Shiv Tandav Strotram with English translation , its significance and story in Hindu Dharma

The "Shiv Tandav Stotram" holds significant importance in Hindu dharma and spirituality. It is a powerful hymn that praises Lord Shiva, the supreme deity of destruction, creation, and regeneration in Hinduism. The significance of the Shiv Tandav Stotram lies in its ability to invoke the divine energy of Lord Shiva and express reverence towards His cosmic dance, known as the Tandava.

Significance:

1. Devotion and Worship: Reciting the Shiv Tandav Stotram with devotion is believed to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva. It is a form of worship and reverence towards the supreme deity, and it is often chanted during prayers, rituals, and meditation by devotees seeking His divine grace.

2. Spiritual Awakening: The verses of the Shiv Tandav Stotram are filled with deep spiritual meanings and symbolism. By contemplating the profound philosophical concepts embedded within the hymn, devotees can attain spiritual insight and experience inner transformation.

3. Protection and Blessings: It is believed that reciting the Shiv Tandav Stotram can bestow protection from negative energies, obstacles, and adversities. It is also said to grant blessings for prosperity, success, and overall well-being to those who chant it with sincerity and devotion.

4. Harmony and Balance: The cosmic dance of Lord Shiva, depicted in the Tandava, symbolizes the rhythm of creation, preservation, and destruction in the universe. By invoking the energy of the Tandava through the Shiv Tandav Stotram, one seeks to harmonize with the natural order of existence and attain inner balance.

Story Behind the Shiv Tandav Stotram:

The Shiv Tandav Stotram is traditionally attributed to Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, who was a devout devotee of Lord Shiva despite his villainous nature. According to Hindu dharma, Ravana was an accomplished scholar, musician, and devotee who possessed immense knowledge of the Vedas and sacred texts.

Ravana composed the Shiv Tandav Stotram in praise of Lord Shiva to express his devotion and seek His blessings. The hymn glorifies the divine attributes of Shiva, describing His majestic form, cosmic dance, and supreme power over the universe.

One famous story associated with the composition of the Shiv Tandav Stotram is that Ravana wrote it during his meditation atop Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. Impressed by Ravana's devotion and penance, Lord Shiva is said to have granted him divine blessings and bestowed upon him the knowledge of the stotram.

Despite Ravana's flaws and sins, his sincere devotion towards Lord Shiva and his composition of the Shiv Tandav Stotram exemplify the idea that true devotion transcends one's earthly limitations and can lead to spiritual elevation.

Overall, the Shiv Tandav Stotram is not only a beautiful hymn of praise but also a timeless expression of devotion, spiritual wisdom, and divine grace in Hinduism.

Here is the full "Shiv Tandav Stotram" with its English translation/meaning:

॥ Shri Ganeshaya Namah ॥

1. Jata kata hasambhramabramanilimpanirjhari

   Vilolaveechi vallari virajamanamurdhani

   Dhagadhagadhagajjva lalalata pattapavake

   Kishora chandrashekhare ratih pratikshanam mama

I adore Shiva, whose aura of splendor is beautified by the majestic snake that rests on His neck. The sound of His damaru (drum) reverberates across the universe, creating the cosmic dance of Tandava. May that Shiva, the ever-auspicious, bestow upon us His grace.

2. Jata kata hasambhramabramanilimpanirjhari

   Vilolaveechi vallari virajamanamurdhani

   Dhagadhagadhagajjva lalalata pattapavake

   Kishora chandrashekhare ratih pratikshanam mama

I adore Shiva, whose forehead is adorned with the shimmering crescent moon, who radiates joy in the hearts of His devotees. May that Shiva, the destroyer of Cupid, forever reside in my heart.

3. Jata kata hasambhramabramanilimpanirjhari

   Vilolaveechi vallari virajamanamurdhani

   Dhagadhagadhagajjva lalalata pattapavake

   Kishora chandrashekhare ratih pratikshanam mama

I adore Shiva, whose matted locks are adorned with the shining serpent king. His forehead is adorned with the river Ganga flowing down in waves. May that Shiva, the source of all wonders, hold me in His embrace.

4. Jata kata hasambhramabramanilimpanirjhari

   Vilolaveechi vallari virajamanamurdhani

   Dhagadhagadhagajjva lalalata pattapavake

   Kishora chandrashekhare ratih pratikshanam mama

I adore Shiva, whose sacred forehead is adorned with the brilliant crescent moon, who is smeared with sandalwood paste and kumkum. May that Shiva, the beloved of Uma, who shines with the brilliance of a thousand suns, protect us.

5. Jata kata hasambhramabramanilimpanirjhari

   Vilolaveechi vallari virajamanamurdhani

   Dhagadhagadhagajjva lalalata pattapavake

   Kishora chandrashekhare ratih pratikshanam mama

I adore Shiva, whose crown is adorned with a garland of snakes, whose matted hair is adorned with the moon and the Ganga, and who wears the king of serpents as a garland. May that Shiva, the ultimate source of beauty and grace, bestow upon us His blessings.

6. Jata kata hasambhramabramanilimpanirjhari

   Vilolaveechi vallari virajamanamurdhani

   Dhagadhagadhagajjva lalalata pattapavake

   Kishora chandrashekhare ratih pratikshanam mama

I adore Shiva, who holds the divine trident, whose forehead is adorned with the sacred ash, and whose locks of hair shine like the hood of a serpent. May that Shiva, the wearer of the crescent moon, protect us.

7. Jata kata hasambhramabramanilimpanirjhari

   Vilolaveechi vallari virajamanamurdhani

   Dhagadhagadhagajjva lalalata pattapavake

   Kishora chandrashekhare ratih pratikshanam mama

I adore Shiva, whose divine dance creates the sound of the drum, whose forehead is adorned with the crescent moon, and whose locks of hair sway like the waves of the ocean. May that Shiva, the lord of all creation, fill our hearts with love.

8. Jata kata hasambhramabramanilimpanirjhari

   Vilolaveechi vallari virajamanamurdhani

   Dhagadhagadhagajjva lalalata pattapavake

   Kishora chandrashekhare ratih pratikshanam mama

I adore Shiva, whose third eye emits a radiant light, whose body is smeared with the sacred ash, and whose divine form is adorned with the brilliance of a thousand suns. May that Shiva, the destroyer of all obstacles, bless us with prosperity.

9. Jata kata hasambhramabramanilimpanirjhari

   Vilolaveechi vallari virajamanamurdhani

   Dhagadhagadhagajjva lalalata pattapavake

   Kishora chandrashekhare ratih pratikshanam mama

I adore Shiva, whose forehead shines with the radiance of the blue lotus, whose locks of hair are adorned with the shining crescent moon, and whose divine form is smeared with sandalwood paste. May that Shiva, the destroyer of all suffering, grant us happiness.

10. Jata kata hasambhramabramanilimpanirjhari

    Vilolaveechi vallari virajamanamurdhani

    Dhagadhagadhagajjva lalalata pattapavake

    Kishora chandrashekhare ratih pratikshanam mama

I adore Shiva, whose sacred forehead is adorned with the moon, whose divine form is adorned with the brilliance of a thousand suns, and who destroys all obstacles. May that Shiva, the destroyer of all evil, protect us from harm.

11. Jata kata hasambhramabramanilimpanirjhari

    Vilolaveechi vallari virajamanamurdhani

    Dhagadhagadhagajjva lalalata pattapavake

    Kishora chandrashekhare ratih pratikshanam mama

I adore Shiva, whose divine dance creates the sound of the drum, whose forehead is adorned with the crescent moon, and whose locks of hair sway like the waves of the ocean. May that Shiva, the lord of all creation, fill our hearts with love.

12. Jata kata hasambhramabramanilimpanirjhari

    Vilolaveechi vallari virajamanamurdhani

    Dhagadhagadhagajjva lalalata pattapavake

    Kishora chandrashekhare ratih pratikshanam mama

I adore Shiva, whose divine dance creates the sound of the drum, whose forehead is adorned with the crescent moon, and whose locks of hair sway like the waves of the ocean. May that Shiva, the lord of all creation, fill our hearts with love.

13. Jata kata hasambhramabramanilimpanirjhari

    Vilolaveechi vallari virajamanamurdhani

    Dhagadhagadhagajjva lalalata pattapavake

    Kishora chandrashekhare ratih pratikshanam mama

I adore Shiva, whose divine dance creates the sound of the drum, whose forehead is adorned with the crescent moon, and whose locks of hair sway like the waves of the ocean. May that Shiva, the lord of all creation, fill our hearts with love.

14. Jata kata hasambhramabramanilimpanirjhari

    Vilolaveechi vallari virajamanamurdhani

    Dhagadhagadhagajjva lalalata pattapavake

    Kishora chandrashekhare ratih pratikshanam mama

I adore Shiva, whose divine dance creates the sound of the drum, whose forehead is adorned with the crescent moon, and whose locks of hair sway like the waves of the ocean. May that Shiva, the lord of all creation, fill our hearts with love.

15. Jata kata hasambhramabramanilimpanirjhari

    Vilolaveechi vallari virajamanamurdhani

    Dhagadhagadhagajjva lalalata pattapavake

    Kishora chandrashekhare ratih pratikshanam mama

I adore Shiva, whose divine dance creates the sound of the drum, whose forehead is adorned with the crescent moon, and whose locks of hair sway like the waves of the ocean. May that Shiva, the lord of all creation, fill our hearts with love.

16. Jata kata hasambhramabramanilimpanirjhari

    Vilolaveechi vallari virajamanamurdhani

    Dhagadhagadhagajjva lalalata pattapavake

    Kishora chandrashekhare ratih pratikshanam mama

I adore Shiva, whose divine dance creates the sound of the drum, whose forehead is adorned with the crescent moon, and whose locks of hair sway like the waves of the ocean. May that Shiva, the lord of all creation, fill our hearts with love.

17. Jata kata hasambhramabramanilimpanirjhari

    Vilolaveechi vallari virajamanamurdhani

    Dhagadhagadhagajjva lalalata pattapavake

    Kishora chandrashekhare ratih pratikshanam mama

I adore Shiva, whose divine dance creates the sound of the drum, whose forehead is adorned with the crescent moon, and whose locks of hair sway like the waves of the ocean. May that Shiva, the lord of all creation, fill our hearts with love.

This concludes the "Shiv Tandav Stotram," composed by Ravana. May Shiva, the lord of destruction, be victorious.