Shiv Tandav Stotram Celebrates The Cosmic Dance

The frantic cosmic dance of Shiv is called Tandav, and the hymn of praise dedicated to Him in honour of this dance is famous as Shiv Tandav Stotram . The amazing description of Shiv, as brought out in this stotram, is said to have been composed by Ravan , an ardent devotee of Shiv, and a complex figure in Hindu mythology . He is remembered for his arrogance, ego, haughtiness, and above all for his villainous acts in the Ramayan. But Ravan was also a great priest/scholar, administrator, and warrior.


This Stotram is believed to have emanated from a moment of humility and realisation. The story goes that once Ravan attempted to uproot Mount Kailash, the abode of Shiv, and take it with him to Lanka. As this act was unseemly for a true devotee, Shiv decided to teach Ravan a lesson. He pressed the mountain hard with his big toe. Ravan's hands got crushed under the weight of the mountain. He could not bear the excruciating pain and cried out Shiv's name, couched in hymns. The hymn, filled with poetic brilliance and deep devotion, seeking His forgiveness, came to be known as Shiv Tandav Stotram. Shiv was impressed by Ravan's devotion and bestowed him with many boons. This legend underscores the transformative power of faith and the importance of humility before the divine.


The Stotram, with 15 quatrains, features alternating long and short syllables, highlighting the power, valour, and beauty of Shiv. It represents cosmic dance that eliminates all negative energies. Its verses describe Shiv's majestic form, including his third eye, the crescent moon on his head, the serpent around his neck, and the Ganga flowing from his matted locks. The third verse of the Stotra hails Shiv, "whose all-pervading, compassionate glance removes all hardships." The twelfth verse praises Shiv's egalitarian vision towards different forms of the world, including a snake and a garland, a most precious gem and a lump of dirt, friends and enemies, a blade of grass and a lotus, as well as ordinary people and emperors. These descriptions serve as a source of inspiration for art, dance, and literature, keeping traditions of Shiv worship alive.


The Stotram's lyrical beauty and profound meaning have inspired countless artists, musicians, and scholars over centuries. It offers a timeless message of balance, humility, and devotion. It reminds us that even in moments of despair or arrogance, sincere devotion can lead to redemption and divine grace. The Stotram has the power to uplift the soul and bring peace of mind. It is a pathway to experiencing the divine presence of Shiv.


The cosmic dance symbolises the eternal cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction, reflecting the dynamic nature of the universe. It represents the rhythmic flow of the universe, where destruction paves the way for new creation. Chanting the Stotram helps devotees align with this cosmic rhythm, thereby fostering balance and harmony in their lives. The powerful vibrations of the Stotram dispel negative energies, purifying the mind and the surrounding environment.


Authored by: Aseem K Jha