimpa Nirjhari Dharast Notu Kritti Sindhurah
Kalanidhan Bandhur Shriyam Jagad Dhurandhara
He who is nourished by the sacred waters of the Ganga,
The treasure house of all arts and prosperity,
The protector and upholder of the world,
I worship and adore Him.
Kuhoo Nishithinitam Prabandha Baddha Kandhara
His neck is adorned with a new cloud cluster,
which restrains the dense darkness.
Like the deep dark midnight,
His shoulders are strong and firmly bound.
Nilimpa Nirjhari Dharast Notu Kritti Sindhurah
Kalanidhan Bandhur Shriyam Jagad Dhurandhara
He who is nourished by the sacred waters of the Ganga,
The treasure house of all arts and prosperity,
The protector and upholder of the world,
I worship and adore Him.
Prafulla Nilapan kaja Prapancha Kalima Prabha-
Valambi Kantha Kandali Ruchi Prabaddha Kandharam.
His throat shines like the flourishing blue lotus,
Shimmering with deep dark brilliance.
On his shoulder hangs a garland of thorns,
Symbolizing his awesome power.
Smara Chhidam Pura Chhidam Bhava Chhidam Makha Chhidam
Gaja Chhid Aandhaka Chhid Tamanta Chhidam Bhaje.
I worship Lord Shiva,
Who severs the bonds of birth and death,
Who destroys foes like the crocodile and elephant,
And annihilates death itself.
Valambi Kantha Kandali Ruchi Prabaddha Kandharam.
His throat shines like the flourishing blue lotus,
Shimmering with deep dark brilliance.
On his shoulder hangs a garland of thorns,
Symbolizing his awesome power.
Smara Chhidam Pura Chhidam Bhava Chhidam Makha Chhidam
Gaja Chhid Aandhaka Chhid Tamanta Chhidam Bhaje.
I worship Lord Shiva,
Who severs the bonds of birth and death,
Who destroys foes like the crocodile and elephant,
And annihilates death itself.
Akharva Sarva Mangala Kala Kadamba Manjari
Rasa Pravaha Madhuri Vijrimbhana Madhu Vratam
Surrounded by bees, like in a cluster of flowers,
Sweet nectar flows abundantly,
His praise fills my heart with sweetness,
Bringing joy to my mind.
Smarantakam Purantakam Bhavantakam Makhanthakam
Gajantakandhakantakam Tamantakantakam Bhaje
He who ends death itself,
And the end of Purana (ancient scriptures),
He who is the ultimate end of all worlds,
I worship the destroyer of death.
Rasa Pravaha Madhuri Vijrimbhana Madhu Vratam
Surrounded by bees, like in a cluster of flowers,
Sweet nectar flows abundantly,
His praise fills my heart with sweetness,
Bringing joy to my mind.
Smarantakam Purantakam Bhavantakam Makhanthakam
Gajantakandhakantakam Tamantakantakam Bhaje
He who ends death itself,
And the end of Purana (ancient scriptures),
He who is the ultimate end of all worlds,
I worship the destroyer of death.
Jayatvad abhra vibhrama bhramad bhujanga ashvasa-
dvinirgamata krama sphurat karala bhala havyavat.
May Shiva be victorious, whose whirling matted locks
are inhabited by hissing serpents,
whose breath is as fierce as fire flaring from
the sacrificial altar of his fearsome forehead.
Dhimi dhimi dhimi dhvanan mridanga tunga mangala
dhvani krama pravartita prachanda tandavah Shivah
The auspicious rumble of tall mridanga drums,
with their rhythmic and thunderous beats,
sets in motion the mighty tandava dance,
may that fierce Shiva’s dance fill the world with blessings.
dvinirgamata krama sphurat karala bhala havyavat.
May Shiva be victorious, whose whirling matted locks
are inhabited by hissing serpents,
whose breath is as fierce as fire flaring from
the sacrificial altar of his fearsome forehead.
Dhimi dhimi dhimi dhvanan mridanga tunga mangala
dhvani krama pravartita prachanda tandavah Shivah
The auspicious rumble of tall mridanga drums,
with their rhythmic and thunderous beats,
sets in motion the mighty tandava dance,
may that fierce Shiva’s dance fill the world with blessings.
Drishad vichitra talpayor bhujanga mauktika srajor-
garishtha ratna loshtayoh suhrid vipaksha pakshayoh ।
One who is at home on a bed of hard stone, or on a splendid bed,
who wears garlands of snakes or pearls,
who treats valuable gems or clods of earth the same,
who sees friend and enemy equally.
Trina aravinda chakshushoh praja mahi mahendrayoh
samam pravartayan manah kada Sadashivam Bhaje
Who looks at grass and a lotus with the same vision,
to a peasant or king with equal mind,
whose mind finds perfect balance with all,
when will I worship that eternal, auspicious Shiva?
garishtha ratna loshtayoh suhrid vipaksha pakshayoh ।
One who is at home on a bed of hard stone, or on a splendid bed,
who wears garlands of snakes or pearls,
who treats valuable gems or clods of earth the same,
who sees friend and enemy equally.
Trina aravinda chakshushoh praja mahi mahendrayoh
samam pravartayan manah kada Sadashivam Bhaje
Who looks at grass and a lotus with the same vision,
to a peasant or king with equal mind,
whose mind finds perfect balance with all,
when will I worship that eternal, auspicious Shiva?
Kada nilimpa nirjhari nikunja kotare vasan
vimukta durmatih sada shirah stha manjalim vahan
When will I dwell in the wooded caves near the celestial Ganga,
with a mind free from all evil,
always carrying folded hands on my head,
and with heart sincerely devoted?
vimukta lola lochano lalama bhala lagnakah
Shiveti mantram uchcharan kada sukhi bhavamyaham
With liberated, restless eyes,
and sacred mark adorned on the forehead,
chanting “Shiva” mantra in devotion,
when will I truly be happy?
vimukta durmatih sada shirah stha manjalim vahan
When will I dwell in the wooded caves near the celestial Ganga,
with a mind free from all evil,
always carrying folded hands on my head,
and with heart sincerely devoted?
vimukta lola lochano lalama bhala lagnakah
Shiveti mantram uchcharan kada sukhi bhavamyaham
With liberated, restless eyes,
and sacred mark adorned on the forehead,
chanting “Shiva” mantra in devotion,
when will I truly be happy?
Nilimpa natha nagari kadamba maula mallika-
nigumpha nirbhara ksharan madhu ushnikam anoharah ।
The garlands from the heavenly queen’s city,
bedecking his crowned hair,
overflow with sweet honey and cool pleasantness,
spreading divine fragrance everywhere.
Tanotu no manomudam vinodini maharnisham
para shriyah param padam tad angaja tvisham chayah
May that highest radiant Shiva,
who delights the heart both day and night,
grant us supreme, blissful fortune,
whose brilliance outshines even the gods.
nigumpha nirbhara ksharan madhu ushnikam anoharah ।
The garlands from the heavenly queen’s city,
bedecking his crowned hair,
overflow with sweet honey and cool pleasantness,
spreading divine fragrance everywhere.
Tanotu no manomudam vinodini maharnisham
para shriyah param padam tad angaja tvisham chayah
May that highest radiant Shiva,
who delights the heart both day and night,
grant us supreme, blissful fortune,
whose brilliance outshines even the gods.
Prachanda vadvanala prabha shubha pracharani
Maha ashta siddhi kamini janavahuta jalpana
The fierce fire-like speech that spreads good fortune,
Which brings about the eight great successes,
And generates devoted discussions among the devotees,
Its glowing flames dispel all evils.
Vimukta vamalochano vivaha kalika dhvanih
Shiveti mantra bhushana jagat jayayaya jayetam
With liberated and playful eyes,
Whose wedding chants resound happily,
Adorned with the mantra “Shiva,”
May this bring victory and joy to the world.
Maha ashta siddhi kamini janavahuta jalpana
The fierce fire-like speech that spreads good fortune,
Which brings about the eight great successes,
And generates devoted discussions among the devotees,
Its glowing flames dispel all evils.
Vimukta vamalochano vivaha kalika dhvanih
Shiveti mantra bhushana jagat jayayaya jayetam
With liberated and playful eyes,
Whose wedding chants resound happily,
Adorned with the mantra “Shiva,”
May this bring victory and joy to the world.
Idam hi nityameva muktam uttamottamam stavam
Pathansmaran bruvannaro vishuddhimitisantatam ।
This very excellent and supreme hymn,
when recited, remembered, and spoken by a man,
purifies his intellect completely at all times.
Such is the power of this sacred praise.
Hare gurau subhaktim ashu yati nanyatha gatim
Vimohanam hi dehinam sushankarasya chintanam ।
With devotion to Hari and Guru (Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva),
one quickly attains the supreme path,
otherwise, it is very difficult to find,
because the delusion of embodied beings is deep.
Pathansmaran bruvannaro vishuddhimitisantatam ।
This very excellent and supreme hymn,
when recited, remembered, and spoken by a man,
purifies his intellect completely at all times.
Such is the power of this sacred praise.
Hare gurau subhaktim ashu yati nanyatha gatim
Vimohanam hi dehinam sushankarasya chintanam ।
With devotion to Hari and Guru (Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva),
one quickly attains the supreme path,
otherwise, it is very difficult to find,
because the delusion of embodied beings is deep.
Pujaavasaanasamayé dashavaktra geetam
Yah Shambhu-poojanaparam pathati pradoshe
This ten-versed hymn, when sung at the conclusion of worship,
by one devoted to Lord Shiva at sunset,
brings steady blessings, fortune, and success,
bestowed by Shambhu himself.
Tasya sthiraam rathagajendra turanga yuktam
Lakshmeem sadaiva sumukhim pradadati Shambhuh
He receives Lakshmi’s abiding grace,
manifest as chariots, elephants, and horses,
with a smiling, auspicious presence,
granted forever by Lord Shiva.
Yah Shambhu-poojanaparam pathati pradoshe
This ten-versed hymn, when sung at the conclusion of worship,
by one devoted to Lord Shiva at sunset,
brings steady blessings, fortune, and success,
bestowed by Shambhu himself.
Tasya sthiraam rathagajendra turanga yuktam
Lakshmeem sadaiva sumukhim pradadati Shambhuh
He receives Lakshmi’s abiding grace,
manifest as chariots, elephants, and horses,
with a smiling, auspicious presence,
granted forever by Lord Shiva.
