The Shiva Tandava Stotram is one of the most revered hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva. Traditionally attributed to the great scholar and devotee Ravana, the hymn beautifully describes Shiva’s cosmic dance, or Tāṇḍava, through vivid imagery, profound symbolism, and powerful Sanskrit poetry.
Each verse reveals a different aspect of Shiva’s divine form and nature—from the sacred Ganga flowing through His matted locks to the blazing fire of His third eye. In this guide, we explore the Shiva Tandava Stotram verse by verse, presenting the original transliteration along with an accurate English translation to help readers understand its deeper spiritual meaning.
Verse 1
जटाटवीगलज्जलप्रवाहपावितस्थले
गलेऽवलम्ब्य लम्बितां भुजङ्गतुङ्गमालिकाम् ।
डमड्डमड्डमड्डमन्निनादवड्डमर्वयं
चकार चण्डताण्डवं तनोतु नः शिवः शिवम् ॥ १॥
Transliteration
Jaṭāṭavī-galaj-jala-pravāha-pāvita-sthale
Gale’valambya lambitāṃ bhujaṅga-tuṅga-mālikām ।
Ḍamaḍ ḍamaḍ ḍamaḍ ḍamann-ināda-vaḍḍa-marvayaṃ
Cakāra caṇḍa-tāṇḍavaṃ tanotu naḥ Śivaḥ śivam ॥1॥
English Translation
May Lord Shiva, who performs the fierce and magnificent Tāṇḍava dance, bless us with eternal auspiciousness.
His matted locks resemble a vast forest, purified by the continuous flow of the sacred River Ganga. Around His neck hangs a lofty garland of mighty serpents that sway gracefully with every movement. As the resonant sound of His ḍamaru echoes through the universe—ḍamaḍ ḍamaḍ ḍamaḍ—He performs the cosmic dance that governs creation, preservation, and dissolution.
Verse 2
जटाकटाहसम्भ्रमभ्रमन्निलिम्पनिर्झरी-
विलोलवीचिवल्लरीविराजमानमूर्द्धनि ।
धगद्धगद्धगज्ज्वलल्ललाटपट्टपावके
किशोरचन्द्रशेखरे रतिः प्रतिक्षणं मम ॥ २॥
Transliteration
Jaṭā-kaṭāha-sambhrama-bhramann-ilimpa-nirjharī-
Vilola-vīci-vallarī-virājamāna-mūrdhani ।
Dhagad-dhagad-dhagaj-jvalal-lalāṭa-paṭṭa-pāvake
Kiśora-candra-śekhare ratiḥ pratikṣaṇaṃ mama ॥2॥
English Translation
My heart finds unending delight in Lord Shiva, whose head is adorned by the celestial River Ganga as its playful waves swirl through His matted locks.
His radiant forehead blazes with a fierce fire that burns brilliantly with the sound of dhagad dhagad, while the delicate crescent moon rests gracefully upon His head. May my devotion remain fixed upon this ever-youthful Lord at every moment.
Verse 3
धराधरेन्द्रनन्दिनीविलासबन्धुबन्धुर-
स्फुरद्दिगन्तसन्ततिप्रमोदमानमानसे ।
कृपाकटाक्षधोरणीनिरुद्धदुर्धरापदि
क्वचिद्दिगम्बरे(क्वचिच्चिदम्बरे) मनो विनोदमेतु वस्तुनि ॥ ३॥
Transliteration
Dharādharendra-nandinī-vilāsa-bandhu-bandhura-
Sphurad-diganta-santati-pramoda-māna-mānase ।
Kṛpā-kaṭākṣa-dhoraṇī-niruddha-durdharāpadi
Kvacid digambare mano vinodam etu vastuni ॥3॥
English Translation
May my mind find joy in Lord Shiva, the Digambara—the One clothed only in the vastness of the cosmos.
His heart delights in the graceful companionship of Goddess Pārvatī, the daughter of the King of Mountains. His compassionate glance has the power to remove even the greatest difficulties and grant refuge to those who seek Him. May my thoughts remain absorbed in that boundless, compassionate Lord.
Verse 4
जटाभुजङ्गपिङ्गलस्फुरत्फणामणिप्रभा-
कदम्बकुङ्कुमद्रवप्रलिप्तदिग्वधूमुखे ।
मदान्धसिन्धुरस्फुरत्त्वगुत्तरीयमेदुरे (सिन्धुरासुरत्व)
मनो विनोदमद्भुतं बिभर्तु भूतभर्तरि ॥ ४॥
Transliteration
Jaṭā-bhujaṅga-piṅgala-sphurat-phaṇā-maṇi-prabhā-
Kadamba-kuṅkuma-drava-pralipta-dig-vadhū-mukhe ।
Madāndha-sindhura-sphurat-tvag-uttarīya-medure
Mano vinodam adbhutaṃ bibhartu bhūta-bhartari ॥4॥
English Translation
May my mind rejoice in Lord Shiva, the sustainer of all beings.
The radiant jewels upon the hoods of the tawny serpents woven through His matted locks illuminate the directions like celestial ornaments. The quarters of the universe appear anointed with the deep red glow of saffron. Clad in the magnificent hide of a mighty elephant, Shiva’s appearance is both majestic and awe-inspiring. May contemplation of this wondrous form fill my heart with joy.
Verse 5
सहस्रलोचनप्रभृत्यशेषलेखशेखर-
प्रसूनधूलिधोरणीविधूसराङ्घ्रिपीठभूः ।
भुजङ्गराजमालया निबद्धजाटजूटकः
श्रियै चिराय जायतां चकोरबन्धुशेखरः ॥ ५॥ (श्रिये)
Transliteration
Sahasra-locana-prabhṛty-aśeṣa-lekha-śekhara-
Prasūna-dhūli-dhoraṇī-vidhūsarāṅghri-pīṭha-bhūḥ ।
Bhujaṅga-rāja-mālayā nibaddha-jaṭa-jūṭakaḥ
Śriyai cirāya jāyatāṃ cakora-bandhu-śekharaḥ ॥5॥
English Translation
May Lord Shiva, who wears the crescent moon upon His head, bestow everlasting prosperity and spiritual well-being.
The dust of flowers offered by the gods—beginning with Indra, the thousand-eyed king of heaven—covers His sacred feet in reverence. His matted locks are bound together by a majestic garland of the king of serpents, while the cool crescent moon shines beautifully upon His crown. May this glorious Lord bless us with lasting grace, abundance, and divine fortune.
Verse 6
ललाटचत्वरज्वलद्धनञ्जयस्फुलिङ्गभा-
निपीतपञ्चसायकं नमन्निलिम्पनायकम् ।
सुधामयूखलेखया विराजमानशेखरं
महाकपालि सम्पदे शिरो जटालमस्तु नः ॥ ६॥
Transliteration
Lalāṭa-catvara-jvalad-dhanañjaya-sphuliṅga-bhā-
Nipīta-pañca-sāyakaṃ namann-ilimpa-nāyakam ।
Sudhā-mayūkha-lekhayā virājamāna-śekharaṃ
Mahākapāli-sampade śiro-jaṭālam astu naḥ ॥6॥
English Translation
May the sacred matted locks of Lord Shiva, the great Mahākapāli, be the source of our prosperity and spiritual wealth.
His blazing forehead emits fiery sparks that consume Kāma, the god of desire who wields five flower-tipped arrows. Even the leaders of the celestial beings bow before Him in reverence. The cool crescent moon shines upon His crown, beautifully balancing the fierce radiance of the fire blazing from His third eye.
Verse 7
करालभालपट्टिकाधगद्धगद्धगज्ज्वल-
द्धनञ्जयाहुतीकृतप्रचण्डपञ्चसायके ।
धराधरेन्द्रनन्दिनीकुचाग्रचित्रपत्रक-
प्रकल्पनैकशिल्पिनि त्रिलोचने रतिर्मम ॥ ७॥
Transliteration
Karāla-bhāla-paṭṭikā-dhagad-dhagad-dhagaj-jvalad-
Dhanañjayāhutī-kṛta-pracaṇḍa-pañca-sāyake ।
Dharādharendra-nandinī-kucāgra-citra-patraka-
Prakalpanaika-śilpini trilocane ratir mama ॥7॥
English Translation
My devotion belongs to the three-eyed Lord Shiva.
From His terrifying forehead blazes an intense fire whose flames consumed Kāma, the god of desire. Yet the same Lord is also the divine artist who lovingly adorns Goddess Pārvatī, the daughter of the King of Mountains. Fierce and gentle, destructive and compassionate, Shiva perfectly unites opposing qualities within His divine nature.
Verse 8
नवीनमेघमण्डलीनिरुद्धदुर्धरस्फुरत्-
कुहूनिशीथिनीतमःप्रबन्धबद्धकन्धरः ।
(प्रबद्धबद्ध) निलिम्पनिर्झरीधरस्तनोतु कृत्तिसिन्धुरः
कलानिधानबन्धुरः श्रियं जगद्धुरन्धरः ॥ ८॥
Transliteration
Navīna-megha-maṇḍalī-niruddha-durdhara-sphurat-
Kuhū-niśīthinī-tamaḥ-prabandha-baddha-kandharaḥ ।
Nilimpa-nirjharī-dharas tanotu kṛtti-sindhuraḥ
Kalā-nidhāna-bandhuraḥ śriyaṃ jagad-dhurandharaḥ ॥8॥
English Translation
May Lord Shiva, the bearer of the celestial River Ganga and the support of the entire universe, bless us with prosperity and well-being.
His throat appears dark like the dense night concealed within newly formed rain clouds, recalling the poison He compassionately consumed to protect creation. Clad in an elephant hide and adorned with the treasures of divine arts, Shiva shines as both the protector and sustainer of the cosmos.
Verse 9
प्रफुल्लनीलपङ्कजप्रपञ्चकालिमप्रभा-
ऽवलम्बिकण्ठकन्दलीरुचिप्रबद्धकन्धरम् ।
स्मरच्छिदं पुरच्छिदं भवच्छिदं मखच्छिदं
गजच्छिदान्धकच्छिदं तमन्तकच्छिदं भजे ॥ ९॥
Transliteration
Praphulla-nīla-paṅkaja-prapañca-kālima-prabhā-
Valambi-kaṇṭha-kandalī-ruci-prabaddha-kandharam ।
Smarac-chidaṃ purac-chidaṃ bhavac-chidaṃ makhac-chidaṃ
Gajac-chidāndhakac-chidaṃ tam antakac-chidaṃ bhaje ॥9॥
English Translation
I worship Lord Shiva, whose dark blue throat shines with the brilliance of a fully blossomed blue lotus.
He is the destroyer of Kāma (desire), the destroyer of the three cities (Tripura), the destroyer of worldly bondage, the destroyer of Dakṣa’s sacrifice, the destroyer of the elephant demon, the destroyer of the demon Andhaka, and ultimately the conqueror of death itself.
Verse 10
अखर्व(अगर्व)सर्वमङ्गलाकलाकदम्बमञ्जरी-
रसप्रवाहमाधुरीविजृम्भणामधुव्रतम् ।
स्मरान्तकं पुरान्तकं भवान्तकं मखान्तकं
गजान्तकान्धकान्तकं तमन्तकान्तकं भजे ॥ १०॥
Transliteration
Akharva-sarva-maṅgalā-kalā-kadamba-mañjarī-
Rasa-pravāha-mādhurī-vijṛmbhaṇā-madhu-vratam ।
Smarāntakaṃ purāntakaṃ bhavāntakaṃ makhāntakaṃ
Gajāntakāndhakāntakaṃ tam antakāntakaṃ bhaje ॥10॥
English Translation
I worship Lord Shiva, who delights like a bee immersed in the overflowing nectar of every auspicious virtue and divine art.
He is the destroyer of desire, the destroyer of the three cities, the destroyer of worldly existence, the destroyer of the arrogant sacrifice, the destroyer of the elephant demon, the destroyer of Andhaka, and the One who ultimately conquers death itself. In Him, all destructive acts become acts of liberation, removing ignorance so that truth alone remains.
Verse 11
जयत्वदभ्रविभ्रमभ्रमद्भुजङ्गमश्वस-
(जयत्यद) द्विनिर्गमत्क्रमस्फुरत्करालभालहव्यवाट् ।
धिमिद्धिमिद्धिमिद्ध्वनन्मृदङ्गतुङ्गमङ्गल-
(धिमिं धिमिं धिमिं ध्वनन्) ध्वनिक्रमप्रवर्तितप्रचण्डताण्डवः शिवः ॥ ११॥
Transliteration
Jayatvad-abhra-vibhrama-bhramad-bhujaṅga-maśvasa-
Dvinirgamat-krama-sphurat-karāla-bhāla-havyavāṭ ।
Dhimid-dhimid-dhimid-dhvanan-mṛdaṅga-tuṅga-maṅgala-
Dhvani-krama-pravartita-pracaṇḍa-tāṇḍavaḥ Śivaḥ ॥11॥
English Translation
Victory to Lord Shiva, whose fierce Tāṇḍava dance resounds throughout the universe.
As the serpents adorning His body sway with every movement, their breath seems to merge with the rhythm of creation. Flames burst forth from His blazing forehead, while the deep and auspicious sound of the mṛdaṅga echoes with the rhythmic syllables dhimid dhimid, accompanying His magnificent cosmic dance.
Verse 12
दृषद्विचित्रतल्पयोर्भुजङ्गमौक्तिकस्रजोर्-
गरिष्ठरत्नलोष्ठयोः सुहृद्विपक्षपक्षयोः ।
तृणारविन्दचक्षुषोः प्रजामहीमहेन्द्रयोः
समप्रवृत्तिकः कदा सदाशिवं भजाम्यहम् ॥ १२॥
Transliteration
Dṛṣad-vicitra-talpayor bhujaṅga-mauktika-srajor
Gariṣṭha-ratna-loṣṭhayoḥ suhṛd-vipakṣa-pakṣayoḥ ।
Tṛṇāravinda-cakṣuṣoḥ prajā-mahī-mahendrayoḥ
Sama-pravṛttikaḥ kadā Sadāśivaṃ bhajāmy aham ॥12॥
English Translation
When shall I worship Sadāśiva with the same unwavering vision that sees all things equally?
To Him, a bed of stone and a luxurious couch are the same. A garland of serpents and a necklace of precious pearls are equal. A priceless jewel and a lump of clay have no difference. Friend and enemy are alike, as are a blade of grass and a lotus, or an ordinary person and a mighty king. Such is the perfect equanimity of Lord Shiva.
Verse 13
कदा निलिम्पनिर्झरीनिकुञ्जकोटरे वसन्
विमुक्तदुर्मतिः सदा शिरःस्थमञ्जलिं वहन् ।
विलोललोललोचनो ललामभाललग्नकः
शिवेति मन्त्रमुच्चरन् कदा सुखी भवाम्यहम् ॥ १३॥
Transliteration
Kadā nilimpa-nirjharī-nikuñja-koṭare vasan
Vimukta-durmatiḥ sadā śiraḥ-stham añjaliṃ vahan ।
Vilola-lola-locano lalāma-bhāla-lagnakaḥ
Śiveti mantram uccaran kadā sukhī bhavāmy aham ॥13॥
English Translation
When will I dwell in a peaceful grove beside the celestial river, free from all ignorance and restless thoughts?
With folded hands held above my head, my eyes overflowing with devotion, and my mind completely absorbed in Lord Shiva, I shall continuously chant the sacred mantra “Shiva, Shiva.” When will I attain such lasting peace and true happiness?
Verse 14
निलिम्पनाथनागरीकदम्बमौलमल्लिका-
निगुम्फनिर्भरक्षरन्मधूष्णिकामनोहरः ।
तनोतु नो मनोमुदं विनोदिनीमहर्निशं
परश्रियः परं पदं तदङ्गजत्विषां चयः ॥ १४॥
Transliteration
Nilimpa-nātha-nāgarī-kadamba-maula-mallikā-
Nigumpha-nirbhara-kṣaran-madhūṣṇikā-manoharaḥ ।
Tanotu no mano-mudaṃ vinodinīm ahar-niśaṃ
Para-śriyaḥ paraṃ padaṃ tad-aṅgajatviṣāṃ cayam ॥14॥
English Translation
May Lord Shiva, whose divine form is adorned with fragrant garlands offered by the celestial beings, bring joy to our hearts day and night.
May His radiant presence lead us toward the highest spiritual wealth and ultimately to the supreme state of liberation. His divine splendor delights the minds of all who contemplate Him with sincere devotion.
Verse 15
प्रचण्डवाडवानलप्रभाशुभप्रचारणी
महाष्टसिद्धिकामिनीजनाऽवहूतजल्पना ।
विमुक्तवामलोचनाविवाहकालिकध्वनिः
शिवेति मन्त्रभूषणा जगज्जयाय जायताम् ॥ १५॥
Transliteration
Pracaṇḍa-vāḍavānala-prabhā-śubha-pracāraṇī
Mahāṣṭa-siddhi-kāminī-janāvahūta-jalpanā ।
Vimukta-vāma-locanā-vivāha-kālika-dhvaniḥ
Śiveti mantra-bhūṣaṇā jagaj-jayāya jāyatām ॥15॥
English Translation
May the sacred sound of “Shiva” bring victory and auspiciousness to the entire world.
Its brilliance spreads like an immense cosmic fire, bestowing blessings upon sincere seekers and granting the highest spiritual attainments. This divine mantra, celebrated even during the sacred marriage of Shiva and Pārvatī, remains an eternal ornament for all devotees.
Verse 16
इमं हि नित्यमेवमुक्तमुत्तमोत्तमं स्तवं
पठन्स्मरन्ब्रुवन्नरो विशुद्धिमेतिसन्ततम् ।
हरे गुरौ सुभक्तिमाशु याति नाऽन्यथा गतिं
विमोहनं हि देहिनां सुशङ्करस्य चिन्तनम् ॥ १६॥
Transliteration
Imaṃ hi nityam evam uktam uttamottamaṃ stavaṃ
Paṭhan smaran bruvan naro viśuddhim eti santatam ।
Hare gurau subhaktim āśu yāti nānyathā gatiṃ
Vimohanaṃ hi dehināṃ Suśaṅkarasya cintanam ॥16॥
English Translation
Whoever regularly recites, remembers, or chants this supreme hymn with devotion gradually becomes purified in both mind and heart.
Such a devotee quickly develops deep devotion toward Lord Shiva and the Guru. Constant contemplation of Shiva removes delusion, dispels ignorance, and guides one toward the highest spiritual realization.
Verse 17 (Phala Śruti)
पूजावसानसमये दशवक्त्रगीतं
यः शम्भुपूजनपरं पठति प्रदोषे ।
तस्य स्थिरां रथगजेन्द्रतुरङ्गयुक्तां
लक्ष्मीं सदैव सुमुखीं प्रददाति शम्भुः ॥ १७॥
Transliteration
Pūjāvasāna-samaye daśavaktra-gītaṃ
Yaḥ Śambhu-pūjana-paraṃ paṭhati pradoṣe ।
Tasya sthirāṃ ratha-gajendra-turaṅga-yuktāṃ
Lakṣmīṃ sadaiva sumukhīṃ pradadāti Śambhuḥ ॥17॥
English Translation
Whoever recites this hymn, composed by the ten-headed Ravana, at the conclusion of Lord Shiva’s worship, especially during the sacred twilight of Pradoṣa, receives the blessings of Lord Shambhu.
Shiva grants such a devotee lasting prosperity, abundance, success, and auspicious fortune. Material well-being and spiritual grace flourish together under His divine protection.
Conclusion
The Shiva Tandava Stotram is far more than a hymn of praise—it is a profound meditation on the limitless nature of Lord Shiva. Through vivid imagery and masterful Sanskrit poetry, Ravana portrays Shiva as the cosmic dancer whose rhythm sustains the entire universe. Every verse reveals another dimension of His divine form, reminding us that creation and destruction, stillness and movement, compassion and power are all expressions of the same supreme consciousness.
Reciting or contemplating the Shiva Tandava Stotram is not merely an act of devotion but an invitation to experience the deeper truths of yoga and spirituality. Its powerful vibrations, symbolic language, and timeless wisdom inspire inner strength, devotion, and self-realization. Whether chanted daily, reflected upon verse by verse, or heard in meditation, this sacred stotram continues to guide seekers toward peace, fearlessness, and union with the eternal Lord Shiva.
