When Ravana was tired of rampaging across the earth, Ravana returned to Lord Shiva to request Enlightment(moksha), release from the bondage of endless rebirth. Lord Shiva replied that he had granted Ravana the boon of indestructibility. Ravana's poignant cry in the final quatrain of poetry — "When will I be happy?" is echoed by modern man in his quest for earthly fulfillment and ultimate liberation from its bondage.
Ravana's great-grandfather was Brahma (God of Ultimate Knowledge). He had advanced knowledge of mathematics, science and Ayurveda. He was obsessed with his powers and was egoistic, and to display and prove his powers he was about to move Mount Kailash (the abode of Shiva who was his ancestor God). He managed to lift the mountain but Shiva immediately placed it back just by pressing his toe crushing Ravana's fingers in the process. That is when Ravana sings "Tandav Stotra" and he was spared and blessed with chandrahas (moon sword by Lord Shiva) considered one of the most powerful weapons in Hindu Mythology.
OK
जटाटवीगलज्जलप्रवाहपावितस्थले
गलेऽवलम्ब्य लम्बितां भुजङ्गतुङ्गमालिकाम् ।
डमड्डमड्डमड्डमन्निनादवड्डमर्वयं
चकार चण्डताण्डवं तनोतु नः शिवः शिवम् ॥१॥
Jatta[a]-Attavii-Galaj-Jala-Pravaaha-Paavita-Sthale
Gale-[A]valambya Lambitaam Bhujangga-Tungga-Maalikaam |
Ddamadd-Ddamadd-Ddamadd-Ddaman-Ninaadavadd-Ddamar-Vayam
Cakaara Canndda-Taannddavam Tanotu Nah Shivah Shivam ||1||
Meaning:
(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of Blessedness through the Devotees)
1.1: (There dances Shiva His Great Tandava) From His Huge Matted Hair like a Forest, is Pouring out and Flowing down the Sacred Water of the River Ganges, and making the Ground Holy; on that Holy Ground Shiva is dancing His Great Tandava Dance;
1.2: Supporting His Neck and Hanging down are the Lofty Serpents which are Adorning His Neck like Lofty Garlands,
1.3: His Damaru is continuously Weaving out the Sound - Damad, Damad, Damad, Damad - and filling the Air all around,
1.4: Shiva Performed such a Passionate Tandava; O my Lord Shiva, Please Extend the Auspicious Tandava Dance within our beings also.
जटाकटाहसम्भ्रमभ्रमन्निलिम्पनिर्झरी_
विलोलवीचिवल्लरीविराजमानमूर्धनि ।
धगद्धगद्धगज्जलल्ललाटपट्टपावके
किशोरचन्द्रशेखरे रतिः प्रतिक्षणं मम ॥२॥
Jattaa-Kattaaha-Sambhrama-Bhraman-Nilimpa-Nirjharii_
Vilola-Viici-Vallarii-Viraajamaana-Muurdhani |
Dhagad-Dhagad-Dhagaj-Jvalal-Lalaatta-Patttta-Paavake
Kishora-Candra-Shekhare Ratih Pratikssannam Mama ||2||
Meaning:
(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of Blessedness through the Devotees)
2.1: (There dances Shiva His Great Tandava) His Huge Matted Hair like a Caldron is Revolving round and round; andWhirling with it is the Great River Goddess Ganga, ...
2.2: ... and the Strands of His Matted Hair which are like Huge Creepers are Waving like Huge Waves; His Forehead is Brilliantly Effulgent and ...
2.3: ... on the Surface of that Huge Forehead is Burning a Blazing Fire with the sound - Dhagad, Dhagad, Dhagad (referring to His Third Eye), ...
2.4: ... and a Young Crescent Moon is Shining on the Peak (i.e. on His Head); O my Lord Shiva, Your Great Tandava Dance is passing a surge of Delight Every Moment through my being.
धराधरेन्द्रनन्दिनीविलासबन्धुबन्धुर
स्फुरद्दिगन्तसन्ततिप्रमोदमानमानसे ।
कृपाकटाक्षधोरणीनिरुद्धदुर्धरापदि
क्वचिद्दिगम्बरे मनो विनोदमेतु वस्तुनि ॥३॥
Dharaa-Dharendra-Nandinii-Vilaasa-Bandhu-Bandhura
Sphurad-Diganta-Santati-Pramodamaana-Maanase |
Krpaa-Kattaakssa-Dhorannii-Niruddha-Durdhara-[A]apadi
Kvacid-Digambare Mano Vinodametu Vastuni ||3||
Meaning:
(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of Blessedness through the Devotees)
3.1: (There dances Shiva His Great Tandava) And Now He is accompanied by the Beautiful Divine Mother Who is theSupporter of the Earth and the Daughter of the Mountain King; She is ever His Companion in His various Divine Sports,
3.2: The Entire Horizon is Shaking with the force of that Tandava, and the subtle waves of the Tandava is entering the sphere of the Mind and raising waves of Excessive Joy,
3.3: That Shiva, the Flow of whose Graceful Side Glance can Restrain even the Unrestrainable Calamities, and ...
3.4: ... Who is Digambara (clothed with sky signifying He is ever-free and without any desire), Sometimes in His Mind Materializes the wish to Play the Divine Sports (and hence this Great Tandava).
जटाभुजङ्गपिङ्गलस्फुरत्फणामणिप्रभा
कदम्बकुङ्कुमद्रवप्रलिप्तदिग्वधूमुखे ।
मदान्धसिन्धुरस्फुरत्त्वगुत्तरीयमेदुरे
मनो विनोदमद्भुतं बिभर्तु भूतभर्तरि ॥४॥
Jattaa-Bhujangga-Pinggala-Sphurat-Phannaa-Manni-Prabhaa
Kadamba-Kungkuma-Drava-Pralipta-Digvadhuu-Mukhe |
Mada-[A]andha-Sindhura-Sphurat-Tvag-Uttariiya-Medure
Mano Vinodam-Adbhutam Bibhartu Bhuuta-Bhartari ||4||
Meaning:
(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of Blessedness through the Devotees)
4.1: (There dances Shiva His Great Tandava) The Reddish-Brown Serpents on His Matted Hairs are Throbbing with their Hoods Raised; With that Throb the Lustre of the (Red) Pearls on their Raised Hoods are ...
4.2: ... Collectively Smearing the Directions (i.e. the Sky) with the Liquid Saffron; the Sky is appearing like the Huge Face of a Bride (adorned with that Red Saffron),
4.3: His Upper Garment is Flying in the Breeze and Shaking like the Thick Skin of an Intoxicated Elephant,
4.4: My Mind is Experiencing an Extraordinary Thrill in this Divine Sport; it is being Carried away by the Sustainer of All Beings (referring to Shiva).
सहस्रलोचनप्रभृत्यशेषलेखशेखर_
प्रसूनधूलिधोरणी विधूसराङ्घ्रिपीठभूः ।
भुजङ्गराजमालया निबद्धजाटजूटकः
श्रियै चिराय जायतां चकोरबन्धुशेखरः ॥५॥
Sahasra-Locana-Prabhrty-Ashessa-Lekha-Shekhara_
Prasuuna-Dhuuli-Dhorannii Vidhuusara-Angghri-Piittha-Bhuuh |
Bhujangga-Raaja-Maalayaa Nibaddha-Jaatta-Juuttakah
Shriyai Ciraaya Jaayataam Cakora-Bandhu-Shekharah ||5||
Meaning:
(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of Blessedness through the Devotees)
5.1: (There dances Shiva His Great Tandava) Sahasra Locana (literally means Thousand Eyes and refers to Indra Deva) and Others forming an Unending Line of Heads ...
5.2: ... are being Graced by the Incessant Dust Produced by the Dancing Feet, the Feet which has become Dust-Coloured by Dancing on the Great Earth,
5.3: His Matted Hair is Bound by the Garlands of the King of Serpents and ...
5.4: ... the Shining Moon on Top of His Head which is a Friend of the Cakara Birds (because Cakara birds drink moonlight) is radiating the Deep Beauty and Auspiciousness of Sri.
ललाटचत्वरज्वलद्धनञ्जयस्फुलिङ्गभा_
निपीतपञ्चसायकं नमन्निलिम्पनायकम् ।
सुधामयूखलेखया विराजमानशेखरं
महाकपालिसम्पदेशिरोजटालमस्तु नः ॥६॥
Lalaatta-Catvara-Jvalad-Dhanan.jaya-Sphulingga-Bhaa
Nipiita-Pan.ca-Saayakam Naman-Nilimpa-Naayakam |
Sudhaa-Mayuukha-Lekhayaa Viraajamaana-Shekharam
Mahaa-Kapaali-Sampade-Shiro-Jattaalam-Astu Nah ||6||
Meaning:
(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of Blessedness through the Devotees)
6.1: (There dances Shiva His Great Tandava) On the Surface of His Forehead is Burning a Spark of Fire and Spreading its Lustre (referring to His Third Eye),...
6.2: ... the Fire which Absorbed the Five Arrows (of Kama Deva) and made the Chief God of Kama Bow down,
6.3: On the Top of His Head is Shining the Nectar-Rayed-Stroke of the Crescent Moon,
6.4: May we also receive a part of the Wealth of the Great Kapali (i.e. Shiva) which is contained in His Matted Hair.
करालभालपट्टिकाधगद्धगद्धगज्ज्वलद्_
धनञ्जयाहुतीकृतप्रचण्डपञ्चसायके ।
धराधरेन्द्रनन्दिनीकुचाग्रचित्रपत्रक
प्रकल्पनैकशिल्पिनि त्रिलोचने रतिर्मम ॥७॥
Karaala-Bhaala-Pattttikaa-Dhagad-Dhagad-Dhagaj-Jvalad_
Dhanan.jaya-[A]ahutii-Krta-Pracanndda-Pan.ca-Saayake |
Dharaa-Dhare[a-I]ndra-Nandinii-Kucaagra-Citra-Patraka
Prakalpanai-[E]ka-Shilpini Tri-Locane Ratir-Mama ||7||
Meaning:
(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of Blessedness through the Devotees)
7.1: (There dances Shiva His Great Tandava) The Terrible Surface of His Forehead is Burning with the Sound - Dhagad,Dhagad, Dhagad, Dhagad - burning the ...
7.2: ... Terrible Fire which Performed the Sacrifice of the Mighty possessor of the Five Arrows (i.e. Kama Deva),
7.3: The Footsteps of His Great Tandava Dance is Drawing Various Pictures on the Bosom of the Earth (signifying Creation); the Earth which is a part of the Daughter of the Mountain (i.e. Devi Parvati),
7.4: He is the One Artist Who Creates (accompanied by Shakti); My Mind is Extremely Delighted by this Tandava of theThree-Eyed Shiva.
नवीनमेघमण्डली निरुद्धदुर्धरस्फुरत्_
कुहूनिशीथिनीतमः प्रबन्धबद्धकन्धरः ।
निलिम्पनिर्झरीधरस्तनोतु कृत्तिसिन्धुरः
कलानिधानबन्धुरः श्रियं जगद्धुरंधरः ॥८॥
Naviina-Megha-Mannddalii Niruddha-Durdhara-Sphurat_
Kuhuu-Nishiithinii-Tamah Prabandha-Baddha-Kandharah |
Nilimpa-Nirjharii-Dharas-Tanotu Krtti-Sindhurah
Kalaa-Nidhaana-Bandhurah Shriyam Jagad-Dhurandharah ||8||
Meaning:
(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of Blessedness through the Devotees)
8.1: (There dances Shiva His Great Tandava) The Throb of the Great Tandava has Restrained the Unrestrainable Orb of theNew Clouds and ...
8.2: ... has Bound the Darkness of the Night of the New Moon around His Neck,
8.3: O the Bearer of the River Goddess Ganga, O the Wearer of the Elephant Hide, Please Extend the ...
8.4: ...Sri (the Auspiciousness and Great Welfare) associated with this Great Tandava; O the Container of the Curved Digitof the Moon, O the Bearer of the Universe, Please Extend the Sri associated with this Great Tandava.
प्रफुल्लनीलपङ्कजप्रपञ्चकालिमप्रभा_
वलम्बिकण्ठकन्दलीरुचिप्रबद्धकन्धरम् ।
स्मरच्छिदं पुरच्छिदं भवच्छिदं मखच्छिदं
गजच्छिदान्धकच्छिदं तमन्तकच्छिदं भजे ॥९॥
Praphulla-Niila-Pangkaja-Prapan.ca-Kaalima-Prabhaa_
[A]Valambi-Kannttha-Kandalii-Ruci-Prabaddha-Kandharam |
Smarac-Chidam Purac-Chidam Bhavac-Chidam Makhac-Chidam
Gajac-Chida-Andhakac-Chidam Tam-Antakac-Chidam Bhaje ||9||
Meaning:
(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of Blessedness through the Devotees)
9.1: (There dances Shiva His Great Tandava) The Black Lustre of the Universe (referring to the halahala poison drunk by Him during samudra manthana) is appearing like a Blooming Blue Lotus and ...
9.2: ... Resting within His Throat like a Girdle; which He Himself has Restrained by His own Will,
9.3: I Worship the Destroyer of Smara (i.e. Kama Deva), I Worship the Destroyer of Tripurasuras, I Worship the Destroyerof the Delusion of the Worldly Existence, I Worship the Destroyer of the Sacrifice (of Daksha), ...
9.4: ... I Worship the Destroyer of Gajasura, I Worship the Destroyer of Demon Andhaka and I also Worship the Restrainerof Yama; I Worship my Lord Shiva.
अखर्वसर्वमङ्गलाकलाकदम्बमञ्जरी_
रसप्रवाहमाधुरीविजृम्भणामधुव्रतम् ।
स्मरान्तकं पुरान्तकं भवान्तकं मखान्तकं
गजान्तकान्धकान्तकं तमन्तकान्तकं भजे ॥१०॥
Akharva-Sarva-Manggalaa-Kalaa-Kadamba-Man.jarii_
Rasa-Pravaaha-Maadhurii-Vijrmbhannaa-Madhu-Vratam |
Smara-Antakam Pura-Antakam Bhava-Antakam Makha-Antakam
Gaja-Antaka-Andhaka-Antakam Tam-Antaka-Antakam Bhaje ||10||
Meaning:
(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of Blessedness through the Devotees)
10.1: (There dances Shiva His Great Tandava) He is the Non-Diminishing Source of Auspiciousness for the Welfare of All, and the Source of all Arts which He Manifests like a Cluster of Blossoms,
10.2: From His Tandava Dance is Surging forth the Nectar of Sweetness in the form of Arts expressing His Sweet Will,
10.3: I Worship Him Who brought an End to Smara (i.e. Kama Deva), I Worship Him Who brought an End to theTripurasuras, I Worship Him Who brings an End to the Delusion of Worldly Existence, I Worship Him Who brought an End to the Sacrifice (of Daksha), ...
10.4: I Worship Him Who brought an End to Gajasura, I Worship Him Who brought an End to Demon Andhaka, and I also Worship Him Who Restrained Yama; I Worship my Lord Shiva.
जयत्वदभ्रविभ्रमभ्रमद्भुजङ्गमश्वसद्_
विनिर्गमत्क्रमस्फुरत्करालभालहव्यवाट् ।
धिमिद्धिमिद्धिमिध्वनन्मृदङ्गतुङ्गमङ्गल_
ध्वनिक्रमप्रवर्तितप्रचण्डताण्डवः शिवः ॥११॥
Jayat-Vada-Bhra-Vibhrama-Bhramad-Bhujanggama-Shvasad_
Vinirgamat-Krama-Sphurat-Karaala-Bhaala-Havya-Vaatt |
Dhimid-Dhimid-Dhimidhvanan-Mrdangga-Tungga-Manggala_
Dhvani-Krama-Pravartita-Pracanndda-Taannddavah Shivah ||11||
Meaning:
(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of Blessedness through the Devotees)
11.1: (There dances Shiva His Great Tandava) His Eyebrows are Moving To and Fro Expressing His Complete Mastershipover all the Worlds; and His Movements are Rolling the Serpents on His Neck who are Spewing out their Hot Breath (i.e. Hissing terribly),
11.2: The Terrible Third Eye on His Forehead which is like an altar for Oblation is Throbbing in Succession and Emitting Fire,
11.3: The Mridangam is Incessantly Sounding the Auspicious Beats of Dhimid, Dhimid, Dhimid, Dhimid and ...
11.4: ... with that Succession of Beats which are Rolling out, Shiva is Dancing His Passionate Tandava Dance.
दृषद्विचित्रतल्पयोर्भुजङ्गमौक्तिकस्रजोर्_
गरिष्ठरत्नलोष्ठयोः सुहृद्विपक्षपक्षयोः ।
तृणारविन्दचक्षुषोः प्रजामहीमहेन्द्रयोः
समप्रवृत्तिकः कदा सदाशिवं भजाम्यहम् ॥१२॥
Drssad-Vicitra-Talpayor-Bhujangga-Mauktika-Srajor_
Garissttha-Ratna-Losstthayoh Suhrd-Vipakssa-Pakssayoh |
Trnna-Aravinda-Cakssussoh Prajaa-Mahii-Mahendrayoh
Sama-Pravrttikah Kadaa Sadaashivam Bhajaamy-Aham ||12||
Meaning:
(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of Blessedness through the Devotees)
12.1: When will I see the sameness in the Touch between a Variegated Comfortable Bed (and Hard Ground)? When will I see the sameness in Value between the Garland made of Pearls of Serpents which is ...
12.2: ... a Highly Valued Gem (i.e. ornament) and a Lump of Clay? When will I feel the sameness in Relationship between aFriend and an Enemy?
12.3: When will I feel the sameness in Vision between a Grass-like Eye (representing ordinary look) and a Lotus-like Eye (representing beautiful look)? When will I feel the sameness in the soul of an ordinary Subject and the King of the World?
12.4: When will I Worship Sadashiva with the Equality of Vision and Conduct?
कदा निलिम्पनिर्झरीनिकुञ्जकोटरे वसन्
विमुक्तदुर्मतिः सदा शिरःस्थमञ्जलिं वहन् ।
विमुक्तलोललोचनो ललामभाललग्नकः
शिवेति मन्त्रमुच्चरन्कदा सुखी भवाम्यहम् ॥१३॥
Kadaa Nilimpa-Nirjharii-Nikun.ja-Kottare Vasan
Vimukta-Durmatih Sadaa Shirahstham-An.jalim Vahan |
Vimukta-Lola-Locano Lalaama-Bhaala-Lagnakah
Shiveti Mantram-Uccaran-Kadaa Sukhii Bhavaamy-Aham ||13||
(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of Blessedness through the Devotees)
13.1: When will I Dwell in a Cave within the Dense Woods by the side of the River Goddess Ganga and ...
13.2: ... being Free Forever from Sinful Mental Dispositions Worship Shiva Keeping my Hands on the Forehead?
13.3: When will I be Free from the Rolling of the Eyes (signifying lustful tendencies) and Worship Shiva applying the SacredMark on the Forehead?
13.4: When will I be Happy Uttering the Mantras of Shiva?
इमं हि नित्यमेवमुक्तमुत्तमोत्तमं स्तवं
पठन्स्मरन्ब्रुवन्नरो विशुद्धिमेतिसंततम् ।
हरे गुरौ सुभक्तिमाशु याति नान्यथा गतिं
विमोहनं हि देहिनां सुशङ्करस्य चिन्तनम् ॥१४॥
Imam Hi Nityam-Evam-Uktam-Uttamottamam Stavam
Patthan-Smaran-Bruvan-Naro Vishuddhime[-I]ti-Santatam |
Hare Gurau Subhaktim-Aashu Yaati Na-Anyathaa Gatim
Vimohanam Hi Dehinaam Su-Shangkarasya Cintanam ||14||
(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of Blessedness through the Devotees)
14.1: This Greatest of the Great Stava (Hymn) has been Uttered; those who Regularly ...
14.2: ... Recite it and Contemplate on Shiva with Purity of Mind and in an Uninterrupted manner and ...
14.3: ... with Great Devotion in Hara, the Guru, will Quickly Advance towards Him; there is No other Way or Refuge,
14.4: The Delusion of that Person will be Destroyed by Deep Contemplation (Meditation) on Shankara.
पूजावसानसमये दशवक्त्रगीतं यः
शम्भुपूजनपरं पठति प्रदोषे ।
तस्य स्थिरां रथगजेन्द्रतुरङ्गयुक्तां
लक्ष्मीं सदैव सुमुखीं प्रददाति शम्भुः ॥१५॥
Puuja-Avasaana-Samaye Dasha-Vaktra-Giitam Yah
Shambhu-Puujana-Param Patthati Pradosse |
Tasya Sthiraam Ratha-Gaje[a-I]ndra-Turangga-Yuktaam
Lakssmiim Sadaiva Su-Mukhiim Pradadaati Shambhuh ||15||
(My Prostrations to Lord Shiva, the description of whose great Tandava Dance sends a thrill of Blessedness through the Devotees)
15.1: During the Time of Completion of the Puja, those who Recite this Song of the Ten-Headed Ravana, ...
15.2: ... Recite this after Completing the Puja of Shambhu in the Evening,...
15.3: ... To him who is Steadfast in this Worship; will come Chariots Yoked with King of Elephants and Horses (signifying Prosperity) ...
15.4: ... and Devi Lakshmi will Always show Her Graceful Face to him; Sri Shambhu will Bestow this Boon.
इति श्रीरावण - कृतम् शिव - ताण्दव स्तोत्रम् सम्पूर्णम्
Thus Ends the Shiva-Tandava Stotram Composed by Ravana
