The Shree Shiva Tandava Strotram is a hymn written and sung by the demon king Ravana to praise Lord Shiva. It is about the cosmic dance of Shiva that destroys all negative energies, which exist in one. The content describes the beauty and powers of Shiva in the minutest detail. He is addressed as the destroyer of death. And it ends with his refrain, “When will I be happy?” The result was that Ravana received blessings and a celestial sword called Chandrahaas, because of the intensity of his prayers and rigid meditations.
A brief summary is the mighty Ganga gushes over Shiva’s matted locks and the snakes which were wrapped around his neck were purified. Shiva danced the Tandava dance on the beat of his celestial drums and this same Lord will ensure the welfare of his disciples. His heart is delighted by Parvati, and even then, he is never distracted. His gaze is encompassingly compassionate and he wears the heavens as his clothes.
He prays to Lord Shiva, who has bees flying all around him. The scent of honey (created by the ever-flowering flowers) emanates from him. Lord Shiva looks upon all with equanimity be they a lump of dust or an emperor. Anyone who recites the 1008 verses is forever purified and obtains devotion in the greatest Guru of all, Shiva.
Shiva Tandava and Mount Kailash
The Shiva Tandava Strotram is composed of 1008 verses, which Ravana sang extempore and he played the drum. It is said that Shiva was so delighted with the verses, that he was immersed in it. In the meanwhile, Ravana started climbing the Mount Kailash. The Mountain had space for just two persons, Parvati managed to bring him out of his rapture. Shiva kicked Ravana off the peak and he slid down on the south face of Kailash, dragging his drum down. His drum created a furrow, which can still be seen.
As always there is a story within a story. Naarad Muni advises Ravan to bring Shiva to his hermitage. Ravan decided to uproot Mount Kailash, and that is why Shiva sent Ravan to Patala (under world). Shiva had used his foot thumb, which caused immense pain to Ravana. Ravana cried out in agony ‘Raav’. His shriek was so loud that the three worlds trembled and then he was given the name Ravana. Ravan was in great pain and for fourteen days, he chanted the name of Shiva, begging for forgiveness. On the fourteenth day, he chanted the Shiva Tandava Strotram. Shiva was appeased and blessed him with many boons.
There are countless benefits to chanting the Shiva Tandava. Please listen to it, dear ones. You will become blessed for all your life.
Aim Hrim Klim