Few hymns are as electric as the Shiv Tandav Stotram. Its tight, drumming Sanskrit rushes forward like the dance it describes — Shiva’s Tandava, with the Ganga leaping through his matted locks and the damaru thundering in his hand. It is loved as much for its sound as for its devotion.
This guide tells the story behind the stotram, unfolds its meaning and significance, and explains how and when to recite it, especially through Sawan. We quote only the famous opening verse here; the complete verified stotram will follow on a dedicated page.
What the Shiv Tandav Stotram is
A hymn to Shiva’s cosmic dance
The Shiv Tandav Stotram is a powerful Sanskrit hymn describing Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance, the Tandava. Its verses are dense with image and rhythm — the matted locks washed by the flowing Ganga, the serpents coiled at his throat, the ash and the crescent moon, the beat of the damaru. Longer and more intricate than the Shiv Chalisa, it is prized as one of the most magnificent hymns in the Shiva tradition, a piece of devotion that is also a feat of Sanskrit metre.
The story of Ravana
How the stotram came to be composed
Tradition attributes the stotram to Ravana, the mighty king of Lanka and, for all his later pride, a great devotee of Shiva. The story tells that Ravana, in his arrogance, tried to lift Mount Kailash, Shiva’s abode. Shiva pressed the mountain down with a toe, trapping Ravana’s arms beneath it. In pain and repentance, Ravana sang this hymn in Shiva’s praise; moved by its beauty and devotion, Shiva relented and forgave him. This is why it is remembered as Ravana’s stotram.
The famous opening verse
“Jataatavee-galaj-jala…”
जटाटवीगलज्जलप्रवाहपावितस्थले गलेऽवलम्ब्य लम्बितां भुजङ्गतुङ्गमालिकाम्। डमड्डमड्डमड्डमन्निनादवड्डमर्वयं चकार चण्डताण्डवं तनोतु नः शिवः शिवम्॥
Meaning
From the dense forest of his matted locks the sacred Ganga flows and hallows the ground; upon his neck hangs a lofty garland of serpents; and to the thundering beat of the damaru — damad damad — Shiva performs the fierce Tandava dance. May that Shiva grant us all that is auspicious.
Note
This is the famous opening verse. Only this first verse is given here; the complete stotram is not reproduced.
Significance and benefits
What devotees seek from the recitation
Devotees recite the Shiv Tandav Stotram to invoke Shiva’s grace, strength and protection, and to gather and energise the mind. Its driving rhythm is felt to build focus and inner force, and many turn to it to steady themselves in the face of fear or difficulty. As with all such recitation, its deepest benefit lies in the concentration and devotion it awakens, not in any guaranteed material result.
How and when to recite it
Learning it, and the times of Sawan
Because it is written in a fast, tightly rhymed Sanskrit metre, the stotram is harder to recite than simpler hymns — so learn it slowly, one verse at a time, following a verified text or recording until the pronunciation and rhythm settle. Accuracy of the Sanskrit matters, and a reliable source is the safest teacher. The Mondays of Sawan, Pradosh evenings and Maha Shivratri are the most auspicious times, as is any Monday; many recite it after the abhishek, in the early morning or at the evening lamp. Through Sawan it is a cherished addition to Shiva’s worship.
Recite through the Mondays of Sawan
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Frequently asked questions
Reciting the Shiv Tandav Stotram