जटाटवीगलज्जलप्रवाहपावितस्थले

गलेऽवलम्ब्य लम्बितां

भुजङ्गतुङ्गमालिकाम् ।

डमड्डमड्डमड्डमन्निनादवड्डमर्वयं

चकार चण्डताण्डवं तनोतु नः शिवः

शिवम् ॥१॥

Jatta[a] -Attavii-Galaj-Jala-Pravaaha-Paavita-Sthale

Gale- [A] valambya Lambitaam Bhujangga-Tungga-Maalikaam |

Ddamadd-Ddamadd-Ddamadd-Ddaman-Ninaadavadd-Ddamar-Vayam

Cakaara Canndda-Taannddavam Tanotu Nah Shivah Shivam ||1||

Meaning:

(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of
Blessedness through the Devotees)

1.1: (There dances Shiva His Great Tandava) From His Huge Matted Hair like a Forest, is

Pouring out and Flowing down the Sacred Water of the River Ganges, and making the Ground Holy ; on
that Holy Ground Shiva is dancing His Great Tandava Dance;

1.2: Supporting His Neck and Hanging down are the Lofty Serpents which are Adorning His Neck like
Lofty Garlands ,

1.3: His Damaru is continuously Weaving out the

Sound - Damad , Damad , Damad , Damad - and filling the Air all around,

1.4: Shiva Performed such a Passionate Tandava; O my Lord Shiva, Please Extend the Auspicious Tandava
Dance within our beings also.

जटाकटाहसम्भ्रमभ्रमन्निलिम्पनिर्झरी_

विलोलवीचिवल्लरीविराजमानमूर्धनि ।

धगद्धगद्धगज्जलल्ललाटपट्टपावके

किशोरचन्द्रशेखरे रतिः प्रतिक्षणं मम ॥२॥

Jattaa-Kattaaha-Sambhrama-Bhraman-Nilimpa-Nirjharii_

Vilola-Viici-Vallarii-Viraajamaana-Muurdhani |

Dhagad-Dhagad-Dhagaj-Jvalal-Lalaatta-Patttta-Paavake

Kishora-Candra-Shekhare Ratih Pratikssannam Mama ||2||

Meaning:

(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of
Blessedness through the Devotees)

2.1: (There dances Shiva His Great Tandava) His Huge Matted Hair like a Caldron is Revolving round and
round; and Whirling with it is the Great

River Goddess Ganga, ...

2.2: ... and the Strands of His Matted Hair which are like Huge Creepers are Waving like Huge

Waves; His Forehead is Brilliantly Effulgent and ...

2.3: ... on the Surface of that Huge Forehead is

Burning a Blazing Fire with the sound - Dhagad ,

Dhagad, Dhagad (referring to His Third Eye), ...

2.4: ... and a Young Crescent Moon is Shining on the Peak (i.e. on His Head); O my Lord Shiva, Your Great
Tandava Dance is passing a surge of

Delight Every Moment through my being.

धराधरेन्द्रनन्दिनीविलासबन्धुबन्धुर

स्फुरद्दिगन्तसन्ततिप्रमोदमानमानसे ।

कृपाकटाक्षधोरणीनिरुद्धदुर्धरापदि

क्वचिद्दिगम्बरे मनो विनोदमेतु वस्तुनि ॥३॥

Dharaa-Dharendra-Nandinii-Vilaasa-Bandhu-Bandhura

Sphurad-Diganta-Santati-Pramodamaana-Maanase |

Krpaa-Kattaakssa-Dhorannii-Niruddha-Durdhara-

[A] apadi

Kvacid-Digambare Mano Vinodametu Vastuni ||3||

Meaning:

(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of
Blessedness through the Devotees)

3.1: (There dances Shiva His Great Tandava) And Now He is accompanied by the Beautiful Divine Mother
Who is the Supporter of the Earth and the

Daughter of the Mountain King ; She is ever His

Companion in His various Divine Sports ,

3.2: The Entire Horizon is Shaking with the force of that Tandava, and the subtle waves of the Tandava is
entering the sphere of the Mind and raising waves of Excessive Joy ,

3.3: That Shiva, the Flow of whose Graceful Side Glance can Restrain even the Unrestrainable Calamities,
and ...

3.4: ... Who is Digambara (clothed with sky signifying He is ever-free and without any desire),

Sometimes in His Mind Materializes the wish to Play the Divine Sports (and hence this Great Tandava).
जटाभुजङ्गपिङ्गलस्फुरत्फणामणिप्रभा

कदम्बकुङ् कुमद्रवप्रलिप्तदिग्वधूमुखे ।

मदान्धसिन्धुरस्फुरत्त्वगुत्तरीयमेदुरे

मनो विनोदमद्भुतं बिभर्तु भूतभर्तरि ॥४॥

Jattaa-Bhujangga-Pinggala-Sphurat-Phannaa-Manni-Prabhaa

Kadamba-Kungkuma-Drava-Pralipta-Digvadhuu-Mukhe |

Mada- [A] andha-Sindhura-Sphurat-Tvag-Uttariiya-Medure

Mano Vinodam-Adbhutam Bibhartu Bhuuta-Bhartari ||4||

Meaning:

(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of
Blessedness through the Devotees)

4.1: (There dances Shiva His Great Tandava) The

Reddish-Brown Serpents on His Matted Hairs are

Throbbing with their Hoods Raised; With that Throb the Lustre of the (Red) Pearls on their Raised Hoods
are ...

4.2: ... Collectively Smearing the Directions (i.e. the Sky) with the Liquid Saffron ; the Sky is appearing like
the Huge Face of a Bride (adorned with that Red Saffron),

4.3: His Upper Garment is Flying in the Breeze and Shaking like the Thick Skin of an Intoxicated Elephant,

4.4: My Mind is Experiencing an Extraordinary Thrill in this Divine Sport; it is being Carried away by the
Sustainer of All Beings (referring to Shiva).

सहस्रलोचनप्रभृत्यशेषलेखशेखर_

प्रसूनधूलिधोरणी विधूसराङ् घ्रिपीठभूः ।

भुजङ्गराजमालया निबद्धजाटजूटकः

श्रियै चिराय जायतां चकोरबन्धुशेखरः ॥५॥

Sahasra-Locana-Prabhrty-Ashessa-Lekha-Shekhara_

Prasuuna-Dhuuli-Dhorannii Vidhuusara-Angghri-Piittha-Bhuuh |

Bhujangga-Raaja-Maalayaa Nibaddha-Jaatta-Juuttakah

Shriyai Ciraaya Jaayataam Cakora-Bandhu-Shekharah ||5||

Meaning:

(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of
Blessedness through the Devotees)

5.1: (There dances Shiva His Great Tandava)

Sahasra Locana (literally means Thousand Eyes and refers to Indra Deva) and Others forming an

Unending Line of Heads ...

5.2: ... are being Graced by the Incessant Dust Produced by the Dancing Feet , the Feet which has
become Dust-Coloured by Dancing on the Great Earth ,

5.3: His Matted Hair is Bound by the Garlands of the King of Serpents and ...

5.4: ... the Shining Moon on Top of His Head which is a Friend of the Cakara Birds (because Cakara birds
drink moonlight) is radiating the

Deep Beauty and Auspiciousness of Sri .

ललाटचत्वरज्वलद्धनञ्जयस्फुलिङ्गभा_

निपीतपञ्चसायकं नमन्निलिम्पनायकम् ।

सुधामयूखलेखया विराजमानशेखरं

महाकपालिसम्पदे शिरोजटालमस्तु नः ॥६॥

Lalaatta-Catvara-Jvalad-Dhanan.jaya-Sphulingga-Bhaa

Nipiita-Pan.ca-Saayakam Naman-Nilimpa-Naayakam |

Sudhaa-Mayuukha-Lekhayaa Viraajamaana-Shekharam

Mahaa-Kapaali-Sampade-Shiro-Jattaalam-Astu Nah ||6||

Meaning:

(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of
Blessedness through the Devotees)

6.1: (There dances Shiva His Great Tandava) On the Surface of His Forehead is Burning a Spark of Fire
and Spreading its Lustre (referring to His Third Eye),...

6.2: ... the Fire which Absorbed the Five Arrows (of Kama Deva) and made the Chief God of Kama
Bow down,

6.3: On the Top of His Head is Shining the

Nectar-Rayed-Stroke of the Crescent Moon,

6.4: May we also receive a part of the Wealth of the Great Kapali (i.e. Shiva) which is contained in His
Matted Hair .

करालभालपट्टिकाधगद्धगद्धगज्ज्वलद्_

धनञ्जयाहुतीकृतप्रचण्डपञ्चसायके ।

धराधरेन्द्रनन्दिनीकुचाग्रचित्रपत्रक

प्रकल्पनैकशिल्पिनि त्रिलोचने रतिर्मम ॥७॥

Karaala-Bhaala-Pattttikaa-Dhagad-Dhagad-Dhagaj-Jvalad_

Dhanan.jaya- [A] ahutii-Krta-Pracanndda-Pan.ca-Saayake |

Dharaa-Dhare [a-I] ndra-Nandinii-Kucaagra-Citra-Patraka

Prakalpanai- [E] ka-Shilpini Tri-Locane Ratir-Mama ||7||

Meaning:

(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of
Blessedness through the Devotees)

7.1: (There dances Shiva His Great Tandava) The

Terrible Surface of His Forehead is Burning with the Sound - Dhagad, Dhagad , Dhagad, Dhagad - burning
the ...

7.2: ... Terrible Fire which Performed the Sacrifice of the Mighty possessor of the Five Arrows (i.e. Kama
Deva),

7.3: The Footsteps of His Great Tandava Dance is

Drawing Various Pictures on the Bosom of the

Earth (signifying Creation); the Earth which is a part of the Daughter of the Mountain (i.e. Devi Parvati),

7.4: He is the One Artist Who Creates (accompanied by Shakti); My Mind is Extremely

Delighted by this Tandava of the Three-Eyed Shiva.

नवीनमेघमण्डली निरुद्धदुर्धरस्फुरत्_

कुहूनिशीथिनीतमः प्रबन्धबद्धकन्धरः ।

निलिम्पनिर्झरीधरस्तनोतु

कृत्तिसिन्धुरः
कलानिधानबन्धुरः श्रियं जगद्धुरंधरः ॥८॥

Naviina-Megha-Mannddalii Niruddha-Durdhara-Sphurat_

Kuhuu-Nishiithinii-Tamah Prabandha-Baddha-Kandharah |

Nilimpa-Nirjharii-Dharas-Tanotu Krtti-Sindhurah

Kalaa-Nidhaana-Bandhurah Shriyam Jagad-Dhurandharah ||8||

Meaning:

(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of
Blessedness through the Devotees)

8.1: (There dances Shiva His Great Tandava) The

Throb of the Great Tandava has Restrained the

Unrestrainable Orb of the New Clouds and ...

8.2: ... has Bound the Darkness of the Night of the New Moon around His Neck ,

8.3: O the Bearer of the River Goddess Ganga, O the Wearer of the Elephant Hide , Please Extend the ...

8.4: ... Sri (the Auspiciousness and Great Welfare) associated with this Great Tandava; O the

Container of the Curved Digit of the Moon , O the

Bearer of the Universe, Please Extend the Sri associated with this Great Tandava.

प्रफुल्लनीलपङ् कजप्रपञ्चकालिमप्रभा_

वलम्बिकण्ठकन्दलीरुचिप्रबद्धकन्धरम् ।

स्मरच्छिदं पुरच्छिदं भवच्छिदं मखच्छिदं

गजच्छिदान्धकच्छिदं तमन्तकच्छिदं भजे ॥९॥

Praphulla-Niila-Pangkaja-Prapan.ca-Kaalima-Prabhaa_

[A] Valambi-Kannttha-Kandalii-Ruci-Prabaddha-Kandharam |

Smarac-Chidam Purac-Chidam Bhavac-Chidam Makhac-Chidam

Gajac-Chida-Andhakac-Chidam Tam-Antakac-Chidam Bhaje ||9||

Meaning:

(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of
Blessedness through the Devotees)

9.1: (There dances Shiva His Great Tandava) The

Black Lustre of the Universe (referring to the halahala poison drunk by Him during samudra manthana) is
appearing like a Blooming Blue Lotus and ...
9.2: ... Resting within His Throat like a Girdle ; which He Himself has Restrained by His own Will,

9.3: I Worship the Destroyer of Smara (i.e. Kama Deva), I Worship the Destroyer of Tripurasuras , I
Worship the Destroyer of the Delusion of the Worldly Existence , I Worship the Destroyer of the

Sacrifice (of Daksha), ...

9.4: ... I Worship the Destroyer of Gajasura, I Worship the Destroyer of Demon Andhaka and I

also Worship the Restrainer of Yama ; I Worship my Lord Shiva.

अखर्वसर्वमङ्गलाकलाकदम्बमञ्जरी_

रसप्रवाहमाधुरीविजृम्भणामधुव्रतम् ।

स्मरान्तकं पुरान्तकं भवान्तकं मखान्तकं

गजान्तकान्धकान्तकं तमन्तकान्तकं भजे ॥१०॥

Akharva-Sarva-Manggalaa-Kalaa-Kadamba-Man.jarii_

Rasa-Pravaaha-Maadhurii-Vijrmbhannaa-Madhu-Vratam |

Smara-Antakam Pura-Antakam Bhava-Antakam Makha-Antakam

Gaja-Antaka-Andhaka-Antakam Tam-Antaka-Antakam Bhaje ||10||

Meaning:

(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of
Blessedness through the Devotees)

10.1: (There dances Shiva His Great Tandava) He is the Non-Diminishing Source of Auspiciousness for the
Welfare of All , and the Source of all Arts which He Manifests like a Cluster of Blossoms,

10.2: From His Tandava Dance is Surging forth the Nectar of Sweetness in the form of Arts expressing His
Sweet Will ,

10.3: I Worship Him Who brought an End to

Smara (i.e. Kama Deva), I Worship Him Who brought an End to the Tripurasuras , I Worship Him Who
brings an End to the Delusion of Worldly Existence , I Worship Him Who brought an

End to the Sacrifice (of Daksha), ...

10.4: I Worship Him Who brought an End to

Gajasura, I Worship Him Who brought an End to Demon Andhaka , and I also Worship Him Who

Restrained Yama ; I Worship my Lord Shiva.

जयत्वदभ्रविभ्रमभ्रमद्भुजङ्गमश्वसद्_

विनिर्गमत्क्रमस्फुरत्करालभालहव्यवाट् ।
धिमिद्धिमिद्धिमिध्वनन्मृदङ्गतुङ्गमङ्गल_

ध्वनिक्रमप्रवर्तितप्रचण्डताण्डवः

शिवः ॥११॥

Jayat-Vada-Bhra-Vibhrama-Bhramad-Bhujanggama-Shvasad_

Vinirgamat-Krama-Sphurat-Karaala-Bhaala-Havya-Vaatt |

Dhimid-Dhimid-Dhimidhvanan-Mrdangga-Tungga-Manggala_

Dhvani-Krama-Pravartita-Pracanndda-Taannddavah Shivah ||11||

Meaning:

(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of
Blessedness through the Devotees)

11.1: (There dances Shiva His Great Tandava) His

Eyebrows are Moving To and Fro Expressing His Complete Mastership over all the Worlds; and His
Movements are Rolling the Serpents on His Neck who are Spewing out their Hot Breath (i.e. Hissing
terribly),

11.2: The Terrible Third Eye on His Forehead which is like an altar for Oblation is Throbbing in

Succession and Emitting Fire,

11.3: The Mridangam is Incessantly Sounding the

Auspicious Beats of Dhimid, Dhimid, Dhimid ,

Dhimid and ...

11.4: ... with that Succession of Beats which are

Rolling out , Shiva is Dancing His Passionate Tandava Dance.

दृषद्विचित्रतल्पयोर्भुजङ्गमौक्तिकस्रजोर् _

गरिष्ठरत्नलोष्ठयोः

सुहृद्विपक्षपक्षयोः ।

तृणारविन्दचक्षुषोः

प्रजामहीमहेन्द्रयोः

समप्रवृत्तिकः कदा सदाशिवं भजाम्यहम् ॥१२॥

Drssad-Vicitra-Talpayor-Bhujangga-Mauktika-Srajor_

Garissttha-Ratna-Losstthayoh Suhrd-Vipakssa-Pakssayoh |
Trnna-Aravinda-Cakssussoh Prajaa-Mahii-Mahendrayoh

Sama-Pravrttikah Kadaa Sadaashivam Bhajaamy-Aham ||12||

Meaning:

(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of
Blessedness through the Devotees)

12.1: When will I see the sameness in the Touch between a Variegated Comfortable Bed (and Hard
Ground)? When will I see the sameness in Value between the Garland made of Pearls of Serpents which
is ...

12.2: ... a Highly Valued Gem (i.e. ornament) and a Lump of Clay ? When will I feel the sameness in
Relationship between a Friend and an Enemy ?

12.3: When will I feel the sameness in Vision between a Grass -like Eye (representing ordinary look) and
a Lotus -like Eye (representing beautiful look)? When will I feel the sameness in the soul of an ordinary
Subject and the King of the World?

12.4: When will I Worship Sadashiva with the

Equality of Vision and Conduct ?

कदा निलिम्पनिर्झरीनिकुञ्जकोटरे

वसन्

विमुक्तदुर्मतिः सदा शिरःस्थमञ्जलिं

वहन् ।

विमुक्तलोललोचनो ललामभाललग्नकः

शिवेति मन्त्रमुच्चरन्कदा सुखी

भवाम्यहम् ॥१३॥

Kadaa Nilimpa-Nirjharii-Nikun.ja-Kottare Vasan

Vimukta-Durmatih Sadaa Shirahstham-An.jalim Vahan |

Vimukta-Lola-Locano Lalaama-Bhaala-Lagnakah

Shiveti Mantram-Uccaran-Kadaa Sukhii Bhavaamy-Aham ||13||

(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of
Blessedness through the Devotees)

13.1: When will I Dwell in a Cave within the

Dense Woods by the side of the River Goddess Ganga and ...
13.2: ... being Free Forever from Sinful Mental Dispositions Worship Shiva Keeping my Hands on the
Forehead?

13.3: When will I be Free from the Rolling of the

Eyes (signifying lustful tendencies) and Worship Shiva applying the Sacred Mark on the Forehead?

13.4: When will I be Happy Uttering the Mantras of Shiva ?

इमं हि नित्यमेवमुक्तमुत्तमोत्तमं स्तवं

पठन्स्मरन्ब्रुवन्नरो विशुद्धिमेतिसंततम् ।

हरे गुरौ सुभक्तिमाशु याति नान्यथा

गतिं

विमोहनं हि दे हिनां सुशङ् करस्य चिन्तनम् ॥१४॥

Imam Hi Nityam-Evam-Uktam-Uttamottamam Stavam

Patthan-Smaran-Bruvan-Naro Vishuddhime [-I] ti-Santatam |

Hare Gurau Subhaktim-Aashu Yaati Na-Anyathaa Gatim

Vimohanam Hi Dehinaam Su-Shangkarasya Cintanam ||14||

(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of
Blessedness through the Devotees)

14.1: This Greatest of the Great Stava (Hymn) has been Uttered ; those who Regularly ...

14.2: ... Recite it and Contemplate on Shiva with

Purity of Mind and in an Uninterrupted manner and ...

14.3: ... with Great Devotion in Hara , the Guru , will Quickly Advance towards Him; there is No other
Way or Refuge,

14.4: The Delusion of that Person will be Destroyed by Deep Contemplation (Meditation) on Shankara.
पूजावसानसमये दशवक्त्रगीतं यः

शम्भुपूजनपरं पठति प्रदोषे ।

तस्य स्थिरां रथगजेन्द्रतुरङ्गयुक्तां

लक्ष्मीं सदै व सुमुखीं प्रददाति शम्भुः ॥१५॥

Puuja-Avasaana-Samaye Dasha-Vaktra-Giitam Yah

Shambhu-Puujana-Param Patthati Pradosse |

Tasya Sthiraam Ratha-Gaje [a-I] ndra-Turangga-Yuktaam

Lakssmiim Sadaiva Su-Mukhiim Pradadaati Shambhuh ||15||

(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of
Blessedness through the Devotees)

15.1: During the Time of Completion of the Puja , those who Recite this Song of the Ten-Headed Ravana,
...

15.2: ... Recite this after Completing the Puja of

Shambhu in the Evening ,...

15.3: ... To him who is Steadfast in this Worship; will come Chariots Yoked with King of Elephants and
Horses (signifying Prosperity) ...

15.4: ... and Devi Lakshmi will Always show Her

Graceful Face to him; Sri Shambhu will Bestow this Boon.

इति श्रीरावण - कृतम् शिव - ताण्दव स्तोत्रम् सम्पूर्णम्

Thus Ends the Shiva-Tandava Stotram Composed by Ravana

Note: Place the mouse over each Sanskrit word to get the meaning.

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Translated by greenmesg

Shiva Tandava - Manifestations:

Chidambaram (Thillaivana): Where Lord Shiva as Nataraja danced the Anandava Tandava

Bharatavarsha - The Land of Gods and Sages:

1. Stotras: Stotras

Initial:

Ganesha - Hanuman - Gurudeva - Gayatri

Tridevas:

1. Brahma

2. Vishnu - Narasimha - Rama - Krishna

3. Shiva

Tridevis:

1. Saraswati

2. Lakshmi - Tulasi - Bhoomi

3. Parvati: Durga - (Dasa Mahavidyas: Kali - Tara -

Tripurasundari - Bhuvaneswari - Tripurabhairavi - Chinnamasta - Dhumavati - Bagalamukhi - Matangi -
Kamalatmika) - Annapoorna - Kamakshi - Meenakshi - Shakambari

Others:

Murugan - Surya - Ganga - Yamuna - Narmada -

Others

Final:

Vedas - Brahman

2. Pilgrimages: Pilgrimages

3. Festivals: Festivals

4. Scriptures: Scriptures

5. Saints: Ramakrishna - Vivekananda - Ramana -

Saints

6. Sadhana: Sadhana

7. Sanskrit: Sanskrit

8. Nature: Nature