Shiv Tandav Stotram – The most powerful mantra

Verse 1: Jatatavigalajjala pravahapavitasthale
Galeavalambya lambitam bhujangatungamalikam
Damad damad damaddama ninadavadamarvayam
Chakara chandtandavam tanotu nah shivah shivam

Meaning:
Shiva, with his matted hair adorned by the flowing water of the Ganga, wearing a garland of high serpents around his neck, performed the fierce Tandava dance to the rhythm of the resounding drumbeats. May Shiva, who embodies auspiciousness, bless us with prosperity.

Mythological Significance:
This verse describes Shiva’s fierce Tandava dance, symbolizing cosmic cycles of creation and destruction. The water from the Ganga in his matted hair signifies purity and the sustenance of life. The serpents around his neck represent his control over fear and death.

Verse 2: Jata kata hasambhrama bhramanilimpanirjhari
Vilolavichivalarai virajamanamurdhani
Dhagadhagadhagajjva lalalata pattapavake
Kishora chandrashekhare ratih pratikshanam mama

Meaning:
Shiva’s head, adorned with the oscillating waves of the Ganga flowing through his matted hair, glows with the fire on his forehead. The crescent moon on his head signifies his eternal beauty. I constantly delight in the youthful Shiva.

Mythological Significance:
This verse highlights the imagery of Shiva’s divine form. The Ganga flowing through his hair represents the flow of divine consciousness. The fire on his forehead symbolizes destruction and regeneration, while the crescent moon signifies time and the cycle of life.

Verse 3: Dharadharendrana ndinivilasabandhubandhura
Sphuradigantasantati pramodamanamanase
Krupakatakshadhorani nirudhadurdharapadi
Kvachidigambare manovinodametuvastuni

Meaning:
Shiva, who is adorned by the beautiful daughter of the mountain king (Parvati), is delighted by the extensive sky and exhibits his compassion through his glances. His body is covered only by the directions. May my mind find joy in contemplating this Digambara (clothed by the sky) form of Shiva.

Mythological Significance:
This verse emphasizes Shiva’s compassion and his union with Parvati. The image of Shiva as Digambara symbolizes his ascetic nature and detachment from material possessions, highlighting his embodiment of both asceticism and divine love.

Verse 4: Jata bhujan gapingala sphuratphanamaniprabha
Kadambakunkuma dravapralipta digvadhumukhe
Madandha sindhu rasphuratvagutariyamedure
Mano vinodamadbhutam bibhartu bhutabhartari

Meaning:
Shiva’s matted hair is yellowish-brown, adorned with the shining jewels of serpents. The directions are smeared with the fragrant pollen of Kadamba flowers. The entire ocean of intoxicated wisdom flows, making my mind revel in the amazing form of Shiva, the sustainer of all beings.

Mythological Significance:
This verse vividly describes Shiva’s appearance, adorned with serpents and flowers. The imagery reflects his connection with nature and his role as the sustainer of life. The mention of the ocean of wisdom signifies his profound knowledge and divine intoxication.

Verse 5: Sahasra lochana prabhritya sheshalekhashekhara
Prasuna dhulidhorani vidhusaranghripithabhuh
Bhujangaraja malaya nibaddhajatajutaka
Shriyai chiraya jayatam chakora bandhushekharah

Meaning:
Shiva, with the moon as his crest jewel, is worshipped by the celestial beings whose thousand eyes are filled with the dust of flowers. His matted hair is adorned with the king of serpents. May this crescent moon-bedecked form of Shiva bring prosperity forever.

Mythological Significance:
This verse portrays Shiva as the cosmic king, adorned with celestial elements like the moon and worshipped by divine beings. The imagery of flower dust and serpents signifies purity and protection. The crescent moon on his head represents the cycles of time and the eternal nature of Shiva.

Verse 6: Lalata chatvarajvaladhanajnjayasphulingabha
Nipitapajnchasayakam namannilimpanayakam
Sudha mayukha lekhaya virajamanashekharam
Maha kapali sampade shirojatalamastu nah

Meaning:
Shiva’s forehead burns with a brilliant fire, reducing the five arrows (representing the senses) to ashes. The gods, including Indra, bow to him. The crescent moon adorns his hair. May this supreme form of Shiva, the great Kapali, grant us wealth.

Mythological Significance:
This verse emphasizes Shiva’s power to destroy the senses and ego, represented by the five arrows. The bowing of gods signifies his supremacy in the divine hierarchy. The crescent moon and the burning fire on his forehead symbolize his role in the cosmic cycle of destruction and regeneration.

Verse 7: Karala bhala pattikadhagaddhagaddhagajjvala
Ddhanajnjaya hutikruta prachandapajnchasayake
Dharadharendra nandini kuchagrachitrapatraka
Prakalpanaikashilpini trilochane ratirmama

Meaning:
Shiva’s forehead shines fiercely with a terrifying fire that consumes the god of love’s arrows. Parvati, the daughter of the mountain king, is lovingly embraced by him. I am deeply devoted to the three-eyed Shiva, the master artist of this creation.

Mythological Significance:
This verse highlights Shiva’s destructive aspect, consuming the arrows of Kamadeva (the god of love), symbolizing the triumph over desires. The embrace of Parvati reflects the union of masculine and feminine energies. Shiva’s three eyes represent his omniscience and mastery over time.

Verse 8: Navina megha mandali niruddhadurdharasphurat
Kuhu nishithinitamah prabandhabaddhakandharah
Nilimpanirjhari dharastanotu krutti sindhurah
Kalanidhanabandhurah shriyam jagaddhurandharah

Meaning:
Shiva, whose neck is dark as a thundercloud, enveloped in darkness, and adorned with the Ganga’s flow, is the friend of the moon. He is the support of the universe. May he grant us prosperity.

Mythological Significance:
This verse describes Shiva’s dark complexion, symbolizing his connection with the unknown and mysterious aspects of the cosmos. The flowing Ganga and the moon signify purity and coolness, contrasting with his fierce aspects. Shiva as the support of the universe reflects his foundational role in existence.

Verse 9: Praphulla nila pankaja prapajnchakalimchatha
Vdambi kanthakandali raruchi prabaddhakandharam
Smarachchidam purachchhidam bhavachchidam makhachchidam
Gajachchidandhakachidam tamamtakachchidam bhaje

Meaning:
I worship Shiva, who has the blooming blue lotus-like throat adorned with a beautiful necklace. He destroys Kama (desire), Tripura (three cities), Bhava (worldly existence), Daksha’s sacrifice, the elephant demon, Andhaka (blind demon), and Yama (death).

Mythological Significance:
This verse enumerates Shiva’s victories over various demons and destructive forces, symbolizing his role as the protector and destroyer of evil. Each defeated entity represents different negative aspects of existence, showcasing Shiva’s power to eradicate them.

Verse 10: Akharvagarvasarvamangala kalakadambamajnjari
Rasapravaha madhuri vijrumbhana madhuvratam
Smarantakam purantakam bhavantakam makhantakam
Gajantakandhakantakam tamantakantakam bhaje

Meaning:
I worship Shiva, whose garland of Kadamba flowers is filled with the sweet fragrance of honey. He destroys Kama (desire), Tripura (three cities), Bhava (worldly existence), Daksha’s sacrifice, the elephant demon, Andhaka, and Yama.

Mythological Significance:
This verse celebrates Shiva’s victories and his adornment with Kadamba flowers, symbolizing beauty and fragrance amidst his fierce nature. The destruction of various entities signifies his role in overcoming obstacles and purifying existence.

Verse 11: Jayatvadabhravibhrama bhramadbhujangamasafur
Dhigdhigdhi nirgamatkarala bhaal havyavat
Dhimiddhimiddhimidhva nanmrudangatungamangala
Dhvanikramapravartita prachanda tandavah shivah

Meaning:
Victory to Shiva, whose matted hair and serpents swing as he dances, whose forehead blazes with a dreadful fire, and whose fierce Tandava dance is set to the rhythmic beat of the drum.

Mythological Significance:
This verse describes the dynamic and fearsome aspects of Shiva’s Tandava dance, symbolizing the cosmic processes of creation, preservation, and destruction. The blazing fire on his forehead signifies his destructive power, while the rhythmic beat of the drum represents the cosmic rhythm of life.

Verse 12: Drushadvichitratalpayor bhujanga mauktikasrajor
Garishtharatnaloshthayoh suhrudvipakshapakshayoh
Trushnaravindachakshushoh prajamahimahendrayoh
Sama pravartayanmanah kada sadashivam bhaje

Meaning:
When will I worship Sadashiva, who is adorned with serpents and precious jewels, whose gaze is compared to the lotus, and who, with equal kindness to friends and foes, maintains the balance in the universe?

Mythological Significance:
This verse highlights Shiva’s adornment with serpents and precious jewels, symbolizing his divine and cosmic status. His gaze, compared to a lotus, signifies purity and wisdom. The mention of treating friends and foes equally reflects Shiva’s impartiality and universal compassion.

Verse 13: Kada nilimpanirjhari nikujnjakotare vasanh
Vimuktadurmatih sada shirah sthamajnjalim vahanh
Vimuktalolalochano lalamabhalalagnakah
Shiveti mantramuchcharan sada sukhi bhavamyaham

Meaning:
When will I reside in a cave near the Ganga, with my mind purified and hands folded in devotion, eyes fixed on Shiva’s forehead, and constantly chanting his name, experiencing eternal bliss?

Mythological Significance:
This verse expresses the devotee’s yearning for a life of purity and devotion. The imagery of living near the Ganga and chanting Shiva’s name signifies a life dedicated to spiritual practices and seeking divine bliss.

Verse 14: Imam hi nityameva muktamuttamottamam stavam
Pathansmaran bruvannaro vishuddhimeti santatam
Hare gurau subhaktimashu yati nanyatha gatim
Vimohanam hi dehinam sushankarasya chintanam

Meaning:
Reciting this supreme hymn daily with devotion purifies the soul. It brings deep devotion to Shiva and leads to liberation. Constant contemplation of Shiva’s divine qualities removes delusion and brings clarity.

Mythological Significance:
This verse emphasizes the transformative power of the “Shiva Tandava Stotram.” Regular recitation and contemplation of Shiva’s divine qualities lead to spiritual purification and liberation, underlining the hymn’s significance in the devotee’s spiritual journey.

Verse 15: Puja vasanasamaye dashavaktragitam
Yah shambhupujanaparam pathati pradoshhe
Tasya sthiram rathagajendraturangayuktam
Lakshmim sadaiva sumukhim pradadati shambhuh

Meaning:
Reciting this hymn during Shiva’s worship at the time of Pradosha (twilight) ensures stability and prosperity. The devotee is blessed with chariots, elephants, horses, and the perpetual grace of Goddess Lakshmi.

Mythological Significance:
This verse highlights the auspicious benefits of reciting the hymn during Pradosha, a favorable time for worshipping Shiva. The blessings include material prosperity and divine grace, showcasing the hymn’s potent spiritual and worldly benefits.

Overall Significance: The “Shiva Tandava Stotram” is a revered hymn dedicated to Lord Shiva, celebrating his cosmic dance, his divine attributes, and his role in the universe. It reflects the multifaceted nature of Shiva as both the creator and destroyer, embodying the principles of cosmic order and spiritual enlightenment. Reciting and meditating on this hymn with devotion is believed to bring spiritual enlightenment, prosperity, and liberation, reinforcing Shiva’s central role in Hindu spirituality and mythology.