Origin of Shiv Tandav Stotram

 

(Ravana Booned by  Shiva)

‘Shiv Tandav Stotram’ is a Hindu Hymm that describes Shiva‘s power and beauty. Lyrics of Shiv Tandav Stotram was written or sung by Ravana in praise of Lord Shiva. This hymm was created in Sanskrit language.

(Shiv ji in Samadhi (Meditation))

Origin of Shiv Tandav Stotram

Ravana was a fierce devotee of Shiva and there are many stories about them. A devotee shouldn’t become great, but he was a great devotee. He came to Kailash all the way from down south – I want you to just imagine walking all the way – and began to sing Shiva’s praises. He had a drum which he used to set the beat and composed 1008 verses extempore, which is called the Shiva Tandava Stotram.

 

Shiva was so pleased and enamoured listening to this music. As he sang, slowly, Ravana started climbing Kailash from its Southern Face. When Ravana was almost on top, and with Shiva still engrossed in this music, Parvati saw this man climbing up.

 

There is space only for two people on top! So Parvati tried to bring Shiva out of his musical rapture. She said, “This man is coming all the way up!” But Shiva was too engrossed in the music and poetry. Then finally, Parvati managed to bring him out of being enthralled, and when Ravana reached the peak, Shiva just pushed him off with his feet. Ravana went sliding down the South Face of Kailash. They say his drum was dragging behind him as he slid down and it left a furrow on the mountain all the way down. If you look at the South Face, you will see a wedge-like scar in the center going straight down.

 

It is a little inappropriate to distinguish or to discriminate between one face of Kailash and the other, but the South Face is dear to us because Agastya Muni merged into the South Face. It is just a South Indian prejudice that we like the South Face and I think it is the most beautiful face! It is definitely the whitest face because it is very snowy there.

 

In many ways it is the most intense face but very few people go to the South Face. It is far less accessible and involves a more difficult route than the other faces, and only certain type of people go there.

(Ravana Stopped by Mount Kailash)

Shiva Tandava Stotra

Shiva Tandava Stotra (Sanskrit: शिवताण्डवस्तोत्र, romanized: śiva-tāṇḍava-stotra) is a Sanskrit stotra (hymn) that describes Shiva's power and beauty. It is traditionally attributed to Ravana, the King of Lanka, who is considered to be a great devotee of Shiva. It is believed that Ravana composed the hymn in praise for Shiva, and pleading for moksha.

Verse

The stotra has 16 syllables per line of the quatrain, with laghu (short syllable) and guru (long syllable) characters alternating; the poetic meter is iambic octameter by definition. There are 16 quatrains in total.

 

Both the ninth and tenth quatrains of this hymn conclude with lists of Shiva's epithets as destroyer, even the destroyer of death itself. Alliteration and onomatopoeia create rolling waves of resounding beauty in this example of Hindu devotional poetry.

In the final quatrain of the poem, after tiring of rampaging across the earth, Ravana asks, "When will I be happy?" Because of the intensity of his prayers and ascetic meditation, of which this hymn was an example, Ravana received from Shiva powers and a celestial sword called Chandrahas.

 

Origin of word Tandava

The word Tandava in Shiva Tandava is derived from the word 'Tandul' which means to jump. Tandava is a type of dance that is performed with great energy and strength. Bouncing with vigor makes the mind and brain powerful. Normally men perform the Tandava.

 

Narrative

The Uttara Kanda of the Hindu epic Ramayana records: the ten-headed, twenty-armed mighty King Ravana defeated and looted Alaka – the city of his step-brother and god of wealth Kubera, situated near Mount Kailash. After the victory, Ravana was returning to Lanka in the Pushpaka Vimana (the flying chariot stolen from Kubera), when he spotted a beautiful place. However, the chariot could not fly over it. Ravana met Shiva's bull-faced dwarf attendant Nandi (Nandisha, Nandikeshvara) at the place and asked the reason behind his chariot's inability to pass over the place. Nandi informed Ravana that Lord Shiva and Parvati were enjoying dalliance on the mountain and no one was allowed to pass. Ravana mocked Shiva and Nandi. Enraged by the insult to his lord, Nandi cursed Ravana that monkeys would destroy him. In turn, Ravana decided to uproot Kailash, infuriated by Nandi's curse and his inability to proceed further. He put all his twenty arms under Kailash and started lifting it. As Kailash began to shake, a terrified Parvati embraced Shiva. However, the omniscient Shiva realized that Ravana was behind the menace and pressed the mountain into place with his big toe, trapping Ravana beneath it. Ravana gave a loud cry in pain. Advised by his ministers, Ravana sang hymns in praise of Shiva for a thousand years. Finally, Shiva not only forgave Ravana but also granted him an invincible sword called the Chandrahasa. Since Ravana cried, he was given the name "Ravana" – one who cried. The verses that Ravana sang were collected and became known as the Shiva Tandava Stotra.

Ravana was the one who sang this Shiv tandav strotram / Stuti the very first time for Shiva.

Story:

Ravana was overwhelmed after winning over Kuber. Kuber was the step-brother of Ravana, and the King of Lanka before Ravana. They both were the sons of Great Rishi Visharva. Kaikesi was the mother of Ravana, who was a Datya( cast of demons) and devi Llavila, the first wife of Rishi Visharva, was the mother of Kuber.

It was the day when Ravana defeated Kubera and he was ridding the sky in Pushpak Veemaan (the flying chariot) which he won from Kubera along with the Kingdom of Lanka. A a sudden his Chariot stopped at Mount Kailash and he was disturbed by the thought that his Chariot can not cross over Kailash( Mount Kailash is the home of Lord Shiva).

Ravana ordered the Mount to get off his way, but the Mount asked him to change his path  as Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are resting over him and he is bound to stay at his position. The refusal of Mount annoyed Ravana , he again warned him to get off his way else he will uproot him. Arrogant Ravana Got off his Chariot and tried to remove it with his own hands. Ravana even succeeded to lift the mount for a while but lord Shiva in order to teach him a lesson, presses the mountain with his Toe. Ravana was unable to lift it for any longer and his hands were pressed under the mount. Ravana realised his mistake, being the son of a Great Sage, he was a Vidvaani (knowledgable). To impress Shiva  he sang Shiva tandavstrotram. Shiva gets impressed and gives him Chandrahas Sword, an invincible weapon, as a boon. Ravana became the Devotee of Shiva.

Shiv Tandav Strotram

Jatatavee galajjala pravaha pavitasthale,
Gale avalabhya lambithaam bhujanga tunga malikaam,
Damaddamaddama ddama ninnadava damarvayam,
Chakara chanda tandavam tanotu na shivh shivam.

That Shiva, Who have long-garlands of the snake king (cobra) at the neck which is purified by the flow of trickling water-drops in the forest-like twisted hair-locks, Who danced the fierce Tāṇḍava-dance to the music of a sounding-drum, — may bless us.

Jata kataha sambhramabhramanillimpa nirjari,
Vilola veechi vallari viraja mana moordhani,
Dhaga dhaga dhaga jjwala lalata patta pavake,
Kishora Chandra shekare ratih prati kshanam mama.

At every moment, may I find pleasure in Shiva, Whose head is situated in between the creeper-like unsteady waves of Nilimpanirjharī (Gańgā), in whose head unsteadily fire (energy) is fuming the like twisted hair-locks, Who has crackling and blazing fire at the surface of forehead, and Who has a crescent-moon (young moon) at the forehead.

Dhara dharendra nandini vilasa bhandhu bhandura,
Sphuradriganta santati pramoda mana manase,
Kripa kataksha dhorani niruddha durdharapadi,
Kwachi digambare mano vinodametu vastuni.

May my mind seeks happiness in Shiva, Whose mind has the shining universe and all the living-beings inside, Who is the charming sportive-friend of the daughter of the mountain-king of the Earth ( Himālaya’s daughter parvati), Whose uninterrupted series of merciful-glances conceals immense-troubles, and Who has direction as His clothes.

Jata bhujanga pingala sphurat phana mani prabha,
Kadamba kumkuma drava pralipta digwadhu mukhe,
Madhandha sindhura sphuratwagu uttariyamedure,
Manovinodamadbhutam bibhartu bhoota bhartari.

May my mind hold in Shiva, by Whom — with the light from the jewels of the shining-hoods of creeper-like yellow-snakes — the face of Dikkanyās’ are smeared with Kadamba-juice like red Kuńkuma, Who looks dense due to the glittering skin-garment of an intoxicated elephant, and Who is the Lord of the ghosts.

Lalata chatwara jwaladdhanam jaya sphulingaya,
Nipeeta pancha sayakam namannilimpanayakam,
Sudha mayookha lekhaya virajamana shekharam,
Maha kapali sampade, sirijjatalamastunah.

For a long time, may Shiva — Whose foot-basement is grey due to the series of pollen dust from flowers at the head of Indra (Sahasralocana) and all other demi-gods, Whose matted hairlocks are tied by a garland of the king of snakes, and Who has a head-jewel of the friend of cakora bird — produce prosperity.

Sahastralochana prabhrityashesha lekha shekhara,
Prasoona dhooli dhorani vidhu saranghripeethabhuh,
Bhujangaraja Malaya nibaddha jaata jootakah,
Shriyai chiraya jayatam chakora bandhu shekharah.

May we acquire the possession of tress-locks of shiva, Which absorbed the five-arrows (of Kaamadeva) in the sparks of the blazing fire stored in the rectangular-forehead, Which are being bowed by the leader of supernatural-beings, Which have an enticing-forehead with a beautiful streak of crescent-moon.

Karala bhala pattika dhagaddhadhagaddha gajjwala,
Ddhananjayahuti kruta prachanda panchasayake ,
Dharadharendra nandini kuchagra chithrapathraka,
Prakalpanaikashilpini, trilochane ratirmama.

May I find pleasure in Trilocana, Who offered the five great-arrows (of Kāmadeva) to the blazing and chattering fire of the plate-like forehead, and Who is the sole-artist placing variegated artistic lines on the breasts of the daughter of Himālaya (Pārvatī).

Naveena megha mandali niruddha durdharatsphurat,
Kuhuh nisheethineetamah prabhandha baddha kandharah,
Nilimpa nirjhari dharastanotu krutti sundarah,
Kalanidhana bandhurah shriyam jagat durandharah.

May Shiva — Whose cord-tied neck is dark like a night with shining-moon obstructed by a group of harsh and new clouds, Who holds the River Gańgā, Whose cloth is made of elephant-skin, Who has a curved and crescent moon placed at the forehead, and Who bears the universe — expand [my] wealth.

Prafulla neela pankaja prapancha kalimaprabha,
Valambi kantha kandali ruchi prabandha kandharam,
Smarchchhidam purachchhidam bhavachchhidam makhachchhidam,
Gajachchhidandha kachchhidam tamant kachchhidam bhaje.

I adore Shiva, Who supports the dark glow of blooming blue lotus series at around the girdle of His neck, Who cuts-off Smara (Kāmadeva), Who cuts-off Pura, Who cuts-off the mundane existence, Who cuts-off the sacrifice (of Dakṣa), Who cuts-off the demon Gaja, Who cuts-off Andhaka, and Who cuts-off Yama (death).

Akharva sarva mangalaa kalaa kadamba manjari,
Rasa pravaha madhuri vijrumbhane madhuvritam,
Smrantakam, purantakam, bhavantakam, makhantakam,
Gajantakandhakantakam tamantakantakam bhaje.

I adore Shiva, Who only eats the sweet-flow of nectar from the beautiful flowers of Kadamba-trees which are the abode of all important auspicious qualities, Who destroys Smara (Kāmadeva), Who destroys Pura, Who destroys the mundane existence, Who destroys the sacrifice (of Dakṣa), Who destroys the demon Gaja, Who destroys Andhaka, and Who destroys Yama (death).

Jayatwadabhra vibhrama bhramadbujanga mashwasad,
Vinirgamat, kramasphurat, karala bhala havya vaat,
Dhimiddhimiddhimi maddhwanan mridanga tunga mangala,
Dhwani krama pravartitah prachanda tandawah shivah.

May Shiva, Whose dreadful forehead has oblations of plentiful, turbulent and wandering snake-hisses — first coming out and then sparking, Whose fierce tāṇḍava-dance is set in motion by the sound-series of the auspicious and best-drum (ḍamaru) — which is sounding with ‘dhimit-dhimit’ sounds, be victorious.

Drushadwichitra talpayor bhujanga mauktikastrajor,
Garishtha ratna loshtayoh suhrid wipaksha pakshayoh,
Trinara vinda chakshushoh praja mahee mahendrayoh,
Samapravrittikah katha sadashivam bhajamyaham.

When will I adore SadāShiva with an equal vision towards varied ways of the world, a snake or a pearl-garland, royal-gems or a lump of dirt, friend or enemy sides, a grass-eyed or a lotus-eyed person, and common men or the king.

Kada nilimpa nirjharee nikunja kotare vasan,
Vimukta durmatih sada shirahstha manjali vahan,
Vilola lola lochane lalama bhala lagnakah,
Shiveti mantra muchcharan kada sukhee bhavamyaham.

Living in the hollow of a tree in the thickets of River Gańgā, always free from ill-thinking, bearing añjali at the forehead, free from lustful eyes, and forehead and head bonded, when will I become content while reciting the mantra ‘‘Shiva?’’

Nilimpnath naagaree kadamb mauli mallika,
nigumpha nirbharkshanm dhooshnika manoharah.
tanotu no manomudam vinodineem maharshinam,
parshriyam param padam tadanjatvisham chayah.

Divine beauty of different parts of Lord Shiv which are enlighted by fragrence of the flowers decorating the twisted hairlocks of angles may always bless us with happiness and pleasure.

prachanda wadavaanal prabha shubh pracharinee,
mahaasht siddhi kaaminee janavahoot jalpana.
vimukta vaam lochano vivaah kaalikdhvanih,
shiveti mantra bhooshano jagajjayaay jaaytaam.

The Shakti (energy) which is capable of burning all the sins and spreading welfare of all and the pleasent sound produced by angles during enchanting the pious Shiv mantra at the time of Shiv-Parvati Vivah may winover & destroy all the sufferings of the world.

Imam hi nitya meva mukta muttamottamstavam,
Pathantaram bhunannaro vishuddhmeti santatam,
Hare Gurau sa bhaktimashu yati nanyatha gati,
Vimohanam hi dehinaa tu shankarasya chitanam.

Reading, remembering, and reciting this eternal, having spoken thus, and the best among best eulogy indeed incessantly leads to purity. In preceptor Hara (Śhiva) immediately the state of complete devotion is achieved; no other option is there. Just the thought of Śhiva (Śhańkara) is enough for the people.

Poojavasana samaye dasha vaktra geetam,
Yah shambhu poojana param pathati pradoshe,
Tasyasthiraam ratha gajendra turanga yuktaam,
Lakshmeem sadaiva sumukheem pradadaati shambuh.

At the time of prayer-completion, that who reads this song by Daśavaktra (Rāvaṇa) after the prayer of Śambhu — Śambhu gives him stable wealth including chariots, elephants and horses, and beautiful face.

Iti Shree Ravanavirachitam, Shiva tandava stotram, Sampoornam.

Shiv Stuti with its Meaning:

Mantra:

Namaa:  Misha Mishaana-Nirvaana rupam
Vibhum Vyaapakam brahma-veda-svaroopam
Nijam Nirgunam Nirvikalpam Niriham
Chidaakaasha Maakaasha-vaasam bhaje ham

Meaning:

I bow to  the Ruler of the Universe, whose very form is liberation,
the omnipotent and all pervading Brahma, manifest(Swaroop) as the Vedas.
I worship Shiva, shining in his own glory, without physical qualities,
Undifferentiated (nijam), desireless, all pervading sky of consciousness 
and wearing the sky itself as His garment.

Mantra:
niraakaara monkaara-moolam turiiyam
giraa gnaana gotiita miisham giriisham
karaalam mahaa-kaala-kaalam krpaalam
gunaagaara samsara paaram nato ham

Meaning:
I bow to the supreme Lord who is the formless source of “OM”
The Self of All, transcending all conditions and states,
Beyond speech, understanding and sense perception,
Awe-full, but gracious, the ruler of Kailash,
Devourer of Death, the immortal abode of all virtues.

Mantra:
tushaa raadri-sankaasha-gauram gabhiram
manobhuta-koti prabha sri sariram
sphuran mauli-kallolini-charu-ganga
lasad-bhaala-balendu kanthe bhujangaa

Meaning:
I worship Shankara, whose form is white as the Himalyan snow,
Radiant with the beauty of countless Cupids, 
Whose head sparkles with the Ganga
With crescent moon adorning his brow and snakes coiling his neck

Mantra:
chalatkundalam bhru sunetram visalam
prasannaa-nanam nila-kantham dayaalam
mrgadhisa charmaambaram mundamaalam
priyam sankaram sarvanaatham bhajaami

Meaning:
The beloved Lord of All,
with shimmering pendants hanging from his ears,
Beautiful eyebrows and large eyes,
Full of Mercy with a cheerful countenance and a blue speck on his throat.

Mantra:
pracandam prakrstam pragalbham paresham
akhandam ajam bhaanukoti-prakaasam
trayah-shula-nirmulanam shula-paanim
bhaje ham bhavaani-patim bhaava-gamyam

Meaning:
I worship Shankara, Bhavani’s husband,
The fierce, exalted, luminous supreme Lord.
Indivisible, unborn and radiant with the glory of a million suns;
Who, holding a trident, tears out the root of the three-fold suffering, 
And who is reached only through Love.

Mantra:
kalaatitata-kalyaana-kalpanta-kaari
sadaa sajjanaa-nanda-daataa purarih
chidaananda-sandoha-mohaapahaari
prasida praslda prabho manmathaarih

Meaning:
You who are without parts, ever blessed,
The cause of universal destruction at the end of each round of creation,
A source of perpetual delight to the pure of heart,
Slayer of the demon, Tripura, consciousness and bliss personified,
Dispeller of delusion…
Have mercy on me, foe of Lust.

Mantra:
na yaavad umaanaatha-paadaaravindam
bhajantiha loke parevaa naraanam
na taavat-sukham shaanti-santaapa-naasham
praslda prabho sarva bhutaa-dhivaasam

Meaning:
Oh Lord of Uma, so long as you are not worshipped
There is no happiness, peace or freedom from suffering 
in this world or the next.
You who dwell in the hearts of all living beings,
and in whom all beings have their existence,
Have mercy on me, Lord.

Mantra:
na janaami yogam japam naiva pujam
nato ham sadaa sarvadaa sambhu tubhyam
jaraa janma-duhkhaugha taatapya maanam
prabho paahi apan-namaamisha shambho

Meaning:
I don’t know yoga, prayer or rituals,
But everywhere and at every moment, I bow to you, Shambhu!
Protect me my Lord, miserable and afflicted as I am 
with the sufferings of birth, old-age and death.

Mantra:
rudrastakam idam proktam viprena haratosaye
ye pathanti nara bhaktya tesam sambhuh prasidati

This eightfold hymn of praise was sung by the Brahman to please Shankara.
Shambhu will be pleased with whomever heartfully recites it. 

Mantra:

karpoora gauram karunaavataaram samsaara saaram bhujagendra haaram

sadaavasantam hridayaara vinde bhavam bhavaani sahitam namaami

Meaning:

He is white like camphor and the very incarnation of mercy and compassion,
The only good thing in this world, wearing a king cobra as a garland

It is always springtime in the lotus of His heart I bow down to Bhava (Shiva), as well as to Bhavani (Parvati) who accompanies Him.

Shiv Stuti Mantra:

Namaa:  Misha Mishaana-Nirvaana rupam
Vibhum Vyaapakam brahma-veda-svaroopam
Nijam Nirgunam Nirvikalpam Niriham
Chidaakaasha Maakaasha-vaasam bhaje hamniraakaara monkaara-moolam turiiyam
giraa gnaana gotiita miisham giriisham
karaalam mahaa-kaala-kaalam krpaalam
gunaagaara samsara paaram nato hamtushaa raadri-sankaasha-gauram gabhiram
manobhuta-koti prabha sri sariram
sphuran mauli-kallolini-charu-ganga
lasad-bhaala-balendu kanthe bhujangaachalatkundalam bhru sunetram visalam
prasannaa-nanam nila-kantham dayaalam
mrgadhisa charmaambaram mundamaalam
priyam sankaram sarvanaatham bhajaami

pracandam prakrstam pragalbham paresham
akhandam ajam bhaanukoti-prakaasam
trayah-shula-nirmulanam shula-paanim
bhaje ham bhavaani-patim bhaava-gamyam

kalaatitata-kalyaana-kalpanta-kaari
sadaa sajjanaa-nanda-daataa purarih
chidaananda-sandoha-mohaapahaari
prasida praslda prabho manmathaarih

na yaavad umaanaatha-paadaaravindam
bhajantiha loke parevaa naraanam
na taavat-sukham shaanti-santaapa-naasham
praslda prabho sarva bhutaa-dhivaasam

na janaami yogam japam naiva pujam
nato ham sadaa sarvadaa sambhu tubhyam
jaraa janma-duhkhaugha taatapya maanam
prabho paahi apan-namaamisha shambho

rudrastakam idam proktam viprena haratosaye
ye pathanti nara bhaktya tesam sambhuh prasidati

karpoora gauram karunaavataaram samsaara saaram bhujagendra haaram

sadaavasantam hridayaara vinde bhavam bhavaani sahitam namaami

Shambho Sadaa Shiva!