Shiva Tandav - Cosmic Dance of Shiva | Shiva Tandav Stotra (शिव ताण्डव स्तोत्र )

Shiva Tandav is the cosmic dance performed by the Hindu deity Lord Shiva. It is a powerful, energetic, vigorous performance that symbolizes the perpetual cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction in the universe.
Shiva Tandav Stotra was created by Demon King Ravana.

Core Meaning and Symbolism
The Tandav is not a typical dance; it represents the dynamic forces of nature and the "five manifestations of eternal energy":

Srishti: Creation

Sthiti: Preservation

Samhara: Destruction (specifically, "constructive destruction" that clears the path for renewal)

Tirobhava: Illusion (covering the truth)

Anugraha: Grace or emancipation

Major Forms of Tandav
While there are several variations (sometimes listed as seven specific types), the two most prominent forms are:

Ananda Tandava: The "Dance of Bliss," performed with joy and ecstasy. This is famously depicted in the form of Nataraja (Lord of the Dance), where Shiva is seen with one foot raised to signify liberation and the other crushing the demon Apasmara, who represents ignorance and ego.

Rudra Tandava: The fierce or violent form of the dance. It expresses Shiva's intense energy and rage, such as the dance he performed after the sacrifice of his wife, Sati. This form is intended to destroy evil and ignorance.

The Shiva Tandav Stotram
A famous hymn (stotra) dedicated to this dance is the Shiva Tandav Stotram.

Origin: Tradition attributes its authorship to Ravana, the King of Lanka. According to legend, Ravana attempted to lift Mount Kailash (Shiva's home). Shiva pressed the mountain down with his toe, trapping Ravana's arms. In his pain and realization of his own ego, Ravana spontaneously composed and sang these rhythmic, powerful verses to praise Shiva and seek forgiveness.

The Shiva Tandav Stotram is one of the most powerful and rhythmic hymns in Sanskrit literature. It is unique because it combines high-level poetic complexity with an intense, drum-like beat that mimics the actual dance of Lord Shiva.

1. The Origin Story: Ravana’s Humbled Ego
The stotram is traditionally attributed to Ravana, the King of Lanka.

The Conflict: Ravana, known for his immense strength and intellect, once tried to uproot Mount Kailash (Shiva's home) to bring it to Lanka.

Famous First Verse (Transliteration)
Jata tavi galaj jala pravaha pavita sthale Gale avalambya lambitam bhujanga tunga malikam Damad damad damad daman ninada vad damar vayam Chakara chanda tandavam tanotu nah shivah shivam

Translation: "With his neck consecrated by the flow of water that flows from his hair, and on his neck a snake, which is hung like a garland, and the Damaru drum that emits the sound 'Damad Damad'—Lord Shiva performed the fierce Tandava. May He bless us all."

Style: The hymn is known for its intense rhythm, alliteration, and onomatopoeia, which mimic the sound of Shiva’s Damaru (drum).

Imagery: The verses vividly describe Shiva's appearance—his matted hair, the river Ganga flowing from his locks, the crescent moon on his forehead, and the serpents draped around his neck like garlands.

Iconography of the Dancing Shiva
In his Nataraja form, the dance is rich with visual metaphors:

Upper Right Hand: Holds the Damaru, signifying the sound of creation.

Upper Left Hand: Holds Agni (fire), signifying the destruction of the world and the ego.

Lower Right Hand: In Abhaya Mudra, a gesture meaning "do not be afraid."

Raised Foot: Points toward liberation and transcendence from the cycle of birth and death.

The Shiva Tandav Stotram is one of the most powerful and rhythmic hymns in Sanskrit literature.

1. The Origin Story: Ravana’s Humbled Ego
The stotram is traditionally attributed to Ravana, the King of Lanka.

The Conflict: Ravana, known for his immense strength and intellect, once tried to uproot Mount Kailash (Shiva's home) to bring it to Lanka.

The Lesson: To humble him, Shiva simply pressed the mountain down with his big toe, trapping Ravana’s hands underneath.

The Creation: In excruciating pain and realizing his arrogance, Ravana spontaneously composed this hymn to pacify Shiva. It is said he sang it for 1,000 years. Impressed by the music and devotion, Shiva freed him and gave him the name "Ravana" (meaning "he who roars/cries out").

Famous First Verse (Transliteration)
Jata tavi galaj jala pravaha pavita sthale Gale avalambya lambitam bhujanga tunga malikam Damad damad damad daman ninada vad damar vayam Chakara chanda tandavam tanotu nah shivah shivam

Translation: "With his neck consecrated by the flow of water that flows from his hair, and on his neck a snake, which is hung like a garland, and the Damaru drum that emits the sound 'Damad Damad'—Lord Shiva performed the fierce Tandava. May He bless us all."