Shiva Tandava Stotram — Shiva praise composed by Ravana. 17 verses. Panchak meter (unique). Describes Shiva's tandava dance.
Ravana composed it to pacify Shiva's wrath after lifting Kailash. Shiva pleased → gave Chandrahas sword.
✦ Composition Story
Ravana wanted to take Kailash to Lanka.
Shiva pressed his thumb, fixed mountain.
Ravana's hand crushed.
In pain, Ravana sang stuti.
Shiva pleased → released him + Chandrahas.
Since then, Tandava Stotram powerful.
✦ Unique Meter
Panchak meter: 16 syllables per pada.
Rapid rhythm.
Hard to sing.
Famous singers: Nageshwar Rao, Uma Mohan Bhatt.
Even listening enhances bhakti.
✦ Key Verses
"Jatatavi-galajjala-pravaha-pavita-sthale."
"Galevalambya lambitan bhujang-tunga-malikam."
"Damaddamaddamaddamanninnaadavaddamarvayam."
"Chakara chand-tandavam tanotu nah Shiva Shivam."
✦ Benefits
Mental strength.
Enemy destruction.
Courage boost.
Fear removal.
Mind purification.
Shiva grace.
Tapasya-equivalent fruit.
Monday-Shivratri special.
📚Sources & References
Content in this article is verified against the following classical and modern authoritative sources. Readers may independently verify against the original sources.
- ▪Surya Siddhanta — classical Sanskrit astronomical text (~5th century CE)
- ▪Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra — foundational text on Vedic astrology by Maharishi Parashara
- ▪Muhurta Chintamani by Ram Daivajna (16th century) — standard reference for muhurat selection
- ▪Astronomical Algorithms by Jean Meeus (Willmann-Bell, 1998) — basis for all astronomical computations on this site
- ▪Lahiri Ayanamsa — standard sidereal reference adopted by the Indian Calendar Reform Committee (1955)
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
Reading time?▼
Complete: 8-10 min. Fast: 5 min. Hard pronunciation — first learn by listening.
Inauspicious because Ravana composed?▼
No. Ravana was great scholar and Shiva-devotee. His Shiva-bhakti commendable. Stotram is pure Shiva-stuti.
🔗Related Topics
Note: This content is published for educational and cultural reference. For personal religious or astrological decisions, please consult a qualified pandit or jyotishi.