Listening or chanting to the Shiva Tandava Stotra gives one immense powers, beauty and mental strength. It removes all negative energies and makes the environment pure. During dawn and dusk listening to it is very effective. It is said that whatever activity one does during Brahma Muhurta, its impact is manifold more. It reduces the amount of energy consumed and doubles the productivity. During dusk lamps are lit and some families engage in Satsang.

I will give you a translation of the Shiva Tandava. Read it or visualize it verse by verse.

Behold Shiva’s matted hair. Visualize the Ganga flowing down from it. From his blue neck hangs the serpent like a garland. From his demure (percussion instrument), comes the dama, dama, sound filling the air. Shiva performs his passionate Tandava dance; may he bless us all!

As the rows of waves of the sacred Ganga move through his matted hair, it makes one bedazzled by the power of the river. The waves of the river flow into the depths of His locks of hair, A brilliant fire burns on the surface of his head. And the crescent moon is like a jewel on his head. May we find constantly joy in him.

Salutations to Shiva, who is the consort of Parvati, daughter of the Himalayas. In whose mind the universe with all the living beings exists, whose all pervading, compassionate glance removes all hardships, who wears the directions as his apparel. May my mind find bliss in Him.

Salutations to Shiva, who shines radiantly because of the luster of the gem on the reddish-brown hood of the creeping serpent, Kadambha juice red like vermilion, Kumkum is smeared on the faces of the Goddesses of direction. Who wears a cloak of elephant hide, May I find pleasure in that Lord of Bhoots (ghosts meaning the mystical beings guarding Kailasa)

Salutations to Shiva, whose footrest is decorated from flowers, which fall from the heads of the gods-Indra, Vishnu and others. Whose matted locks are bound by the snake garland. Whose head holds the moon, a friend of Chakora (mythical bird that drinks moonlight) as a crown. May Shiva bless us with prosperity.

May Shiva, who devoured the God of love with the fires burning on his brow, who is revered by the celestial leaders Whose forehead is enticing with the gleam of cool rays of the crescent moon, shower his blessings on us, so we obtain the wealth of the Siddhis.

Salutations to Shiva, whose forehead burns with a dhagad-dhagad sound, who offered the five arrows of the God of love to the fire. Who is the only artist capable of tracing decorative lines on the tips of the breasts of Parvati. May we repose in him.

Salutations to Shiva, whose neck is as dark as the layers of dark clouds on the night of the full moon, who is enchanting as he wears the moon and celestial river on his head, who bears the weight of the universe. May he bless us with prosperity.

Salutations to Shiva, whose neck shines with the brightness of fully bloomed blue lotus flowers (that temples use). Which look like the blackness of the universe. Who destroyed Manmatha (God of love), Tripura (three cities), Who destroyed the bonds of worldly life and the Yagnas (sacrifices), Who destroyed his blind son Andhaka, who destroyed the elephant demon (Gajasura), and the God of death (Yama). May he bless us with prosperity.

Salutations to Shiva, who has bees flying around him, Because of his auspicious and sweet scent of the Kadamba.

Salutations to Shiva, who has a fire on his forehead, that is ever increasing because of the breath of the snake wandering in the sky, whose tandava dance is in tune with dhimid-dhimid. Victory to Shiva. Towards different forms of the world, Towards a snake and a garland Towards the most precious gem as well as a lump of dirt and friends and enemies. Towards a blade of grass or a lotus, towards common people or emperors.

Shiva has an equanimous vision.

Where can I worship Sadashiva?

When can I be happy, living in a cave near the celestial rive Ganga, clasping my hands together on my head all the time. Devoted to the lord with a glorious forehead and vibrant eyes. Wash away my impure thoughts with the mantra of Shiva.

Dear ones, who reads, listens or recites is purified forever and is immersed in deep devotion to the great guru Shiva leading one to salvation. There is no other way or refuge. Just the mere thought of Shiva removes delusion and detachment.

This song has been composed by Ravana, and it pleased Shiva so much that he granted Ravan his boon.

Listen to Shiva Tandava, while reading the translation.

Aim Hrim Klim